Pacific Four Series: The contenders to derail England’s home World Cup bid

In 2022, Australia and New Zealand joined the United States and Canada to form a four-team competition that would serve as a qualifier for the newly-formed WXV.

The tournament, which ran without Australia and the Black Ferns in 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic, was first won by Canada, before New Zealand picked up the trophy in their debut season.

However, Canada produced an impressive 22-19 win over the world champions in Christchurch to win their second title last year and offer up a timely statement before WXV1.

Before playing England in a home WXV1 title decider in October, lock Tyson Beukeboom said Canada’s goal was to “win the World Cup next year”.

Errors proved costly as Canada, who are ranked second in the world despite being an amateur outfit, missed out on the opportunity to defeat the World Cup hosts, losing 21-12, but their performance added a serious contender to the mix.

In March, Rugby Canada announced they were 30% of the way through a fundraising campaign to “win the Rugby World Cup 2025” in England, with the goal to raise $1m (£775,000).

If Canada and New Zealand win their World Cup pools and quarter-finals, they will face off in Bristol in the final four.

Victory for Canada would then potentially set up a re-run of the 2014 World Cup final with England, which England won 21-9.

Given Canada or the Black Ferns will likely make the final, Mitchell may fancy a trip to his native New Zealand to watch on when they play on 17 May in Christchurch.