In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Fate of Moana Pasifika raises questions about its relevance to the development of Rugby in Pacific Islands
2. RUGBY — Flying Fijians coach role to be advertised
3. RUGBY — Flying Fijians squad to be named soon, FRU eyes European team expansion
4. RUGBY LEAGUE— ‘PNG is ready’: PM welcomes Chiefs’ pursuit of Luai
5. RUGBY LEAGUE — Jarome Luai visits Chiefs HQ, Doors open for blockbuster signing
6. RUGBY — FRU records clean audit, sets competition path
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — Koroisau’s Origin hopes in tatters as Tigers accept ban
8. RUGBY — Force add outside back duo Buleki & Mainwaring
9. RUGBY — Dimitri Yachvili and Marcelo Bosch join the prestigious men’s panel for World Rugby Awards
10. RUGBY LEAGUE — Sea Eagles enforcer faces stiff opposition for NSW spot
PAC – RUGBY: ABC PACIFIC PACNEWS: Tue 28 Apr 2026
Fate of Moana Pasifika raises questions about its relevance to the development of Rugby in Pacific Islands
AUCKLAND, 28 APRIL 2026 (ABC PACIFIC)—The debate over the future of Moana Pasifika is heating up, because while many players past and present are calling for the Super Rugby franchise to be saved, there are others who say it was always doomed to fail.
The club’s critics argue that finance is only part of the problem, and they accuse Moana of failing to deliver on a commitment to nurture and develop players who could go on to play at international level for Tonga and Samoa.
Former Tonga international and Melbourne Rebels player, Eddie Aholelei, says the saddest aspect of Moana Pasifika folding is that it means that 48 players will lose their jobs.
“The players, the staff and their livelihood….I just hope that their able to secure their future,’ said Eddie Aholelei.
“I know as a former player that it’s a tough situation to be in to not know what’s going to happen next year.”
Since its inception the, Moana Pasifika was designed to be a player pipeline which would trickle down into Tonga and Samoa’s national squads. At the 2023 Rugby World Cup, more than a quarter of each country’s players were on the books with Moana.
The Chief Executive of the Tonga Rugby Union, Aisea Aholelei, says Moana Pasifika have been a source of inspiration for many local upcoming players who hope to make it as professionals.
However, former Manu Samoa international, and the founder and CEO of Pacific Rugby Players Welfare, Dan Leo, says there is more to the Moana crisis than money.
“I think it’s time for us to be brutally honest. If we look at the key metrics of what Moana was supposed to achieve…there’s been questionable outcomes in terms of player development and retention of the players was one of them over the last years we’ve seen the top players not play,” said Leo.
The Melbourne Rebels were thrown out in 2024 after they got into financial strife, and four years before that all five South African teams bailed out, not least because of disagreements with NZ Rugby.
In Australia attendance figures are down, and on the international scene Tonga and Samoa are finding it harder and harder to compete with other second tier nations, let alone tier one countries like their Pacific neighbours Fiji.
“My gut feeling is that super rugby won’t be around in the next three or four years,” said Leo.
The Ikale Tahi’s assistant coach and former captain Nili Latu is critical of the way Moana has managed some of its players, notably Fijian born and raised star centre Timoci Tavatavanawai who represented Fiji at under 20 level, but then switched his allegiance to the All Blacks.
“I think there are a few questions we would like to be answered by Moana itself. Once you play for Moana do you make yourself available for Tonga and Samoa? We’re finding out that’s not the case.” He said…. PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS: Tue 28 Apr 2026
Flying Fijians coach role to be advertised
SUVA, 28 APRIL 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The Flying Fijians head coach position will be advertised around May or June as preparations for the Nations Cup take priority.
“We didn’t want to do that now, because it can become a disruption to the preparation, but also, any recruitment for that particular type of role will take at least, you know, two to three months for a really comprehensive job hunt,” Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer Koli Sewabu said.
“Hopefully we appoint a new coach after the Rugby Nations Championship games in July.”
Sewabu added that FRU has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Japan Rugby.
“Part of that MOU is we’re going to have home and away games for both the men’s and the women’s national team.
He said the teams would travel to Japan in September to be part of their 100th anniversary.
“We will start to look at talks around how we’re going to move our coaches, managers, across, to be attached in top leagues in Japan and give them the exposure they needed as well.
“So that’s all part of the plan.”
Sewabu said there were long-term plans for local coaches to lead the national team, but more capacity building was needed….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS: Tue 28 Apr 2026
Flying Fijians squad to be named soon, FRU eyes European team expansion
SUVA, 28 APRIL 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The Flying Fijians’ 60-member squad for the inaugural Nations Championship is expected to be announced this week after a brief delay caused by changes to the head coach position.
Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer Koli Sewabu said coaching staff and management — including overseas-based members — would meet in the country to finalise plans and select the squad.
“Those (coaches) who are from abroad will gather in the country to discuss their plans for Rugby Nations and select their initial squad.
“Once they complete their due process in terms of contacting the players, and so forth, and then after their meeting next week, they’ll confirm the announcement of the squad.”
Sewabu said there were long-term plans for local coaches to lead the national team, but more capacity building was needed.
“Hopefully in the next five, six years, we get to see more and more local coaches as head of programmes in our national teams.”
Meanwhile, the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) board has approved the establishment of another Fijian team – the Latui which would be for the European market.
FRU chief executive officer Koli Sewabu said while it has not been formalised yet, they are looking at opportunities to expand their wings in the Northern hemisphere.
“There’s an extra pathway for our peers, but we’re looking at the Latui, or whatever brand that we will decide on, which will go into the European market,” Sewabu said.
Once the legal structure has been confirmed and endorsed by the board, Sewabu said they would go into some of the exhibition games in Europe.
Sewabu hopes that it could be done by the end of May or June.
“We’ll pick the top domestic players who are not in the Super Rugby or in the Drua platform.
“We look at those who are on the verge of making either Pro D2 or Top 14 in France and all around Europe. They will form the basis of that particular team to play exhibition games in France, in the UK.”
“Hopefully, they’ll be investors with the appetite to invest more into the programme, so we can ultimately have a professional league playing in Europe over the next couple of years. That’s the basis around that concept.”
Sewabu added they are looking at younger players under 23-years-old to expand the player base for the Flying Fijians side.
“At the moment when we do our analysis, our current average age playing consistently well are sitting at 28 years. We need to bring that down to 21 or below 23.
“More so to grow the depth of Fiji Rugby as we know we’re heading into this new competition which is a 10-year-agreement in the rugby nations, we need to increase our player base as well.
“Not only that it’s about exposing our players into those professional environments and high level competitions so that we can start to reduce the gap between domestic and international rugby,” he said…PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS: Tue 28 Apr 2026
‘PNG is ready’: PM welcomes Chiefs’ pursuit of Luai
PORT MORESBY, 28 APRIL 2026 (AAP)—Papua New Guinea’s prime minister has declared that Jarome Luai’s visit to Port Moresby “ends a message” the nation’s NRL team is ready to hit the ground running.
The Wests Tigers playmaker was pictured in the PNG capital on Sunday where he met with PNG Chiefs officials and watched a game of the domestic national competition the Digicel Cup.
“To be the first high-profile player to come and show interest in our team is something we deeply appreciate,” PNG prime minister James Marape told local media.
“It sends a message that Papua New Guinea is ready, rugby league is strong here, and our future in the NRL is bright.”
Luai is signed to the Tigers until the end of 2029 but has exit clauses in a deal believed to be worth $1.2 million(US$862,000) a season which allow him to depart early.
The four-time premiership winner has until Thursday to indicate to the Tigers if he will remain with the club in 2027.
That appears a formality given the Tigers’ 5-2 start this season but where it gets interesting is when the PNG Chiefs enter the NRL in 2028.
Luai could massively increase his pay packet with the tax-free status afforded to NRL players as well as boost his earnings through third-party arrangements in a rugby league-obsessed country such as PNG.
“At this stage, there is nothing formal or concrete. Jarome remains contracted to the Wests Tigers, and we fully respect his current obligations,” Marape said.
“We are a nation that honours due process, and we respect clubs, contracts, and the professionalism of the game.”
Marape also thanked Tigers coach Benji Marshall for allowing Luai made to make the flying visit to Port Moresby.
The Chiefs, who will be led by Hull KR coach Willie Peters, have yet to sign a player for their maiden season but have been linked to Sydney Roosters and NSW State of Origin utility Connor Watson…..PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS: Tue 28 Apr 2026
Jarome Luai visits Chiefs HQ, Doors open for blockbuster signing
PORT MORESBY, 28 APRIL 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—West Tigers superstar Jarome Luai is in Papua New Guinea , indicating that the Samoan five-eighth is interested in a move to the 19th NRL franchise.
With current clauses in his contract in Luai’s favour, he would be available to sign with the PNG franchise when they enter the competition in 2028.
With tax-free benefits incentivising players to make the move, it could see Luai as a franchise signing for the Chiefs.
It is being reported by The Age that Luai’s visit was in the company of the PNG Chiefs chief executive officer Lorna McPherson and general manager Michael Chammas as they try to get him over the line.
He has until 30 April to decide whether he will stay at the Tigers, otherwise, it could be an all-out war for Luai’s signature.
Gated communities, paradise living accommodation, tax-free earnings, and access to private island resorts spearhead the incentives for players to relocate to Papua New Guinea.
The Chiefs would be setting up their maiden year with great confidence if they can land a superstar signing in Luai to kick-off their legacy.
Not only would Luai be a key figure in the Chiefs’ spine, but he would be an ambassador and the face of the franchise amongst the country.
The potential marquee signing would see Luai leave the Tigers three years into his five-year deal.
The idea of tax-free is likely to lure alot of NRL stars to play for the Chief when they enter NRL in 2028. …PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS: Tue 28 Apr 2026
FRU records clean audit, sets competition path
SUVA, 28 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has recorded a clean financial audit and outlined its vision for the future of provincial rugby during its 2026 Annual General Meeting held last Saturday.
Twenty-six union representatives attended the meeting, which opened with a workshop detailing plans for the 2026 Provincial Competition.
A major highlight was the presentation of the 2025 financial report, with Board member and Director of Finance Anare Manulevu confirming that audit firm EY issued an unqualified audit result.
The financial statements, presented under the Fiji Rugby Football Union Trust Board and Fiji Rakavi Football Union Limited, showed that in its first year as the commercial arm, Fiji Rakavi generated $27.08 million(US$12.65 million) in revenue and recorded a net profit of $231,920(US$115,960).
Elections were also held, with Manulevu and Director of Legal Mosese Naivalu re-elected to their positions. Co-opted director Tony Ram was formally welcomed, while Isaac Mow received backing following his nomination by the Suva Rugby Union.
FRU chief executive officer Koli Sewabu welcomed the clean audit outcome.
“We’re really grateful for this year that we’ve got an unqualified audit report from our auditors Ernst & Young,” he said.
Sewabu added that the organisation was working closely with global governing body World Rugby to strengthen its systems.
“Ernst & Young Australia were here a couple of weeks ago to also look at the financial health of Fiji Rugby and what improvements we can put in place to take us to the next level,” he said…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS: Tue 28 Apr 2026
Koroisau’s Origin hopes in tatters as Tigers accept ban
SYDNEY, 28 APRIL 2026 (AAP)—Api Koroisau’s hopes of a State of Origin recall appear in tatters after the Wests Tigers hooker accepted a three-match ban for his hip-drop tackle on Noah Martin.
The Tigers spent the weekend deliberating whether to challenge the grade-two dangerous contact charge Koroisau received following Thursday’s 33-14 win over Canberra.
A downgrade would have allowed Koroisau to escape suspension with a $3000(US$2,154) fine, but the third-placed Tigers erred on the side of caution, entering an early guilty plea on Monday.
It means Koroisau will not play again before the Origin series opener on May 27, missing clashes against Cronulla, Melbourne and Manly in that time.
Fighting the charge would have meant risking the addition of another week to Koroisau’s suspension, which was already beefed up by prior offences.
Had he not been charged three times already this year, Koroisau could have accepted a one-game ban as a first offence.
The 33-year-old had appeared in the mix for a first NSW cap since 2023 given his excellent form for a vastly-improved Tigers outfit.
But a lack of game time over the next month could sway Blues coach Laurie Daley towards either Blayke Brailey or Reece Robson as his starting hooker.
Robson has been in great form for the Sydney Roosters, most recently helping the Tricolours to a 62-16 defeat of struggling St George Illawarra on Anzac Day.
Tristan Hope was pulled from Saturday’s NSW Cup clash between Western Suburbs and Canberra and is likely to start as the Tigers’ hooker against the Sharks.
The Tigers’ decision to accept the sanction comes despite Benji Marshall venting his frustration over the referees’ decision to sin bin Koroisau on Thursday night.
“I don’t know what he’s supposed to do in that situation,” the Tigers coach said.
“He’s making a cover tackle from behind, of course he’s going to land on (Martin’s) legs.
“There’s heaps of things that didn’t go our way, I just think the fans deserve some consistency around the interpretations of the rules, and we’re not getting it.” …. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS: Tue 28 Apr 2026
Force add outside back duo Buleki & Mainwaring
PERTH, 28 APRIL 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU) —The Western Force is excited to confirm the return of Fijian flyer Adi Vani Buleki for a second season and addition of Wanneroo outside back Teiana Mainwaring.
Fijian Olympian Buleki, who has been part of this year’s HSBC SVNS tour, was a revelation in her maiden Super W campaign last season, scoring three tries in four games.
Wanneroo teenager Mainwaring has come through the RugbyWA pathway and enjoyed a strong 2025 Fortescue Premier Grade season with premiers Wanneroo.
The duo adds further quality and depth to the Force’s outside back stocks ahead of 2026 Swyftx Super Rugby Women’s season, which starts in early June. The Force’s 32-player squad will be confirmed on Tuesday.
Buleki, 25, represented Fiji at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she scored two tries. The speedster was also part of Fiji’s silver medal-winning 2022 Commonwealth Games sevens team.
The Fijian’s blistering speed, aerial ability and evasiveness set her apart in the 2025 Super W season after coming into the 15-a-side game following years spent in the Fiji sevens set-up. She also spent time with Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs during the 2025 NRLW season, scoring one try in six games.
Force Super W head coach Dylan Parsons said: “Vani has got huge X-factor. She came into our environment and really added a lot of value. We still see a lot of potential in the 15s game with her.
“Most of her rugby has been in sevens. She’s gone back to sevens with Fiji, as well as a little stint in NRLW with the Bulldogs.
“The positive thing is she’s come out of our program after a successful season and gone into other high-level competitions across different codes.
“She’s come into our squad this week fit and firing after her time on tour with the Fiji HSBC SVNS side which is fantastic.”
Mainwaring, 17, is an exciting local, outside back prospect, emerging out of the successful Divaz set-up at Wanneroo, who’ve won back-to-back premierships.
The teenager scored a try and landed two conversions in Wanneroo’s 19-15 win over Wests Scarborough in last season’s Fortescue Premier Grade Grand Final. Earlier in the 2025 season, she won the Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough Women’s Challenge Cup MVP as the Divaz lifted that title.
Mainwaring has been training with the Force as part of the Cygnets group, having got a taste during the North vs South Series where she scored in game two.
Parsons said: “We’re thrilled to give Teiana an opportunity in our 2026 Super W squad as another exciting local product who has come through the RugbyWA system and Aranmore program.
“We’ve witnessed her exciting potential from her time training with the Force, in the North vs South Series and her performances with Wanneroo in Premier Grade.
“Teiana already has a strong foundation of her core skills which is really important in a fullback. We have seen a point of difference in her ability to be able to beat defenders one on one with her agility and speed.”
Tickets are on sale now for the Force’s next home game against the Queensland Reds on Saturday 16 May 5:35pm via Ticketmaster – the Club’s zero2hero Charity Game. Book here.
Adi Vani Buleki
Position: Winger DOB: 23/10/2000 Super W caps: 2025- (4 caps, 3 tries)
Teiana Mainwaring
Position: Outside back DOB: 10/6/2008 WA club: Wanneroo
2026 Western Force Swyftx Super Rugby Women’s squad
Katalina Amosa, Adi Vani Buleki, Halley Derera, Ai Dickson, Nami Dickson, Zoe Elliott, Grace Freeman, Atawhai Hotene, Nicole Ledington, Michaela Leonard, Teiana Mainwaring, Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke, Ngamihi Monk, Sera Naiqama, Chiharu Nezuka, Alapeta Ngauamo, Hannah Palelei, Ella Pietsch, Seina Saito, Allana Sikimeti, Cecilia Smith, Anneka Stephens, Kahurangi Sturmey, Sofaia Talemaira, Pia Tapsell, Brooklyn Teki-Joyce, Kylah-Rey Tuheke Kupa, Braxton Walker, Taylor Waterson, Aiysha Wigley, Sammy Wood….PACNEWS
IRELAND – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS: Tue 28 Apr 2026
Dimitri Yachvili and Marcelo Bosch join the prestigious men’s panel for World Rugby Awards
DUBLIN, 28 APRIL 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—World Rugby has confirmed the appointment of Dimitri Yachvili and Marcelo Bosch as new members of the voting panel for the World Rugby Awards men’s 15s categories, further strengthening the peer-led jury that recognises excellence at the highest level of the international game.
Both former internationals bring outstanding playing pedigrees and deep understanding of elite rugby, reinforcing the credibility and expertise of one of the sport’s most respected awards panels.
A pivotal figure in French rugby’s modern era, Yachvili represented France from 2002-12, earning 61 international caps and scoring 373 test points, placing him among Les Bleus’ leading all-time test points scorers.
A composed tactical organiser and reliable goal-kicker, he helped take France to the Rugby World Cup 2011 final and was part of Les Bleus’ Men’s Six Nations Grand Slams in 2004 and 2010. At club level, he spent more than a decade with Biarritz in France (2002-14), making 289 appearances and scoring 3,053 points
A respected leader in the Pumas’ backline, Bosch scored 60 points in 39 tests for Argentina from 2007-15, playing and at both Rugby World Cup 2011 and 2015. A commanding presence in midfield, Bosch combined defensive authority with tactical awareness and leadership, qualities that later defined his successful club career in Europe, including 119 appearances for Biarritz (2006-13), where he played alongside Yachvili and won the European Challenge Cup in 2012, and 133 appearances for Saracens in England (2013-19) where he won four Premiership titles (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019) and three Champions Cup (2016, 2017, 2019).
Since retiring from playing, both Yachvili and Bosch have remained closely connected to the international game through their roles as pundits and commentators in their respective countries, providing regular test rugby analysis and maintaining close proximity to players, coaches and evolving trends across the global calendar. This ongoing engagement further strengthens their contribution to a panel tasked with assessing performances across a full international season.
Strengthening an already distinguished Awards panel
Their appointment reinforces the standing of the World Rugby Awards as the sport’s most prestigious peer‑recognised honours, voted on by panels made up of former players, coaches and legends of the game whose experience spans generations, playing styles and rugby cultures.
World Rugby Awards men’s panel members: Marcelo Bosch (Argentina), Jacques Burger (Namibia), Fiona Coghlan (Ireland), Victor Matfield (South Africa), Drew Mitchell (Australia), Ugo Monye (England), Sergio Parisse (Italy), Kieran Read (New Zealand), Blaine Scully (USA), Dimitri Yachvili (France).
As panel members, Yachvili and Bosch will contribute to the selection of nominees and voting process for three men’s categories:
*World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year
*World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year
*World Rugby Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year
In line with the integrity principles that underpin the World Rugby Awards voting process, Sergio Parisse (Italy) will step down from the men’s panel following his appointment to the coaching staff of Italy’s national men’s team. Panel members are required to remain independent from national team coaching roles in order to avoid any actual or perceived conflicts of interest and safeguard the credibility of the peer‑led selection process.
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “We are delighted to welcome Dimitri and Marcelo to the World Rugby Awards men’s 15s panel. Both enjoyed outstanding international careers and bring deep knowledge of modern rugby and what it takes to perform at the highest level. Their role is crucial in helping us celebrate the outstanding personalities in our game, both on and off the pitch, and ensuring the World Rugby Awards continue to represent the highest accolades in international rugby.”
Since their launch in 2001, the World Rugby Awards have honoured the game’s most outstanding players, individuals and moments, recognising excellence through the informed judgement of expert panels.
The first awards to be presented in 2026 will be the sevens categories, awarded at the conclusion of the HSBC SVNS in Bordeaux on 7 June. The women’s categories will be presented at the WXV Global Series in October, celebrating the leading international performers in the women’s game.
The men’s World Rugby Awards 2026 will then be presented at the conclusion of the November international window, bringing to a close a landmark year that also includes the inaugural editions of the World Rugby Nations Cup and Nations Championship.
In line with established World Rugby Awards criteria, voting will be based exclusively on performances in international matches played during the 2026 calendar year and 2025-26 SVNS season, ensuring consistency, fairness and a clear focus on test level excellence….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGE: AAP PACNEWS: Tue 28 Apr 2026
Sea Eagles enforcer faces stiff opposition for NSW spot
SYDNEY, 28 APRIL 2026 (AAP)–Haumole Olakau’atu has name-checked Canterbury’s Jacob Preston as his biggest competition for a State of Origin recall onto NSW’s right edge.
Olakau’atu’s personal form has surged in tandem with Manly’s since Kieran Foran took the reins a month ago, with the back-rower most recently starring in Sunday’s 33-18 defeat of Parramatta.
Since Foran replaced Anthony Seibold as coach, the 27-year-old has gone from averaging 93 run metres per game this season to 215.
Against the Eels, Olaka’uatu threw four offloads by halftime, flattened Dylan Walker with a brutal tackle just before the break and roamed onto the left side to become more involved.
“The first month of the season I kind of sat back and waited for the game to come to me. It’s a bit different the last month,” Olakau’atu said.
“I’ve been given a role … to insert myself into the game earlier.
“I’ve been doing that the last month, so I’m pretty happy with myself.”
The uptick in form has linked Olakau’atu to a first Origin appearance since 2024, especially given regular Blues second-rower Liam Martin is nursing a knee injury.
NRL legend Andrew Johns wrote last week that Olakau’atu and Preston were his two leading options to take the right edge vacancy for May 27’s series opener.
Uncapped at Origin level, Preston has formed an excellent combination with Lachlan Galvin on the Bulldogs’ right edge and was crucial to this month’s defeat of premiership favourites Penrith.
Asked which back-rowers he thought would be picked if he wasn’t, Olakau’atu lavished praise on Preston.
“Left edge would probably have to be either Angus (Crichton) or Hudson Young. Can’t go past them. They’ve been playing really good footy for a while now, last couple years,” he said.
“Right side, I love Jacob Preston. He’s a very hard worker, he does all those little one-percenters, he’s tough too.”
Helping the sixth-placed Sea Eagles continue their resurgence remains ahead of an Origin recall on Olakau’atu’s to-do list.
“If I get that opportunity, or whatever it may be, I’ll take it with both hands and try to make the best out of that,” he said.
“But my goal is to try and get Manly in the best position during the season as I can.”
Former Blues captain and Manly teammate Jake Trbojevic believes Olakau’atu has grown as a player since last featuring at Origin level for the first two games of NSW’s 2024 series win.
“He’s come on in leaps and bounds. His leadership’s been unreal. He’s just going after the contest,” Trbojevic said…. PACNEWS
