WHILE Fiji competes at the Pacific Nations Cup in June, neighbours Samoa will line up against South Africa, Scotland and Italy.
The four teams which are in the same pool at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England, will face-off in South Africa.
The International Rugby Board announced the news to recognise Samoa's gallant performances in recent Test matches.
Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer Manasa Baravilala said Samoa was rewarded for their hard work.
He said Samoa did not withdraw from the PNC rugby, however, they were appropriately rewarded.
"No, Samoa is not pulling out of the PNC rugby. On the contrary, Samoa has been rewarded for their consistent good performance. Manu Samoa did well at RWC 2011 and on the recent Autumn Tour. Their hard work and achievement has been recognised by IRB and appropriately rewarded," he said.
Samoa is currently ranked seventh in the latest IRB ranking while Fiji and Tonga are ranked 13th and 11th respectively.
Samoa is the only Pacific island team to have won the PNC.
Samoa faces Scotland in its fist match on June 8 at Mbombela Stadium while their second game against Italy is on June 15 at Kings Park.
Baravilala said Fiji needed to be at its best in order to beat its counterparts in the PNC competition. Newcomers Canada and the US will be the teams to beat along with Japan and Tonga. Fiji has not won the PNC rugby competition since its inception in 2006.
"Despite Samoa participating in a high-powered tournament in South Africa, we have Japan, Tonga, USA and Canada in the PNC Competition.
"These teams are worthy adversaries and the Flying Fijians will have to be committed and play their best to beat them," he added.