In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Lakapi Samoa appoints Fuimaono Bella Milo as new Manusina head coach
2. RUGBY LEAGUE — Social impact programmes continue to expand across the Pacific
3. RUGBY — Fijian debut in play after Force’s Lomax anti-climax
4. FOOTBALL — Solomon Islands Government commits SBD$4 million to ‘Solomon Kings’ Football Project
5. ATHLETES — Marshall Islands strengthens safeguarding in sport
6. FOOTBALL — Injury setback rocks Kulas ahead of World Cup qualifier semi-final
7. ATHLETES — Cook Islands organisations secure historic ‘Play for Equity’ grants
8. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘Completely different side’: Saifiti embracing new direction at Knights
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — Laulilii, Fale, Pompey face bans; Koroisau, Russell charged
10. RUGBY — World Rugby celebrates the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace
SAMOA – RUGBY: LAKAPI SAMOA PACNEWS: Tue 07 Apr 2026
Lakapi Samoa appoints Fuimaono Bella Milo as new Manusina head coach
APIA, 07 APRIL 2026 (LAKAPI SAMOA) —Lakapi Samoa has announced the appointment of Fuimaono Bella Milo as Head Coach of the Manusina national team.
A New Zealand–born Samoan with heritage from the villages of Solosolo and Salani, Fuimaono brings a wealth of international playing and coaching experience to the role. She is currently based in Hong Kong, where she serves as Women’s Club Coaching Officer for Valley RFC.
Fuimaono enjoyed an outstanding 18-year international career representing Manusina in both sevens and fifteens. She made her debut at just 19 years old and went on to represent Samoa at the Rugby World Cups in 2006 and 2014.
Her transition into coaching began while still playing, taking on roles at Premiership level in Hong Kong alongside national-level appointments. She was a member of the Hong Kong Women’s National Team staff during their historic first Women’s Rugby World Cup appearance in 2017, where she served as Strength and Conditioning Coach and Backs Coach.
Following her retirement from international rugby, Fuimaono continued to build her coaching portfolio, joining the World Rugby Internship Programme with Manusina in 2024. She was later part of the Manusina coaching team at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, serving as Defence Coach a role she carried out while six months pregnant, reflecting her commitment and resilience.
Fuimaono’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Manusina, as Lakapi Samoa continues to strengthen its pathways and performance structures within the women’s game.
She is deeply committed to giving back to the sport that shaped her, with a strong focus on developing opportunities and sustainable pathways for women’s rugby.
Lakapi Samoa CEO, Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun: “Fuimaono brings a strong blend of international playing experience and proven coaching capability. Her deep understanding of the Manusina environment, combined with her commitment to advancing women’s rugby, will be critical as we prepare for our upcoming campaigns.
This also marks a significant moment for Lakapi Samoa, as we appoint one of Samoa’s daughters to lead our Manusina programme. It is a proud step forward for the game, and we are confident her leadership will drive the team to greater heights.”
Manusina head coach Fuimanono Bella Milo: said: “It is a privilege to give back to Manusina in this capacity. This team has played a significant role in my life, and I am committed to helping grow the game and creating opportunities for our players to succeed on and off the field.”
Lakapi Samoa looks forward to the leadership and direction Fuimaono will bring as the Manusina programme continues its journey on the international stage…. PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS: Tue 07 Apr 2026
Social impact programmes continue to expand across the Pacific
SYDNEY, 07 APRIL 2026 (NRL)—The NRL continues to expand social impact programs across the Pacific in another sign of the power of rugby league to facilitate positive change.
The organisation is marking more than a decade of community engagement in the Pacific to celebrate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on 06 April.
The impact has been felt throughout Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga with programs delivering education, leadership development, community safety and participation opportunities.
Social impact programmes include the Voice Against Violence, League for Life and gender equality initiatives.
Collectively, these long-standing programmes and partnerships reinforce the NRL’s commitment to building safer, stronger and more connected Pacific communities.
After more than 10 years of continuous delivery, rugby league remains a powerful platform for education, inclusion, talent development and long-lasting social impact.
Voice Against Violence
The Voice Against Violence program has become a key pillar of the NRL’s work across the Pacific and uses the language of rugby league to shine a spotlight on gender-based violence.
The program challenges the causes of gender-based violence, promotes respectful relationships and equips participants with practical tools to build safer and more inclusive environments.
Close engagement with educators, community leaders and local rugby league clubs ensures cultural alignment and sustained impact.
The Voice Against Violence programme reaches more than 3000 participants each year through schools, clubs and community groups and is one of the NRL’s most influential community platforms.
League for Life
Through curriculum aligned lessons centred on rugby league, students develop key life skills including teamwork, leadership, resilience, respect and healthy lifestyle habits.
After more than 10 years of activity, demand for League for Life continues to grow. The programme reaches nearly 25,000 students each year, demonstrating its ongoing value to schools, teachers and youth development agencies across the Pacific.
Gender Equality and Inclusion Across the Pacific
Gender equality and inclusion are at the heart of all of the NRL’s programmes across the Pacific. Locally-led programs have been shaped by the voices and leadership of Pacific communities.
Local staff have been trained as Equal Access Advocates, ensuring that every workshop, competition and community engagement is delivered through an inclusive, culturally grounded lens. All supported competitions feature dedicated girls’ divisions, guaranteeing equitable participation pathways from grassroots to high performance environments.
Through the NRL’s partnership with DFAT under the Pacific AusSport programme, the organisation has continued to champion opportunities for women and girls.
The RISE Development Programmes in Fiji and PNG created high performance pathways for emerging female players, with selected athletes travelling to Australia to attend the National Women’s Combine and showcase their talent to NRLW recruitment staff.
The combine marked an important milestone demonstrating the growing depth and visibility of women’s rugby league talent in the region…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS: Tue 07 Apr 2026
Fijian debut in play after Force’s Lomax anti-climax
PERTH, 07 APRIL 2026 (AAP)–Zac Lomax’s latest setback has paved the way for a “hell of an introduction” in Fiji for the injury-hit Western Force.
The NRL convert was set to make his professional rugby debut against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Saturday, barely a month after his attempt to suit up for the Melbourne Storm was shot down following court proceedings.
Force coach Simon Cron made the call on Thursday night after the Kangaroos and NSW State of Origin winger had only hit “80 per cent” maximum speed at training.
“Sorry about that,” Cron said of the Lomax anti-climax after his side’s season-reviving 42-19 bonus-point upset win over the Reds.
“Maybe a little strain … because he’s a power athlete. If we put him away down an edge, he’s going to sprint and it’s too high of a risk (so) I pulled him.”
Lomax walked from his lucrative Parramatta Eels contract with the intention of joining R360, only for the rebel league to delay its first season.
His subsequent bid to join the Melbourne Storm ended in an out-of-court settlement ahead of a potential NSW Supreme Court hearing last month before he signed with Rugby Australia on a two-year deal.
The Force will remain in Brisbane before flying to Fiji to play the Drua in Lautoka on Saturday.
Cron may not have a choice but to select Lomax, given that both starting wingers Dylan Pietsch (foot) and Darby Lancaster (ankle) failed to finish.
“It’s still in play,” Cron said of Lomax’s potential debut on one of the competition’s toughest trips.
“It’d be a hell of an introduction for him. The Drua … big powerful, strong. So is he, but it’d be a baptism.”
With Lomax watching on, the Force put aside a frustrating month of near misses, moving to 2-5 in a season that’s already featured four losses by 10 points or less.
It was their first win in Brisbane since 2017, their second win from their last 13 games and their third from their last 25 away games.
And it came without Wallabies Jeremy Williams and Carlo Tizzano, while prop Tom Robertson was concussed in the 13th minute.
“It just keeps that fire going inside us,” stand-in captain Nick Champion de Crespigny said.
“We’ve got that belief where we want to go.”
It was the Reds’ second-straight loss – after a four-game winning streak – ahead of a tough stretch of games against the Crusaders, Blues, Brumbies and Chiefs.
“We’ll come back in Monday and have a look at … what we need to get back to,” Captain Fraser McReight said.
“We’ve got some tough games coming up.
“There’s no lack of faith whatsoever; the squad is in a good spot and I feel we just need to restart that engine.,” he said……PACNEWS
SOL – FOOTBALL: INDEPTH SOLOMONS PACNEWS: Tue 07 Apr 2026
Solomon Islands Government commits SBD$4 million to ‘Solomon Kings’ Football Project
HONIARA, 07 APRIL 2026 (INDEPTH SOLOMONS) —Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has announced his administration’s commitment to national stability through the lens of sport, announcing a SBD$4 million (approx USD $470,000) funding package for Solomon Kings FC.
The investment is being framed as a core component of the “Government for National Unity and Transformation” (GNUT) policy pillars.
The Solomon Kings FC is currently the flagship representatives of the country in the inaugural OFC Pro-League, a professional regional competition designed to elevate the standard of Pacific football.
The timing of the announcement is noteworthy.
The Manele administration currently navigates a complex “minority government” situation and faces a looming Motion of No Confidence. Thus, thus he emphasis on “stability and unity” through sports is seen by analysts as an effort to maintain a positive national narrative.
“This support reflects our commitment to one of the GNUT policy pillars—stability and unity,” Prime Minister Manele stated.
“I was pleased to watch both of their games here in Honiara, and I encourage our people to continue supporting them wherever they play.”
Speaking during the second match between Solomon Kings FC and South Melbourne FC, Mr Manele said he’s so excited about the turn out of the crown.
“This shows that unity that the country is experiencing, and the power of football to unite the country. I really thanked the crowd for coming out in big numbers,” he said.
He also calls on all Solomon Islanders, both near and far to always support Solomon Kings FC in the OFC Pro League.
This investment signals the Solomon Islands’ ambition to become a footballing powerhouse.
With the team also forming the backbone of the national squad recently sent to the FIFA Series in Jakarta, the SBD$4 million approx (USD $470,000) represents a significant state bet on the “soft power” of sports to build both domestic cohesion and international prestige……PACNEWS
MARSH – ATHLETES: INSIDE THE GAMES PACNEWS: Tue 07 Apr 2026
Marshall Islands strengthens safeguarding in sport
MAJURO, 07 APRIL 2026 (INSIDE THE GAMES) —The Central Pacific nation held a three-day workshop in March focused on creating a safer environment for athletes, reinforcing systems to prevent harm and supporting national federations.
Training was led by Roshika Deo, a Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion and Safeguarding advisor from the Australian government’s Team Up programme and attracted athletes and members of sports administration on the island. Paddler Tatiana Shoniber said the workshop was highly relevant to her role as both an athlete and a leader, providing practical guidance on safeguarding in sport.
“It helped me better understand the responsibility I have in creating a safe and respectful environment. It also helped me understand what appropriate coach behaviour and safe communication with athletes look like, and how to respond if a child raises a concern,” the team captain told Team Up. She revealed that she had been appointed as the Athlete Commission representative for paddling, and the training provided helped her have “a clearer direction on how to work with the board to implement the safeguarding component”.
“Some of the things we will be doing is establishing a clear reporting pathway for concerns and ensuring we always have proper supervision during youth paddling activities. This workshop helped me understand the importance of having a dedicated safeguarding officer,” she added.
The safeguarding workshop aimed to help national sporting bodies, organisations and athletes better understand what safeguarding means in sport, recognise poor practices and identify issues such as abuse, violence and neglect. Participants also reviewed the nation’s Olympic governing body’s Safeguarding Policy and took part in practical scenarios to better prepare them to receive and manage safeguarding concerns.
“It also created a valuable platform for collaboration among sports organisations, marking a meaningful step toward aligning with the principles of the wider Olympic Movement. Through this initiative, we are strengthening a culture of care, accountability and protection across all levels of sport in the Marshall Islands,” said MINOC Executive Board Vice President Safeguarding, Damien W. Jacklick.
Workshop leader Deo noted the strong engagement and commitment shown by participants. “During the workshop discussions, the participants highlighted different challenges in implementing safeguarding procedures, especially for smaller island nations. We worked on different case scenarios to find solutions which were aligned with the cultural context and safeguarding best practices. It was good to be in the same space and to have these discussions in person. One of the activities carried out by the national federations present was to develop their own safeguarding action plans, and we look forward to seeing the safeguarding actions being implemented,” she said.
This seminar reflects a shared commitment by regional and international partners to support safer, more inclusive sport across the Pacific. National Olympic Committees in Tuvalu, Tonga and Nauru have also been supported through the partnership….PACNEWS
FIJI – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS: Tue 07 Apr 2026
Injury setback rocks Kulas ahead of World Cup qualifier semi-final
SUVA, 07 APRIL 2026 (OFC)—The Fiji Women’s football team has suffered big blow ahead of their FIFA Women’s World Cup Oceania Qualifiers semi-final against New Zealand with two key midfielders being ruled due to injuries.
They are U.S-based duo Trina Davis and Cema Nasau who are out of the April 12 semi-final clash at the FMG Waikato Stadium in Dunedin.
The pair played crucial roles in Fiji’s journey to the semi-finals, anchoring the midfield with experience and composure.
Head coach Nikola Demaine told Fiji FA Media, losing two key players was unfortunate but still believes the team has the depth to cope.
“It’s tough to lose players like Trina and Cema at this stage as they been important for us throughout the tournament,” Demaine said.
Labasa midfielders Shayal Sindhika and Unaisi Tuberi have been called up as replacements, giving the national side a fresh boost ahead of the knockout clash.
“However, we trust the players coming in. Shayal and Unaisi have earned their opportunity. We believe they can step up when it matters,” she added.
The national women’s side dubbed Fiji Kulas is currently camping in Suva where they are fine-tuning their game before departing for New Zealand next week.
Demaine said the focus remain firmly on the task ahead.
“We know the challenge New Zealand will bring but our preparations have been good. The players are committed and ready to give their best.”
Fiji will be aiming to overcome the odds and secure a historic place in the final despite the set-back.
Fiji Kulas squad: Goalkeepers: Emily Esposito, Mereseini Waqali, Ka’iulani Scott (will join the team in NZ); Defenders: Filomena Racea, Vilomena Fesaitu, Naomi Waqanidrola, Aliza Hussein, Sonia Alfredo, Asela Cokanasiga, Unaisi Tuberi;
Midfielders: Litia Bakaniceva, Jotivini Tabua, Evivi Buka, Shayal Sindhika, Sereana Naweni; Forwards: Koleta Likuculacula, Adi Mateni, Elesi Tabunase, Narieta Leba, Maria Veronika, Sofi Diyalowai….PACNEWS
COOKS – ATHLETES: COOK ISLANDS NEWS PACNEWS: Tue 07 Apr 2026
Cook Islands organisations secure historic ‘Play for Equity’ grants
RAROTONGA, 07 APRIL 2026 (COOK ISLANDS NEWS) —Two local non-government organisations, Kōrero o te Ōrau and Autism Cook Islands (ACI), have been selected as successful applicants for the Play for Equity grant initiative, a first-time fund received by applicants of the Cook Islands.
This programme is funded by the Australian Government’s Team Up programme and the International Olympic Committee’s Olympism 365 strategy.
The grant leverages sport as a vehicle for empowerment to promote equality, inclusion and wellbeing for individuals of all abilities, genders and backgrounds.
Australian high commissioner to the Cook Islands, Susannah Hodson, noted that of approximately 120 applications received across the Pacific, 24 were successful, including these two organisations from the Cook Islands.
“The partnership with Autism Cook Islands will help our autism community access more opportunities through sport, building on their great success representing Cook Islands at the Virtus Athletics Championships in Queensland last year,” Hodson said.
“The project with Kōrero o te `Ōrau will help deliver volleyball courts for Pukapuka – a project supported by Minister Tingika Elikana and the Pukapukan community. We know sports are hugely important in Pukapuka and we’re so pleased to be helping with this great project.”
Jackie Rongo of Kōrero o te `Ōrau has expressed sincere gratitude for the approval of their application.
Rongo noted that this grant will provide significant support for the development of volleyball courts and sports programmes in Pukapuka.
She shared Kōrero o te Ōrau secured a AUD$15,000 (NZ$18,069.06) Play for Equity grant for a volleyball project in Pukapuka.
The project focuses on providing equipment, opportunities for the youth and the community and the repairment of four, currently in-disrepair volleyball courts on the island to uplift youth and enhance existing community activities.
Elikana, who is the Member of Parliament for Pukapuka and Nassau, shared, “I am grateful to the assistance provided by both the Australian High Commission and the Korero o te Ōrau in the procurement of these much-needed volleyball equipment. This will enable the development of the sport of volleyball on Pukapuka and more usage of the Pukapuka Cyclone Centre.”
“This is the result of a collaboration between three entities, Pukapuka Island Administration, Korero o te Ōrau and the Australian High Commission. I know that there will be further collaboration’s as we look forward to provide similar assistance to the island of Nassau as well.”
Elikana extended his deepest gratitude to the Australian High Commissioner for the support and interest in this collaboration.
Following a trip from Pukapuka, Rongo was inspired by the passion of volleyball on the island.
“Kids from young all the way to the older generators, the aunties and mamas are playing volleyball from like 7pm till midnight,” Rongo said. “And they’re so keen to learn. They’re so talented. They just lacked some resources in terms of balls and gear. So, I’m really grateful that we were able to bring some up initially.”
For Autism Cook Islands, the AUD$15,000 fund will go towards creating purposeful pathways through sports for its students, the goal is to work with sporting codes to run more sports programmes.
ACI programmes manager, Kat Jensen shared that this year, ACI will aim to implement pickleball and football sessions in the organisation’s sports programme.
“Sports gives them a sense of belonging and achievement,” Jensen said. “We have already had three of our students represent their country at international level, we want more of our kids to have that opportunity and this grant will help make that happen.”
Hodson shared, “We’re thrilled to be supporting two outstanding Cook Islands organisations – Kōrero o te `Ōrau and Autism Cook Islands – through our Play for Equity Grants.”
“Through these partnerships, we hope sport will help bring communities together and foster inclusion and opportunity for everyone,” she said.
“We know sport can be incredibly important – not just for physical health, but for building confidence, connection and a sense of belonging within our communities. That’s why we’re investing in community-led sports partnerships,” Said Hodson …. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS: Tue 07 Apr 2026
‘Completely different side’: Saifiti embracing new direction at Knights
SYDNEY, 07 APRIL 2026 (NRL)—The whispers and words spoken outside Newcastle’s inner circle suggest the Knights are not expected to win without talismanic captain Kalyn Ponga and star recruit Dylan Brown.
Jacob Saifiti has not been listening.
He is too busy leading.
And on Sunday, the former NSW front-rower led the Knights to a comprehensive 32-12 victory over 2025 minor premiers Canberra in front of a sell-out crowd of 23,002 at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Stretching back 304 days to a 26-22 extra-time victory over Manly on June 5 last year, the Knights ended a seven-game losing streak on home soil to move to second spot behind unbeaten leaders Penrith.
Backing up his brutal performance in Newcastle’s 24-16 win against Canterbury at Homebush eight days earlier, Saifiti ran 19 times for 174 metres against the Raiders and made 31 tackles in a dominant 65 minutes in the middle.
Without Ponga and Brown, Newcastle have now beaten two of the top four teams from last season in consecutive weeks, and Holbrook believes the leadership of senior players like Saifiti, Tyson Frizell and Dane Gagai have helped make that possible.
“Jacob had a great pre-season, he really bought into the change to the pace of the game, and he’s handling it, and he’s dominating it,” Holbrook told NRL.com. “He’s really leading our side by example, and the boys are following him.”
Saifiti has endured more than his share of struggles in his past 10 seasons in Newcastle, including wooden spoons in his first two NRL campaigns (2016-17) and another last year, but has embraced the changes Holbrook has made since taking the reins last November.
“We’re a completely different side. Our head coach and our assistant coaches are all new, we’ve got new performance staff, and obviously some new players,” Saifiti told NRL.com.
“Our biggest strengths this year are how connected we are as a group and the belief we have in the systems that Justin’s put in place.
“The buy-in from the players and the club has been unreal, and we’re reaping the rewards now. It’s still a long season, it’s only round five, but there’s some good signs there.”
Brown is expected back from a knee injury in two weeks and Ponga (hamstring) is on track to follow two weeks later.
Winning without them has helped build morale, Saifiti said, but he warned the Knights could not afford to drop their intensity when their star team-mates return.
“It’s massive for our confidence. When they come back, obviously they’re not going to make our team worse, they’re going to make us better,” Saifiti said.
“But what happens is, you get those players back, the shoulders relax and you think you don’t have to work as hard doing your job. So when they come back, we have to maintain that hunger and desire, then who knows what can happen this year.”
Frizell, who also acknowledged the efforts of emerging team leaders like Phoenix Crossland and Mat Croker, said the Knights had “simplified our game and played to our strengths”.
“Everyone’s chipping in right across the board, and some of our leaders that are still in the side are playing well,” Frizell said.
“Players like Jacob, ‘Crokes’ is doing a great job through the middle there, Phoenix is playing busted, and ‘Gags’ was unreal today out on the edge.
“Collectively, as a group, we’re all chipping in, and it’s not just one single person that’s leading the way. Everyone’s doing their job and it’s making things a lot easier.”
Saifiti said the Knights were more disciplined than the Raiders, which went a long way towards them posting their fourth win from five starts this season.
He praised the selflessness of fellow leaders, such as Frizell, for helping him take advantage of a productive pre-season and making a solid start to his 11th NRL season in Newcastle.
“‘Friz’ has been enormous for us off the bench,” Saifiti said. “Someone like him probably should be starting, but he said to ‘Coach’ in round one, I’ll happily come off the bench, which says a lot about him.
“Gags is 35 this year and you saw what he did tonight, then you’ve got emerging leaders like Bradman, Crokes, Phoenix, Dylan Lucas, all stepping up and doing their job, and that makes my job as a leader so much easier.
“I’m happy with my start to the year, and I’m building off last year. I missed a lot of footy, and as a club we didn’t go too well, but I thought the games I did play in, I was pretty strong, then I had a big pre-season and carried that into this season,” he said …PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS: Tue 07 Apr 2026
Laulilii, Fale, Pompey face bans; Koroisau, Russell charged
SYDNEY, 07 APRIL 2026 (NRL)—Wests Tigers winger Luke Laulilii faces suspension after being charged over the mid-air tackle that resulted in Eels opposite Bailey Simonsson suffering a dislocated ankle in the epic Easter Monday clash at CommBank Stadium.
Laulilii was sinbinned over the incident, while Simonsson was taken from the field on a medicab and the Tigers rookie later received a Grade 2 Dangerous Contact charge.
Should he plead guilty to the charge, Laulilii will be banned for one match but if he unsuccessfully fights it at the judiciary he will receive a two-match suspension.
Wests Tigers captain Api Koroisau was also charged over a hip drop tackle on fellow Fiji international Kitione Kautoga and faces a $3000 (US$2, 075) fine as it is his third and subsequent dangerous contact charge.
Koroisau will risk a two-match bans if he contests the Grade 1 charge at the judiciary and loses.
Eels centre Sean Russell was also charged with Grade 1 Dangerous Contact over his head clash on Wests Tigers teen Heamas Makasini and faces a fine of $750 (US$518) with an early plea or $1500(US$1, 037) if found guilty at the panel.
Russell suffered a Category 1 head knock in the incident, which occurred when he raced out of the line to put a shot on Makasini but mistimed his tackle after the 18-year-old centre juggled the ball.
He will miss next weekend’s Round 6 match under the NRL’s concussion protocols.
Warriors centre Adam Pompey is facing suspension for Dangerous Contact while Hudson Young has been fined for pulling Dom Young’s hair in Newcastle on Sunday.
Pompey was hit with a Grade 2 Dangerous Contact offence for an incident involving Sharks back-rower Briton Nikora in the 67th minute at Ocean Protect Stadium and will be banned for one game with an early guilty plea.
Should Pompey fight the charge and be found guilty at the judiciary he would be outed for two games.
Hudson Young, meanwhile, was charged with Grade 1 Contrary Conduct and will be fined $1000 with an early guilty plea, increasing to $1500 (US$1, 037) should he fight the charge and lose. ……PACNEWS
IRELAND – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS: Tue 07 Apr 2026
World Rugby celebrates the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace
DUBLIN, 07 APRIL 2026 (WORLD RUGBY) —Monday (06 April) marks the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP), a global celebration recognising the power of sport in advancing social change, equality and peace.
As a team sport built on solidarity, rugby has the capacity to break down barriers and bring people together, and its values are perfectly aligned with supporting one of the United Nations’ key objectives.
ChildFund Rugby’s Pass It Back and Rugby Rising Play are examples of some of the ongoing work World Rugby have been doing in Sport for Development and Social Impact since the IDDSDP was launched just over a decade ago in 2015, while the federation’s membership of the Sport for Refugee Coalition has been reaffirmed.
Pass It Back supports children and youth through rugby and life skills learning, helping them build skills, inspire social change, and become leaders in their communities, and at the last count, 26 member unions had engaged with the project.
Rugby Rising Play is focused on promoting girls’ participation in the sport, while Sport for Refugee Coalition uses rugby as a vehicle for supporting vulnerable displaced people and the communities they have found themselves living in.
Due to conflict, instability, or exclusion, the Peace and Sport organisation report that 251 million children worldwide are currently unable to access education. In a bid to change that, Peace and Sport have called on the international sporting community to raise a white card, as a symbol of peace, and Provale, the French rugby players’ union, were only too happy to pick up the ball and run with it.
Former France men’s national captain, Gaël Fickou, and fellow internationals, Lénaïg Corson, Gaël Fickou, Yacouba Camara, Antoine Zeghdar, and Romane Ménager have answered Provale’s call to be the public face of #WhiteCard. The players will actively participate in the several initiatives that have been planned throughout the year to deliver the message that sport can be a powerful vehicle for positive change.
Malik Hamadache, President of Provale, said: “Rugby players embody strong values of respect, solidarity, and responsibility. By joining the #WhiteCard campaign alongside Peace and Sport, they remind us that sports can play a tangible role in bringing people together and instilling essential values in younger generations. It is also a way to demonstrate that athletes’ commitment can help build a more peaceful and inclusive society.” …PACNEWS
