Fiji Warriors have been declared Pacific Rugby Cup champions for the fifth year running after the IRB decided to cancel the Pacific leg of the tournament.
Fiji Warriors finished the Australia and New Zealand legs of the competition on 14 points, four clear of Samoa A.
The IRB says the decision to cancel the final leg in October was made to enable Fiji, Samoa and Tonga to maximise preparations for the upcoming November Test programme.
IRB Regional General Manager William Glenwright says the IRB and the participating Unions remain committed to the Pacific Rugby Cup concept and the decision was made following a detailed high performance review.
He says all parties agree that IRB funding would be better directed at optimising preparations for the November International window, which is often a financial challenge to Pacific Unions.
