In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Super Rugby Pacific confirms Qualifying Final fixtures
2. RUGBY — Moana Pasifika sign off in style with ACT Brumbies win amidst uncertain future
3. RUGBY — Queensland Reds hold off Drua but sweat on Paisami knee injury
4. RUGBY — A cross-code prospect may be hunting for a new job. These tries top his resume
5. RUGBY LEAGUE — Ex-Socceroo skipper backs PNG Chiefs, Just smash them, says visiting guest speaker Wade
6. SPORTS AWARDS — PNG Lewas named Carbine Club of the Year at SP Sports Awards
7. SPORTS AWARDS — Dorna Longbut scoops second SP Sports Award
8. SPORTS AWARDS — TVWAN’s Terry Longbut honoured for outstanding contribution to sports media
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG media gain inside look at NRL ahead of Chiefs 2028 debut
10. RUGBY LEAGUE — Olam brings hope to rural health centres in Chuave
11. RUGBY — TIHWF workshop empowers Women’s Football Coaches in Papua New Guinea
12. RUGBY — Australia reign in Spain with Valladolid double gold
13. OLYMPICS — Brisbane Olympic stadium ‘fight is not over’
PAC – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 01 Jun 2026
Super Rugby Pacific confirms Qualifying Final fixtures
SYDNEY, 01 JUNE 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—The Super Rugby Pacific Qualifying Final fixtures have been confirmed, with the Crusaders overtaking the Blues to claim third spot on the ladder in the last round of the regular season.
The table-topping Hurricanes will kick off the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific Finals Series when they host the ACT Brumbies at Hnry Stadium on Friday 05 June.
It comes after the Brumbies lost to Moana Pasifika to finish their regular season.
The action continues at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday afternoon, where the defending champion Crusaders will face the Blues.
The Chiefs will wrap up the Qualifying Finals with a Saturday night showdown against the Queensland Reds at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton.
The three winning teams in the Qualifying Finals will progress to the Semi-Finals along with the highest-ranked losing team (the ‘lucky loser’).
In a variation from last season, in 2026 the ‘lucky loser’ will be relegated to the lowest seeding for the Semi-Finals and as such forego any chance to host the Semi-Final or the Grand Final, should they progress.
FINALS SERIES WEEK ONE – QUALIFYING FINALS
FRIDAY 5 JUNE
7.05pm NZST / 5.05pm AEST – Hurricanes (1) vs. ACT Brumbies (6) – Hnry Stadium, Wellington
SATURDAY 6 JUNE
4.35pm NZST / 2.35pm AEST – Crusaders (3) vs. Blues (4) – One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch
7.05pm NZST / 5.05pm AEST – Chiefs (2) vs. Queensland Reds (5) – FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton…PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 01 Jun 2026
Moana Pasifika sign off in style with ACT Brumbies win amidst uncertain future
CANBERRA, 01 JUNE 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU) —An undermanned Moana Pasifika have capped off their potential final match with a stirring victory, upsetting the finals-bound ACT Brumbies 21-19.
The Super Rugby Pacific club was placed into liquidation on Monday after their current owners announced that they would not continue to fund the franchise beyond 2026 on 15 April.
Unless a last-minute saviour comes in to salvage the club, only introduced in 2022, they will fold and the competition will shrink to 10 teams in 2027.
But Pasifika (2-12) relished in the emotionally charged occasion at GIO Stadium on Saturday and snapped a 12-game losing streak to avoid a record-equalling 13th loss.
The cellar dwellers’ victory wasn’t smooth sailing though, as the Brumbies led both on the scoreboard and numerically when barnstorming inside centre Faletoi Peni was handed a second yellow card and sent off in the second half.
But the hosts couldn’t make the most of their opportunity and substitute Melani Matavao stormed over in the 73rd minute to claim victory.
The Brumbies (7-7) needed a big bonus-point win to help them move as high as fourth on the ladder, but instead will have to settle for sixth.
Their faltering lineout and a series of errors will be a concern for coach Stephen Larkham and the Brumbies now face the table-topping Hurricanes across the Tasman and must win to secure a berth in a qualifying final.
After watching the visitors perform a traditional war dance, the Brumbies came out firing, and Rory Scott planted the ball over the line.
Pasifika thought they hit back when Solomon Alaimalo crossed, but his try was chalked off because of a forward pass and the home team punished them with Tom Wright crashing over.
Veteran James Slipper was handed a yellow card and the visitors capitalised through Patrick Pellegrini before the flyhalf wrestled over for his second to tie the halftime score at 14-all.
The Brumbies re-established the lead when they shifted left and found Luke Reimer in the corner before Peni was marched after a high tackle on Andy Muirhead.
ACT’s newly re-signed Klayton Thorn thought he had crossed, but a forward pass in the lead-up denied him a try before Matavao got on the receiving end of some slick passing to steal victory…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 01 Jun 2026
Queensland Reds hold off Drua but sweat on Paisami knee injury
BRISBANE, 01 JUNE 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—Hunter Paisami is in danger of missing the Queensland Reds’ finals campaign after injuring his knee in his side’s topsy-turvy 45-24 win over Fijian Drua in Brisbane.
The Reds led 21-5 in Friday night’s Super Rugby Pacific match at Suncorp Stadium before the Drua snatched back the lead early in the second half courtesy of a Manasa Mataele hat-trick.
But Queensland’s set-piece dominance at the scrum and line-out turned the match, with a four-try burst following Mataele’s magic lifting the Reds to victory.
The bonus-point win improved Queensland’s regular-season record to 8-6. But their hopes of landing fourth spot were already extinguished before Friday’s match after the Crusaders crushed the ladder-leading Hurricanes 47-14 earlier in the night.
It means the Reds (37 points) are likely to finish sixth, assuming the Brumbies (33 points) beat the last-placed Moana Pasifika in Canberra on Saturday.
Queensland’s win against Drua (5-9) came at a major cost, with Paisami limping off in the 28th minute after hurting his heavily-strapped left knee when tackled to the ground.
The 28-year-old cut a despondent figure on the bench in the second half while sporting a big knee brace, with scans to determine the extent of the damage.
Mataele scored the opening try in the 12th minute when he intercepted a pass from Reds playmaker Carter Gordon before sprinting 60m to the line.
Queensland hooker Matt Faessler hit back for the home side in the 25th minute following a successful rolling maul.
A sharp pass from Josh Flook while he was falling to the ground set up Filipo Daugunu for a 30th-minute try.
And the score ballooned to 21-5 when Daugunu turned provider for Flook to score in the 34th minute.
The Drua hit back on the stroke of half-time, and it was the Mataele show early in the second half as the former Force flyer added two tries in the space of four magical minutes.
Mataele collected his own dribble to score his second try of the night and the hat-trick was complete in the 48th minute when Virimi Vakatawa’s kick bounced upright, allowing Mataele to jump high to collect before racing to the line.
“t’s pretty special, but I would trade that for a win any time,” Mataele said after the match when asked about his hat-trick.
Queensland hit back hard via the set piece. Harry Wilson scored in the 55th minute from a dominant scrum, and yet another powerful rolling maul from a line-out led to Faessler’s second in the 59th minute.
The floodgates were officially open by that stage, with Seru Uru and Richie Asiata also getting in on the fun to secure victory and a bonus point.
“It’s always a great contest against the Drua. It’s always unpredictable,” Reds scrumhalf Tate McDermott told Stan.
“I’m really proud of that effort. We were a little bit scrappy in patches.
“But if you look at a lot of their tries, they did some pretty freaky stuff to get them, so I thought our defence for the whole part was pretty good.”
Star Reds fullback Jock Campbell revealed at halftime he was dealing with a little groin niggle, but backed himself to be fit for the first week of finals….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: SMH PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 01 Jun 2026
A cross-code prospect may be hunting for a new job. These tries top his resume
CANBERRA, 01 JUNE 2026 (SMH)–These are the tries that may thrust an emerging prospect into a cross-code tug-o-war for the second time in a year.
The imminent collapse of Moana Pasifika in the Super Rugby Pacific has left a squad-load of players hunting for a job, and Israel Leota has landed firmly on the radar of the Wallabies’ next coach.
Leota left an NRL career at the Brisbane Broncos to pursue rugby union at the end of last season, linking up with the Pasifika outfit for what is set to be its final campaign after going into liquidation. Unless new ownership is secured, the franchise will not compete in 2027.
The 21-year-old winger was a highly rated talent at the Broncos, but faced an uphill battle for game time behind Deine Mariner, Josiah Karapani, Grant Anderson, Jesse Arthars, Phillip Coates and Antonio Verhoeven.
But against the Queensland Reds last week, Leota showed his point of difference – receiving the ball just inside his own half before fending off several defenders while tip-toeing the sideline to score. It followed a leaping effort against the Highlanders, which he almost made look casual.
After making his debut in round two, when he suffered an ankle injury, the flyer returned for the final five games of the season – crossing the white line three times and capturing attention for his strong frame and ball-carrying ability. He was forced off in Moana’s emotional 21-19 triumph over the Brumbies with a leg injury.
Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss, currently at the helm of the Reds, confirmed the rising sensation had landed on his radar, given his Australian eligibility.
However, he stopped short of confirming Leota would be approached for a Queensland homecoming, with the club already boasting Tim Ryan, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson and Treyvon Pritchard – who is being courted by the incoming Papua New Guinea Chiefs NRL outfit for 2028.
“His name’s obviously been thrown around, no doubt. That’s probably up to other people, but why wouldn’t you look at him?” Kiss said.
“He’s got something special, hasn’t he? Those types of X-factor players are always welcome, he’s certainly got his style.
“We’ve got a lot of different variations of our wingers … I like the fact we have so many different varieties in our team, and obviously in Australian rugby.”
Born in Wellington, Leota moved to Australia early in life and played junior rugby league with Logan Brothers, before exploring rugby union and AFL for a period. He returned to league and represented Queensland in the under-19s State of Origin.
Leota had signed a two-year contract with Pasifika, but it will take a knight in shining armour to save the club.
Should that mean Leota is on the hunt for work, a Broncos return could be an option – one endorsed by Brisbane superstar Payne Haas.
“For sure, for a talent like that – he’s super young, and any club would be pretty lucky to have him,” Haas said when asked if he hoped Leota would find his way back to rugby league.
“I’ve seen him score some pretty crazy tries; I saw one where he speccy’d [leapt over the top of] someone the other week, so it’s pretty cool to see Izzy kill it over there.
“That’s the game he grew up with, and to see him kill it for Moana and see the kind of things they’re going through, for him to play good rugby over there, I’m really happy for him.”
While Leota did not make his NRL debut, he has shown tremendous potential in the Queensland Cup – scoring 20 tries in 17 games for Souths Logan Magpies last season, while making 21 linebreaks.
Brisbane will lose Anderson to the New Zealand Warriors for 2027, while fellow outside backs Arthars and Gehamat Shibasaki are yet to be extended beyond the end of this season.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire would not confirm whether Leota, his former winger, would be sounded out for a club return, but suggested he had been keeping a close eye on his exploits.
“He’s doing well, actually, from what I’ve seen and what I’ve been told, because I’ve had a number of people always asking me. I haven’t spoken about that [recruiting him] internally; he’s enjoying doing what he’s doing at the moment,” Maguire said.
“We’re always looking at everyone, that’s the job of our recruiters. We are aware of where he’s at, and those things will work themselves out.”…PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 01 Jun 2026
Ex-Socceroo skipper backs PNG Chiefs, Just smash them, says visiting guest speaker Wade
PORT MORESBY, 01 JUNE 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Former Australian football captain Paul Wade has thrown his support behind the PNG Chiefs ahead of their planned entry into the National Rugby League (NRL) competition in 2028.
“Oh, it’s just another team to take all the gloss off Australian Rugby League,” Wade told The National.
“They all think they’re the best in the world. Let’s hope Papua New Guinea just smash them. Take away that shine and confidence. Let’s hope Papua New Guinea win the competition.”
Wade, the 34th annual SP Sports Awards guest speaker and his partner Velerie, arrived in Port Moresby for the first time yesterday ahead of the awards night set for tomorrow at the Crown Hotel.
The former Socceroo captain also spoke positively about his first experience in Papua New Guinea, brushing off all the negative stories he has heard before arriving in the nation’s capital.
“The first thing they say is everybody’s got a machete and that’s all the stories you hear,” Wade said. “But when I walked out, there was so much joy in these people.
“They are just beautiful people. Thank you for making us feel very welcome. Me and my wife are going to have a very good week here.”
Wade is widely respected in Australian football after an outstanding playing career that saw him represent Australia for more than a decade, and captaining the national side between 1990 and 1996.
Born in England before moving to Australia as a child, Wade became one of the country’s most recognised football figures. He played more than 100 matches for the Socceroos and became famous around the world for marking Argentine legend Diego Maradona during Australia’s 1994 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Argentina.
Wade said sport plays an important role in inspiring young people and helping them chase their dreams.
“The biggest problem young people have is they don’t always have heroes they can talk to because many are overseas,” he said.
“I feel very privileged and honoured having done what I’ve done, marking Maradona and representing my country.”
Wade said he hopes his journey can motivate young PNG athletes to believe in themselves.
“If I can mark a Maradona, imagine what you could do,” he said.
“I want to inspire them to be their best so one day they can make their dreams come true.”
During his career, Wade also represented Australia at the 1988 Olympic Games and played in multiple Fifa World Cup qualifying campaigns. He earned praise from Maradona himself after Australia’s famous clashes with Argentina in 1993….PACNEWS
PNG – SPORTS AWARDS: TVWAN PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 01 Jun 2026
PNG Lewas named Carbine Club of The Year at SP Sports Awards
PORT MORESBY, 01 JUNE 2026 (TVWAN)—Cricket Papua New Guinea (CPNG) proudly congratulates the national women’s cricket team – PNG Lewas on being named the Carbine Club Team of the Year at the 2026 SP Sports Awards on Saturday 30 May,.
This is recognition of an outstanding and historic 2025 season.
The award acknowledges the Lewas’ remarkable achievements over the past year, which saw the national women’s team establish itself as one of the leading emerging team in international women’s cricket.
The PNG Lewas dominated international regional competition by winning the 2025 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Championship, securing qualification opportunities and strengthening their standing within the region. They also claimed the inaugural PacificAus Sports Cricket Invitational title, further demonstrating their consistency and growing competitiveness on the international stage.
Adding to these achievements, the International Cricket Council (ICC) awarded the PNG Lewas One Day International (ODI) status for the 2025–2029 cycle, a significant milestone that confirms their place among the world’s developing elite women’s cricket nations.
The team also produced several historic performances throughout the year, recording memorable victories against higher-ranked opponents, they showed determination, and progress.
PNG Lewas Head Coach for seven years, Mahuru Dai, who also celebrated his 42 birthday on this award date, credited the players for the team’s success.
“Today’s award is the best birthday present. As a coach, this is a big achievement. Credit goes to our players who have done a huge job throughout the year. Their hard work, commitment and belief in each other have made this possible,” Dai said.
He also thanked the supporters, partners, Cricket PNG and the media.
Cricket PNG Board Chairman Michael Harrison extended his congratulations to the players, coaching staff, support personnel, and everyone involved.
“This award is a reflection of the dedication and resilience shown by the PNG Lewas throughout an exceptional year. I know, they have inspired young girls across PNG and continue to raise the profile of women’s cricket both nationally and internationally.”
The recognition at the SP Sports Awards highlights not only the team’s achievements on the field but also their role as ambassadors for women’s sport in PNG.
As the Lewas continue their journey towards future ICC events and international competitions, the award serves as another milestone in what has become one of the most successful periods in the history of women’s cricket in PNG….PACNEWS
PNG – SPORTS AWARDS: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 01 Jun 2026
Dorna Longbut scoops second SP Sports Award
PORT MORESBY, 01 JUNE 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—PNG para-athlete Dorna Longbut of East New Britain continues to inspire Papua New Guinea through her achievements in para-sport and her tireless advocacy for people living with disabilities.
A respected athlete, coach, mentor and sports administrator, Longbut has become one of the country’s most influential figures in disability sport.
Dorna has over the years broke barriers by creating opportunities for athletes with disabilities, particularly women and girls, encouraging inclusion and representation in sport.
Her outstanding performances on the field have earned her national recognition on two occasions at the prestigious SP Sports Awards.
Her first award was won in 2023, where she was awarded Best Person With a Disability Award at the 31st SP Sports Awards in 2023 before claiming the CPL Para-Athlete of the Year Award last night, Saturday 30 May 2026.
This makes her a two-time SP Sports Awards winner.
A brief on Dorna in para sport; her latest accolade followed an exceptional 2025 season where she made a comeback from injury.
At the Pacific Mini Games, Dorna won gold medals in the Women’s 100m Ambulant and Long Jump Ambulant events, while also securing silver in Shotput.
She carried that form into the national championships in Goroka, where she was crowned national champion in all three disciplines.
Through her work as a coach, assistant team manager and mentor, she continues to champion equal opportunities in sport, helping to empower women living with disabilities to pursue their sporting ambitions….PACNEWS
PNG – SPORTS AWARDS: TVWAN PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 01 Jun 2026
TVWAN’s Terry Longbut honoured for outstanding contribution to sports media
PORT MORESBY, 01 JUNE 2026 (TVWAN)—Veteran sports commentator and journalist, Terry Longbut from Digicel’s TVWan was recognised for his dedication and excellence in sports broadcasting, receiving the Trukai Industries Sports Media of the Year Award at the 2026 SP Sports Awards.
Widely regarded as one of Papua New Guinea’s leading sports voices, Longbut has built a reputation for delivering insightful coverage across a range of sporting codes, particularly rugby league.
Terry is also a news anchor with the TVWan News while continuing his role as the lead commentator for PNG Hunters matches, the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup competitions, and the QRL Hostplus Cup competition.
His coverage also extended to major international fixtures, including the PM’s XIII matches and the Pacific Cup, helping bring PNG sport to audiences across the country.
The award recognised Longbut’s commitment to sports journalism, his deep knowledge of rugby league and his contribution to promoting sport in Papua New Guinea through quality broadcasting through TVWan Sports.
Known as TL at TVWan, he had this to say: “I’m so humbled and honored to be voted and becoming the ultimate winner. First and for most I acknowledge God who’s the source and sustainer of our lives, to Chairman of the SP Awards Selection Panel Warwick Vele and his team, major naming rights sponsor SP Brewery and supporting partners
“Thank you to Digicel and my TVWan News team and especially the OB Crew, I owe this to you all.”….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: NBC PNG NEWS PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 01 Jun 2026
PNG media gain inside look at NRL ahead of Chiefs 2028 debut
PORT MORESBY, 01 JUNE 2026 (NBC PNG NEWS)—A cohort of Papua New Guinean media representatives has departed for Australia on a unique International Media Visit (IMV) focused on the National Rugby League (NRL).
The visit provides a valuable opportunity to deepen participants’ understanding of the NRL ahead of the planned entry of the PNG Chiefs into the competition in 2028.
Participating journalists and news editors will engage with experts from key organisations across the rugby league ecosystem, gaining insight into how the NRL operates and the critical role media plays in the weekly sporting cycle.
Through direct exposure to Australian media practices, the programme will support skills development, enhancing the quality, depth, and accuracy of NRL-related reporting.
A key component of the PNG Chiefs initiative-and the broader Pacific Rugby League Partnership (PRLP) – is not only to support PNG’s entry into the NRL, but also to deliver broader social and economic benefits, which will be highlighted throughout the IMV program.
In addition to strengthening professional ties between Australian and PNG media, the visit will equip the delegation with in-depth knowledge and understanding of how the NRL functions, providing access and insight in advance of the Chiefs taking to the pitch in 2028….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: NBC PNG NEWS PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 01 Jun 2026
Olam brings hope to rural health centres in Chuave
PORT MORESBY, 01 JUNE 2026 (NBC PNG NEWS0—PNG international rugby league star Justin Olam on Saturday delivered boxes of medical supplies worth K30,000 (US$6,6,870) to Monono Sub-Health Centre and Wangoi Health Centre.
The donation, supported by the Olam Foundation has brought new hope to remote communities in Elimbari Local Level Government in Chuave, Simbu.
The donation follows Olam’s earlier visit to the district where he launched the Elimbari Rugby Football League (ERFL) and promised continued support for schools, churches, and community projects. His return showed that he is keeping that promise and staying connected with the people.
Olam was joined by SP Hunters players Radley Brawa and Glen Abavu, and rugby league legend Michael Mark. Many people from the Mam and Yagari tribes turned up to welcome them and thanked them for visiting rural health centres and sharing supplies.
Community leaders and health workers said the medicine will help treat patients every day, especially mothers, children, church members, and others, and will ease shortages at the two clinics.
Karl Bafi, OIC Monono Sub Health center said the donation is life‑saving for the people and will make a real difference in the two clinics
Mono Sub Health Centre and Wango Health Center is the livelihoods of the people of East and West Elimbari and this donation will go a long way”, he said.
Local youth and sports leaders said Olam’s support for the Elimbari Rugby Football League and other projects is encouraging young people across Chuave and Elimbari.
A community leader said, “When someone from our own place gives back like this, it shows our children what they can become. Success means more when it helps others.”
Leader of the Mam Tribe, Michel Wai, thanked the Olam Foundation and the team for their kindness and support. He said the visit showed strong community spirit, where sport, health, and faith are working together for development in Elimbari.
The Olam Foundation’s support adds to efforts to improve basic services in rural Papua New Guinea and shows how public figures can inspire real change in communities….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 01 Jun 2026
TIHWF workshop empowers Women’s Football Coaches in Papua New Guinea
PORT MORESBY, 01 JUNE 2026 (OFC)—Women’s football development in Papua New Guinea took another positive step forward through a recent This Is How We Football (TIHWF) workshop held in Port Moresby.
The workshop, supported through funding from UEFA, helps strengthen women and girls football development initiatives across the region. The session in Port Moresby focused on strengthening coaching knowledge, leadership, and player development while creating opportunities for coaches to share experiences and learn from one another.
“This workshop is highly valuable because it provides insights into topics that are not often discussed openly,” said Papua New Guinea women’s football legend and two-time South Pacific Games gold medallist, Catherine Horris.
“It creates an important learning space for coaches to go back and share with young girls that they have the power and confidence to stand up for themselves.”
Throughout the sessions, emphasis was placed on strengthening coaches’ understanding of the TIHWF programme objectives, building their confidence to deliver sessions that are safe, inclusive, and impactful.
Coaches also developed a deeper awareness of their role not only as football coaches, but also as role models and mentors for young girls in their communities.
A key outcome of the workshop was the strengthening of capacity for two TIHWF trainers in Papua New Guinea, who were empowered and supported to take greater ownership in delivering TIHWF coaches training and leading development within their respective contexts.
Social Responsibility Manager, Christine Wamala applauded the trainers for having the confidence to deliver as the program will roll out to 2 new region this year.
“Through engaging in the TIHWF program, girls and women are empowered to access and enjoy football at every level. Sport has the power to change lives,” said Wamala.
“It teaches women & girls teamwork, self-reliance, resilience, confidence, and develops leadership skills. By focusing on the creation of a safe and inclusive environment promotes safeguarding in sports and gender equality.”
Another major highlight was the open discussion around women’s menstrual health and the importance of educating young girls in a practical and supportive way.
Conversations focused on breaking cultural stigma and promoting informed choices, including the use of tampons as a safe and effective option for playing football, alongside good hygiene practices. This helped challenge cultural beliefs and norms while supporting confidence, comfort, and continued participation in sport.
Overall the workshop reinforced the importance of investing in coach development as a pathway to strengthen women’s football, ensuring more girls are supported, empowered, and retained in the game…PACNEWS
SPAIN – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 01 Jun 2026
Australia reign in Spain with Valladolid double gold
VALLADOLID, 01 JUNE 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—Australia’s women shook off their shock pool phase loss to USA on day two to claim the title with a dominant performance against the same opponents in the final and leapfrog New Zealand at the top of the HSBC SVNS World Championship table.
Having stunned New Zealand with a comeback win in the last four of an appetite-whetting opening match on the final day in Valladolid, Australia finished the job with a comprehensive performance in the final to lift the trophy in north-west Spain. Faith Nathan and player of the final Heidi Dennis both scored twice to record an impressive 27-14 win in the showpiece match.
Captain Isabella Nasser, however, refused to let her winning team rest on their laurels after their first tournament victory since their win in Dubai back at the start of the HSBC SVNS Series.
“Obviously, the job’s not done,” she said immediately after the final in north-west Spain. “We’ve got next week in Bordeaux to do, so [we have to] recover hard, train hard in the week and then hopefully put on a good performance next week.”
The Black Ferns Sevens bounced back to claim third, Kelsey Teneti scoring five of their eight tries in a dominant 50-14 win over Canada. Their performances in Spain ensured Australia, USA and New Zealand retain their places on the main HSBC SVNS Series next season.
In the men’s final, Australia fought their way back from an early 14-0 deficit against South Africa to win 26-19. James Turner and Ethan McFarland erasing the Blitzboks’ first-half advantage before the break, and Ben Dowling and Henry Hutchison handing them an unassailable second-half lead, despite the best late efforts of Gino Cupido.
Player of the final Hutchison believes his side are heading in the right direction, after they claimed their first title of the sevens season. “I feel like the group is in a really good place,” he said. “We know we’re not consistently the best in the world, but we’re knocking at the door and that’s where we want to be at the moment.
“It’s a huge amount of growth from last season and during this season – the challenge for us is to now continue that growth northwards.”
Argentina, who have stepped up a gear in the HSBC SVNS World Championship phase of the season, beat Fiji 28-17 in the third-place play-off…PACNEWS
AUST – OLYMPICS: INSIDE THE GAMES PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 01 Jun 2026
Brisbane Olympic stadium ‘fight is not over’
BRISBANE, 01 JUNE 2026 (INSIDE THE GAMES)—Protesters of the 63,000-seat arena faced another blow in their campaign to save Victoria Park last week, with the federal government rejecting two cultural heritage protection applications just days after they were evicted by the police.
Australia’s Environment Minister, Murray Watt, has received 10 applications seeking declarations to protect an area of the park under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act since Brisbane 2032 organisers unveiled their long-awaited venue plan, which indicates the construction of a $3.6 billion (€2.2bn) arena on the disputed zone.
The green space, just two kilometres from Brisbane’s central business district, is not only protected under State and Council heritage legislation, but is considered a site of deep cultural and spiritual significance for the First Nations community of Brisbane. However, Watt said he had assessed two applications for declarations under the Act relating to the early works, saying that he “acknowledge(s) the importance of the area to the Turrbal and Yagara Peoples, but was unable to be satisfied that either application met the statutory requirements for a declaration to be made,” the minister clarified in a statement, according to ABC.
Watt had previously declined another application focused on drilling works and associated infrastructure in January, but the politician furthered that they are continuing to assess the other applications made.
Meanwhile, hundreds have gathered at the site of the future Olympic venue despite having been forcibly evicted by authorities on Friday. Save Victoria Park’s Sue Bremner told the crowd they had “not given up” and were “still fighting”, according to local reports. It’s not only activists who are showing up to protect the site.
Politicians joined residents to oppose the planned construction, slated to begin on Monday. Councillor Seal Chong Wah said the ‘sacred living country’ should be protected. “While they (the Olympics) are bringing all the nations together, they are destroying this Aboriginal nation,” she said.
“My concern is we’ll lose a big part of our cultural heritage and the green space. It’s a sacred site, campsite, for our Goori people,” said Derek Oram Sandy from the Goori Camp Embassy. “And the waterways here, the springs that are here, it’ll damage the ecosystem within the region.” According to independent hydrogeologist Ned Hamer, the site forms a critical unpaved rainfall catchment, where rainfall enters porous soil and the aquifer before flowing as groundwater to spring-fed watercourses at York’s Hollow.
Former Queensland premier and Brisbane mayor Campbell Newman also addressed the crowd. “”In a city that is growing fast … these places will be more and more precious, and we need to save them. This fight is not over. The fight is not over because it is too important a fight to let go.” Though while the former politician is fighting to save the park, the current administration has been central to the controversial construction.
In 2024, Premier David Crisafulli outlined his plans for Australia’s third turn in hosting the Games, with a ‘no-stadium pledge’ central to his electoral campaign. “When we signed on to the bid, there was a figure nearing 90 percent of existing venues. That’s what Queenslanders bought into… I want to restore faith in the process,” he said, effectively killing the multi-billion dollar Victoria Park plan recommended by former lord mayor Graham Quirk.
“The pitch was restrained, regional, sustainable, and pragmatic: use existing venues, minimise new construction, align with long-term public benefit, and deliver the world’s first ‘climate-positive’ Games,” Professor Marcus Foth, a strategic design academic at Queensland University of Technology, told ABC 7.30. “That promise has since been progressively diluted.”
A year after Crisafulli’s pledge, the 63,000-seat Victoria Park Olympic Stadium was confirmed as the primary 2032 Games venue. Furthermore, the Queensland government also introduced a bill that gave the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority the power to override 15 planning laws, including the Environmental Protection Act, the Planning Act, the Queensland Heritage Act, the Local Government Act, and the Nature Conservation Act.
The move was highly criticised, sparking outrage from residents, politicians, environmentalists and First Nations groups, who have all organised and mobilised their cause, bringing it to the attention of local, state, federal and international authorities.
Victoria Park Barrambin spokesperson Peter Valepyn is among a coalition of concerned community groups that not only believe the new stadium goes against Crisafulli’s campaign promises, but also breaches Olympic host contract commitments.
The International Olympic Committee had overhauled its hosting process with the Olympic Agenda 2020+5 to reduce the cost, complexity and environmental impact of hosting the Games, by encouraging host cities to maximise the use of existing venues and temporary infrastructure wherever possible. Valepyn met with an IOC official at the Lausanne headquarters this week to raise concerns over Brisbane 2032’s planning of the Summer Games. “The Queensland government is not listening to the community’s objections, so I thought I’d take it a level higher,” Valepyn told ABC 7.30.
The Olympic Host Contract for Brisbane 2032 states that permanent Olympic infrastructure should not be built ‘in statutory nature areas, cultural protected areas and World Heritage sites’. “It’s black and white: no new stadiums, no cultural areas to be touched, and the Queensland government is doing just that,” Valepyn stressed.
Despite the IOC’s major overhaul of its hosting rules, it remains unclear whether the organisation has the power to object to proposed venues, and how they intend to hold hosts accountable for any cultural and environmental concerns. Valepyn told ABC’s 7.30 he left his meeting feeling ‘frankly exhausted’ and believing the IOC had deflected responsibility. The global governing body assured Valepyn that the petition and the concerns would be raised to the IOC president and other senior officials for consideration. However, there was no indication that the IOC would intervene.
Control of Victoria Park is set to be transferred to the authority responsible for delivering Olympic infrastructure on 1 June…..PACNEWS
