In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Moana Pasifika decision expected within weeks as a Sāmoa and Tonga rescue plan takes shape
2. RUGBY — FRU unveils three major initiatives
3. RUGBY — Fijian Drua ready for Super W opener: Coach
4. RUGBY — Nasilasila set for Japan move after emotional farewell
5. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Chiefs rule out Super League raid
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — Half will steer PNG Hunters: Coach
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — Encounter with Orchids’ trailblazer in Australia
8. RUGBY — Wounded Waratahs backing depth ahead of Super Rugby W opener against Drua
9. RUGBY — Brumby has grand plans to ride Hurricanes into history
10. RUGBY — World Rugby confirms match official appointments for the Nations Championship 2026 Southern Hemisphere Series
PAC – RUGBY: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 05 Jun 2026
Moana Pasifika decision expected within weeks as a Sāmoa and Tonga rescue plan takes shape
AUCKLAND, 05 JUNE 2026 (PMN)—A decision on Moana Pasifika’s future could be made within weeks as discussions continue over a new Sāmoa and Tonga-led plan to save the troubled Super Rugby franchise.
The New Zealand Rugby Players Association says work has been underway for months on a proposal that could return the team to its original purpose of supporting rugby pathways in Sāmoa and Tonga.
The discussions come after Moana Pasifika announced in April that it planned to fold at the end of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Last week, the franchise was placed into liquidation, with a report released this week showing debts of more than $8 million (US$4.69 million).
In an interview on Pacific Mornings, Rob Nichol, chief executive of the players association, said the future of the Moana Pasifika franchise should become clearer soon.
“There’s been a lot of work going on in the last two to three months around a business plan and an option for the licence to end up in the hands, effectively, of Samoa and Tonga and move forward on that basis,” Nichol said.
“Whether that happens or not, we’re going to find out in the next few weeks.”
The liquidation process has returned the licence to New Zealand Rugby, ending the franchise’s existing ownership structure with Pasifika Medical Association (PMA). Discussions will continue over who could take control of the franchise’s next chapter.
Despite the financial challenges, Nichol believes there remains a strong future for the club.
“It’s a fantastic, wonderful celebration of Pasifika culture through rugby, and it’s resonated really well. I think there’s still definitely hope.”
Nichol says one of the key lessons from Moana Pasifika’s first five years is the need for stronger links with Sāmoa and Tonga, both on and off the field.
Under the proposal being explored, the team could play regular home matches in the islands and help reconnect the franchise with the communities it was created to serve.
“The original plan was always about the team playing home games in Sāmoa and Tonga,” Nichol says. ‘This business plan would see them playing two games in Tonga and two games in Sāmoa each year”
Former All Black Mils Muliaina says there is still a place for Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby despite the uncertainty surrounding the club.
“There is a feeling that we do want to make sure Moana Pasifika stay in the competition,” he told PMN.
Muliaina says the franchise’s emotional win over the Brumbies in Canberra last week showed exactly why the team matters to Pacific rugby.
“The emotion that was shown behind that win in Canberra and a hard place to go and win. And for Moana to go over there and do what they did and finish the season off on a high was spectacular.”
Muliaina also believes the team’s future should be more closely connected to the Pacific Islands.
“I think it’s a necessity that we have a team in the islands rather than trying to find a base in New Zealand.”
Tuilagi William Leolahi, PMN’s Pacific Huddle, says the liquidation report, while concerning, at least provides clarity for potential investors considering the franchise’s future.
“I think the $8.2 million(US$4.81 million) coming out, hopefully it doesn’t scare any of the investors because this is the thing that everybody was waiting for, was to get clarity in terms of where the actual club is lying right now,” Tuilagi told PMN.
Tuilagi says there is still a long way to go before the future of the club is settled.
“I think this is only the beginning. The liquidation is still going through the process, and it’ll be interesting to see what else comes out of this.”
While discussions continue off the field, attention now turns to this weekend’s Super Rugby Pacific playoffs.
The Hurricanes host the Brumbies in Wellington on Friday night while the Crusaders face the Blues in Christchurch and the Chiefs take on the Queensland Reds in Hamilton on Saturday.
Both Muliaina and Tuilagi expect the New Zealand teams to advance and they have predicted an all-New Zealand semi-final line-up.
But for many Pacific rugby fans, the biggest result over the coming weeks may not happen on the field at all. It will be whether Moana Pasifika can secure a future and return to the Pacific roots on which the franchise was built….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FRU PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 05 Jun 2026
FRU unveils three major initiatives
SUVA, 05 JUNE 2026 (FRU)—Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) Chairman, John Sanday, has declared that the true strength of the sport lies not in trophies alone, but in how the organisation cares for its people, as he launched three landmark initiatives aimed at securing a sustainable future for the game.
Delivering his welcome address at a major event in Suva, Sanday stood before the Honourable Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, alongside distinguished guests, sponsors, and former and current players, to usher in what he called a new era for Fiji Rugby.
“Today is more than the launch of new initiatives,” Sanday said. “It marks a significant milestone in the continuing evolution of Fiji Rugby and our commitment to building a stronger, more sustainable future for our players, our communities, and our nation.”
The Chairman unveiled three flagship programmes designed to support players on and off the field:
1. Fiji Rakavi Foundation
The Foundation represents a historic commitment to player welfare beyond retirement, offering:
*Education pathways
* Medical assistance and rehabilitation services
*Transition programmes
* Welfare support for former players
Sanday placed special emphasis on women’s rugby, stating: “Our Fijiana players have made an extraordinary contribution to the growth and success of the game, and it is only right that they have access to the same opportunities, resources, and support systems that will empower them on and off the field.”
2. FRU–Australia Pacific Management & Training (APMT) Partnership
This formal collaboration will provide players and rugby communities with structured learning, professional development, and recognised certifications – equipping them with vital skills for life beyond the whistle.
3. Fiji Rugby Management System (FRMS)
A modern digital platform designed to strengthen governance, improve player registration and welfare management, enhance programme delivery, and support informed decision-making through reliable data and accountability.
While acknowledging that winning remains a key objective, Mr. Sanday made it clear that performance must never come at the cost of people.
“We must ensure it is also about enjoyment, safety, care, opportunity, development, and lifelong support,” he said.
The Chairman also expressed deep gratitude to the Coalition Government and Prime Minister Rabuka, acknowledging their legislative intervention and support in helping to bring about reforms and positive changes. He noted the Prime Minister’s own legacy as a former Flying Fijian and his consistent advocacy for “Life After Rugby.”
Sanday then invited Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, to officially launch the:
* Fiji Rakavi Foundation
* FRU–APMT Education Partnership
*Fiji Rugby Management System
“Rugby will always be about our people,” Sanday concluded, thanking the FRU Board, Trustees, management, and staff for their dedication in building a stronger, more sustainable foundation as Fiji Rugby continues its journey into the new era of Tier One rugby…..PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 05 Jun 2026
Fijian Drua ready for Super W opener: Coach
SUVA, 05 JUNE 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The Fiji Drua Women’s side has been urged to set the tone early in their Super W opener against defending champions NSW Waratahs at the Leichhardt Oval in Sydney, Australia, on Saturday.
This was the view of the Drua Women’s team head coach Mike Legge during a press interview with SUNsports.
“That’s the goal we’ve given the girls,” he said.
“That is to set the tone and to send the message to the rest of the competition this weekend. Our focus, as always, is on the sort of game that we want to play.”
Legge said in order for the team to set the tone right, they would need to work on their strategies to counter the Waratahs.
“It’s always been based around our collision, our set-piece, and then working off the back of that to bring our Fijiana style in attack. So we’ve been working on that probably for the last three or four weeks. In every training, we have a real focus on our collision and the way we want to play the game,” Legge said.
He said they are looking forward to their opening match. Last month, Drua came from behind to hold the Waratahs 27-27 in their pre-season clash in Suva.
“We’re looking forward to seeing how the game goes on Saturday and we’re looking forward to putting a really good show for all our supporters, both here in Sydney and also those back home watching on TV,” he said.
“The team like the Waratahs are a very clinical team and they’ll punish you if you give over easy possession. So our biggest focus from that game in the pre-season, plus the game on the weekend was around our discipline and ball handling,” he said.
He said if they could fix that, it was going to go a long way into achieving how they wanted to play the game and how they wanted to play it at a quick pace.
“Hopefully with that, we can get a positive result. A successful performance is a win.”
The match kicks-off at 4.05pm.
Line-up
Drua: 1. Karalaini Naisewa, 2. Bitila Tawake (c), 3. Tiana Robanakadavu, 4. Mereoni Nakesa, 5. Karavaki Lutumaibau*, 6. Carletta Yee, 7. Nunia Daunimoala, 8. Alfreda Fisher, 9. Evivi Senikarivi, 10. Varanisese Qoro*, 11. Aqela Raitubu*, 12. Josivini Naihamu, 13. Ivamere Rokowati*, 14. Kolora Lomani, 15. Litiana Vueti.
Reserves: 16. Keleni Marawa, 17. Zipporah Sorokacika**, 18. Keri Lawavou**, 19. Vilisi Tivalele**, 20. Salaseini Railumu, 21. Vatiseva Cavuru**, 22. Ruth Raketekete**, 23. Michella’e Stolz*…PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 05 Jun 2026
Nasilasila set for Japan move after emotional farewell
SUVA, 05 JUNE 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Fijian Drua’s most-capped player, Isoa Nasilasila, is tipped to join a club in Japan.
The lanky lock who joined the club in their debut Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific debut in 2022 was among the eight players who are leaving at the end of the season.
“Obviously, it’s still pretty hard to accept leaving the franchise that brought me in so many years ago,” Nasilasila said.
“It’s been weighing on me for a few weeks now. I only made the decision this week and signed everything. It’s a tough decision, but when it comes to my future and what I want to achieve for my family, it’s a decision I have to make.”
The 26-year-old hopes his departure would create opportunities for emerging local talents.
“It would definitely be to live in the moment and take every moment as it comes. You don’t want to think too far ahead and you don’t want to look too far behind.
“Obviously, it’s still pretty hard to accept leaving the franchise that brought me in so many years ago.
“You just want to take every step along the way. As I told the team earlier, I’m taking all the good memories and all the bad memories. But I definitely live in the moment.”
Nasilasila highlighted two significant moments from his time with the Drua.
“It’s tough. Definitely beating the Crusaders for the first time. It was a dream playing against the Crusaders and to beat them was crazy.
“This year, when we beat the Brumbies, both in Ba and away (in Canberra), but especially away. Seeing what the team has gone through and how hard we’ve worked over the last few years, we’ve had that away record hanging over us for so long.
“To see how much work the players, staff and management put in, and then finally get a result like that and do it the way we did, was probably one of my proudest moments.”
The Viseisei, Vuda native is among the 10 Drua players named in the Fiji Water Flying Fijians squad for the Nations Championship in July.
“It’s been weighing on me for a few weeks now. I only made the decision this week and signed everything. It’s a tough decision, but when it comes to my future and what I want to achieve for my family, it’s a decision I have to make.”
“Whenever you get called up to represent your country, it’s always a blessing, a privilege and an honour.
“You can see from the names announced that there is great quality and depth throughout the squad. It’s a great team to be part of.”
Nasilasila also thanked supporters and family members who backed him throughout his career.
“To play for Fiji comes with tough times, but we’ve loved every step along the way.
“To my family in Sydney, the Gold Coast and here in Fiji, thank you for all your support and for helping me become the player and the man I am today.
“To my partner, Makare, thank you so much for all your support. Being a player is tough, but having her support and knowing she’s always in my corner has meant the world to me.
“Also, to her family, my time here has been so easy because of their support while I’m in Fiji. It’s a blessing to have people like that around you to help lift you up when times get tough.”…PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 05 Jun 2026
PNG Chiefs rule out Super League raid
PORT MORESBY, 05 JUNE 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—The PNG Chiefs have dismissed speculation about pursuing big-name Super League stars, including PNG international and Leigh Leopards duo Edwin Ipape and Lachlan Lam, as the club builds towards its historic 2028 NRL debut.
General manager of football Michael Chammas said the Chiefs will honour existing contracts and are not actively chasing players tied to Super League clubs.
“Everyone keeps asking us about Edwin Ipape — the reality is Edwin signed a six-year deal to stay at Leigh,” Chammas said. “And as far as has been reported, there is no NRL get-out for him, so we’ve got to respect his position there.
“Lachlan Lam’s contracted for another year at Leigh as well. Just like the NRL, we know the rules we’re playing by and if things pop up we’ll deal with them.
“But, at the moment, there are some rules around certain players that limit what we can do.”
Excitement continues to grow around the Chiefs’ recruitment drive, with marquee signings already secured. Four-time NRL premiership-winning playmaker Jarome Luai was unveiled as the club’s first headline recruit, followed by prolific winger Alex Johnston. Sydney Roosters utility Connor Watson and St Helens prop Matty Lees are also set to join in 2028.
Chammas reinforced that professionalism and respect for contracts will guide the club’s recruitment strategy.
While further signings are expected in the coming months, any move for Super League stars under long-term deals remains unlikely unless circumstances change….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 05 Jun 2026
Half will steer PNG Hunters: Coach
PORT MORESBY, 05 JUNE 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—PNG Hunters coach Paul Aiton has brushed aside criticism of halfback Jamie Mavoko, insisting the experienced playmaker remains the best option to guide the team around the field.
“There’s no other half that can control the game like Jamie,” Aiton said. “We just need halves that come in and take control of the game. At the moment, Jamie is the best at doing that, so we’re sticking with the same combination.”
Aiton has thrown his full support behind the Mavoko–Joel Gena halves pairing ahead of Saturday’s crucial Round 12 Hostplus Cup clash against the Tweed Seagulls at the Preston Building Sports Complex in Piggabeen, Australia.
With the Hunters enduring a difficult season marred by injuries, Aiton revealed that young playmaker Felix Beki is being developed but still needs more time before taking on a bigger role at cup level.
“We would welcome more competition. We are pushing young Felix Beki to step up and take the role, but maybe he needs a little bit more time,” he said.
The Hunters are currently battling with 10 players sidelined, forcing constant reshuffles and preventing the team from fielding its strongest line-up since Round 1.
Despite the setbacks, there was some positive news with Sylvester Namo cleared to return this weekend, while Limbi Henry also rejoined the squad to bolster the middle forwards.
Aiton admitted the ongoing injury crisis has been one of the biggest challenges of the season, with weekly adjustments required to keep the team competitive…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 05 Jun 2026
Encounter with Orchids’ trailblazer in Australia
SYDNEY, 05 JUNE 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—After spending an hour at the West Tigers’ Zurich Centre, the PNG sports media team continued its International Media Visit (IMV) programme at the Parramatta Eels’ James Hardie Centre of Excellence in Western Sydney, Australia.
There, they held a brief interview with PNG Orchids captain and Parramatta Eels NRLW standout Elsie Albert.
During the visit, the delegation observed a training session of the Parramatta Eels NRL team.
Star winger Josh Addo-Carr, affectionately known as “The Foxx”, warmly greeted the PNG team and stopped for a quick chat.
Albert spoke passionately about her pride in leading the PNG Orchids, highlighting the honour of representing her nation.
She expressed excitement for the upcoming 2026 Rugby League World Cup, highlighting her positive conversations with new coach Craig Sandercock, who has already set clear expectations for the team’s future.
Having broken barriers for PNG women in rugby league, Albert reflected on her journey from a system with limited pathways to becoming a permanent resident in Australia last year, thanks to the support of the Parramatta Eels.
She credited rugby league for opening doors and hopes her story inspires young PNG girls to pursue opportunities in the NRLW.
Beyond the field, Albert plays a vital role in community outreach, teaching rugby basics to students from kindergarten through upper grades. She believes Papua New Guinea should adopt similar grassroots systems, especially with the NRL’s expansion into Papua New Guinea in 2028.
She praised initiatives like the Santos Cup but stressed the importance of giving girls exposure in Australian competitions, similar to the Hunters’ pathway.
Albert hopes to be remembered as a pioneer who paved the way for PNG girls in rugby league, encouraging them to embrace the “unlimited possibilities” the sport offers.
The PNG media team also toured the Eels’ A$70 million (about K219 million) Centre of Excellence – the largest rugby league training precinct in the world – featuring four fields, gyms, a merchandise store, meeting rooms, and locker facilities.
This marked the conclusion of day two of the IMV programme, supported by the Australian government through DFAT, with assistance from NRL Pacific programmes manager Michael Asensio and senior journalist Brad Walter….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 05 Jun 2026
Wounded Waratahs backing depth ahead of Super Rugby W opener against Drua
SYDNEY, 05 JUNE 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—-The NSW Waratahs may be without a host of Wallaroos for Saturday’s Super Rugby W opener against the Fijian Drua but coach Mike Ruthven is confident they have the depth to manage.
The defending champions will open the season at Leichhardt Oval with several big-name players on the sidelines, including Wallaroos flyer Maya Stewart.
Stewart damaged her ankle during the Pacific Four series and is set to miss the opening rounds of the competition.
She is joined on the sidelines by Waiaria Ellis (knee) and Faliki Pohiva (concussion), with Annabelle Codey also on the sidelines. It comes with Sevens import Tia Hinds (calf) facing an uncertain return after her injury last week.
This, along with the departures of Arabella McKenzie, Katrina Barker and Tatum Bird, leaves the Waratahs with a vastly different team than the one that took out the title last year at North Sydney Oval.
“We’ve always had a really strong focus around retention from a squad point of view and our recruitment has been very targeted,” Ruthven said.
“We’re really confident in the group we’ve got. Players like Millie Whitaker and Rosie Ferguson have been around the program for a number of years now. The opportunities in front of them now to go and grab it and I’m sure they’ll do a good job.
“Not discouraged at all around players moving on. It just creates opportunity and again, those players who’ve got that opportunity now have been in and around the system, in and around the program for a while. They just need to go and grasp it now.”
Ruthven had a front-row seat to what the Fijiana Drua can do during his stint with the Wallaroos, helping them defeat Fijiana in Canberra.
With the majority of players from that Test side turning out for the Drua, the Waratahs are on guard for a tough encounter.
“They’re a physical team. It’s probably their point of difference,” he said.
‘They’re good in and around their offload game and if they generate momentum, and they’ve definitely got some threats at width. We know what’s coming, we just need to make sure that we’re really strong in and around that collision space, both sides of the ball. If we can be really consistent around that, we’ll certainly be in it.”
The Waratahs will blood a host of new faces, including new halves Piper Simons and Dutch international Pleuni Kievit…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 05 Jun 2026
Brumby has grand plans to ride Hurricanes into history
CANBERRA, 05 JUNE 2026 (AAP)—If prop James Slipper had the choice between keeping his historic milestones or steering the Brumbies to a Super Rugby Pacific grand final, the choice is easy.
After a season in which he has become the most-capped Super Rugby player ever, chalked up 100 appearances for the Canberra-based side and scored a crucial try in the ACT’s hoodoo-busting win over the Crusaders in February, Slipper is now looking to achieve something he’s yet to do: make a decider with the Brumbies.
“I’ve always played the game for the team. Team milestones and team achievements come before the individual,” he told AAP.
“In my mind, celebrating with your teammates after a win or finals win or whatever is why you play the game.’
But to feature in the big dance, Slipper and his Brumbies must first defy Australia’s dismal 0-21 record against Kiwi teams in New Zealand when they play the Hurricanes on Friday night in a qualifying final in Wellington.
They will be heavy underdogs in the do-or-die clash, especially after their table-topping opponents thumped them 45-12 in Super Round, before the Brumbies suffered a shock 21-19 loss to the cellar-dwelling Moana Pasifika last Saturday.
But Slipper, who said the Brumbies needed a mindset change, isn’t writing off his team just yet.
He knows his role will be crucial on Friday, and he will draw on his 2011 experience of winning the competition with the Queensland Reds.
“At the time I thought I’d get another one, but I haven’t been back there since, so it’s been a bit of a dry run,” Slipper said.
“It shows how hard it is to get there. The Brumbies winning a title motivates me. That’s probably why I want to keep playing.”
Another player desperate to make the most of his season is back-rower Charlie Cale, whose shoulder injury stalled his glittering start for the Brumbies.
Cale lamented the setback as his Wallabies dreams were again dented after he missed a large chunk of last season with back spasms.
However, he now feels he’s put all the “yucky” stuff behind him and is ready to make his case for a national team return.
“I missed a lot of footy last year, and even missed a little bit of footy this year, so it would be very, very special for me if I got back in there (Wallabies),” Cale told AAP.
“It’s completely out of your hands, so you can’t really worry about the things you can’t control, so I’m fully focused on the Brumbies situation at the moment.”
The Hurricanes will be boosted by the return of co-captain Jordie Barrett (hamstring injury), while hooker Asafo Aumua, tight-head prop Pasilio Tosi and Du’Plessis Kirifi (shoulder) are also back….PACNEWS
IRELAND – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 05 Jun 2026
World Rugby confirms match official appointments for the Nations Championship 2026 Southern Hemisphere Series
DUBLIN, 05 JUNE 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—With a month to go until the inaugural Nations Championship kicks off, World Rugby have confirmed the match official appointments for the matches taking place in July.
The Nations Championship has been created through a landmark joint venture between Six Nations Rugby and SANZAAR, and brings together the 12 strongest teams in international rugby for a unique northern v southern hemisphere tournament format. Two chapters of fixtures across the exciting July and November international rugby windows build towards a Finals Weekend in London this November.
Sixteen referees from eight nations will take charge of the 18 Nations Championship matches played from 4-18 July with Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand) and Nic Berry (Australia) handed two matches.
Luke Pearce (England) will referee the opening match, New Zealand v France at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on 4 July, of a tournament that will involve 35 officials from 11 nations in total.
A week later Hollie Davidson will become the first Scottish official to referee 50 tests when she takes charge of Fiji v England in Liverpool. Davidson will be the third female – and 19th official in history – to reach the milestone and joins Matthew Carley (England) and Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa) in doing so in 2026.
Angus Gardner (Australia) will take charge of the final test of this phase of the Nations Championship, Argentina v England in Santiago del Estero on 18 July.
World Rugby will be supporting its Social Impact Partner, ChildFund Rugby, with visibility across match officials’ jerseys during the Nations Championship.
The appointments for the World Rugby Nations Cup, the second division of the new global competition mirroring the Nations Championship’s format, will be announced later today…..PACNEWS
