Unlike previous competitions, the tournament was divided into two conferences of three teams each, with no interconference matches.

When a team was not in action in either conference, they played host to a touring Tier 1 nation from Europe.

In Round 3, Japan hosted Italy and Tonga played a Pacific Barbarians side.

[14] On 19 June, Nathan Hirayama and Kyle Gilmour were added to the squad as further cover for their respective positions.

[15] On 31 May, it was announced that Vereniki Goneva and Levani Botia were withdrawn from the squad due to injury.

[16] Ahead of the final Round 3 match against Samoa, McKee added former footballer Isoa Donaldson to the squad to increase depth in the Fly Half position.