The Pacific Nations Cup was funded as an International Rugby Board (IRB) tournament as as part of the $US50 million, three-year, global strategic investment programmes that was launched in August 2005. The competition was aimed at developing the Pacific rim sides in the second tier of the rugby nations; Fiji, Japan, Samoa and Tonga. The Junior All Blacks were also invited to compete, who are New Zealand's second XV.

"The IRB Pacific 5 Nations is a tournament that will provide more certainty for Fiji, Japan, Samoa and Tonga in terms of regular high level Test match rugby, while also providing a high level of competition for the Junior All Blacks," said Mark Egan, the IRB's Head of Rugby Services.  

Australia were also invited to take part but decided against sending a team stating that they wanted to focus on their domestic competition. The inaugural tournament kicked-off June 3, 2006 and were played in a round-robin format, with some games being held in Australia. With the Junior All Blacks proclaimed the winner after their 38-8 defeat of Japan June 24, 2006.

The inaugural tournament was a great success in providing a platform for Pacific nations and Japan in gaining valuable exposure. In October 2006 it was announced that Australia A had been officially confirmed as joining an expanded competition for the 2007 season.

The inclusion of Australia A means that the tier 2 nations will have an even greater number of matches in the build up to France 2007. For Australia, it provides an important stepping stone for Wallaby selection. 

In 2008, the New Zealand Māori team will replace the Junior All Blacks in the competition, following a decision by the New Zealand Rugby Union that the New Zealand Māori need to play more matches at home and that, for reasons of "player welfare", the Junior All Blacks will not be assembled in 2008.  

(IRB LINK)