In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Flying Fijians name powerful side for Wales opener
2. RUGBY — Wales name team to play Fiji as Louis Rees-Zammit moved and six changes made
3. RUGBY — Fijian Drua welcomes expanded Super Rugby season
4. RUGBY — Pritchard dazzles as Australia U20 produce thumping win over Fiji in Junior World Championship
5. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Chiefs announce development deals for rising PNG talent
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Chiefs for Pacific: PM Marape
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Hunters hooker admits 2026 one of toughestseason for PNG side
8. ATHLETICS — Athletics Fiji team steps up Glasgow preps
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — Giant Broncos prop released to chase NFL dream
10. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘Hardest decision I had to make’: Origin star’s call
UK – RUGBY: PACNEWS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 03 Jul 2026
Flying Fijians name powerful side for Wales opener
CARDIFF, 03 JULY 2026 (PACNEWS)—Flying Fijians coach Senirusi Seruvakula has named a powerful team for Fiji’s opening Nations Championship clash against Wales at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday.
Captain Tevita Ikanivere will lead the side from hooker alongside props Eroni Mawi and Tim Hoyt in the front row. Isoa Nasilasila and Temo Mayanavanua form the locking combination.
The loose forward trio features Pita-Gus Sowakula at blindside flanker, Kitione Salawa at openside and Elia Canakaivata at No.8.
Experienced halfback Frank Lomani partners young flyhalf Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula in the halves.
The backline sees Jiuta Wainiqolo and Selestino Ravutumada on the wings, with the powerful midfield pairing of Josua Tuisova and Semi Radradra making their return together in the centres. Salesi Rayasi starts at fullback.
Seruvakula has also named an experienced bench, with Zuriel Togiatama, Livai Natave and Peni Ravai providing front-row cover.
Peceli Yato makes his return to the Flying Fijians after last representing Fiji in 2023, while Simione Kuruvoli, Vilimoni Botitu and Kalaveti Ravouvou add depth to the reserves.
Flying Fijians Starting XV
1. Eroni Mawi
2. Tevita Ikanivere (Captain)
3. Tim Hoyt
4. Isoa Nasilasila
5. Temo Mayanavanua
6. Pita-Gus Sowakula
7. Kitione Salawa
8. Elia Canakaivata
9. Frank Lomani
10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
11. Jiuta Wainiqolo
12. Josua Tuisova
13. Semi Radradra
14. Selestino Ravutumada
15. Salesi Rayasi
Reserves
16. Zuriel Togiatama
17. Livai Natave
18. Peni Ravai
19. Mesake Vocevoce
20. Peceli Yato
21. Simione Kuruvoli
22. Vilimoni Botitu
23. Kalaveti Ravouvou
The match at Cardiff City Stadium marks Fiji’s first-ever Nations Championship fixture as they begin a three-match northern tour that also includes tests against England and Scotland…..PACNEWS
UK – RUGBY: WALES ONLINE UK PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 03 Jul 2026
Wales name team to play Fiji as Louis Rees-Zammit moved and six changes made
CARDIFF, 03 JULY 2026 (WALES ONLINE UK)—Louis Rees-Zammit has been moved back to his favoured wing as Wales named their team to face Fiji on Saturday.
Wales’ opening Nations Championship fixture has been rocked by uncertainty this week, with players having had to flit between training and meetings amid a dispute over match fees. That was finally resolved late on Wednesday afternoon, allowing Steve Tandy to focus once again on a tricky opener at the Cardiff City Stadium.
With trips to Argentina and South Africa to come later this month, an ‘away’ match against the Flying Fijians represents perhaps the best opportunity for Wales to win this summer.
However, having won on their last visit to the Welsh capital, it will be a testing fixture for Wales as they continue to try and rebuild.
Following last week’s uncapped win over the Barbarians at Twickenham, Tandy has made six changes to his side – with the most notable being a return for Rees-Zammit to his favoured position on the wing.
It’s been an interesting first season back in rugby for the 25-year-old, following his return from the NFL.
Having started a couple of games on the wing for Wales in the autumn following his move to Bristol Bears – scoring against Japan and New Zealand – both club and country moved Rees-Zammit to full-back midway through the campaign.
Having scored three tries in his first two starts in the 15 jersey for the Bears, Rees-Zammit then went through 10 matches for Bristol and Wales in the position without dotting down.
Only after he was moved back to the wing by Bears director of rugby Pat Lam did Rees-Zammit score again late in the season.
Those five matches in the Six Nations without a try equal Rees-Zammit’s longest stretches in a Welsh jersey without scoring, having gone five Tests without a try either side of his brace against South Africa in Pretoria in 2022.
Thankfully, Fiji have always tended to be a good team for Rees-Zammit to face. Of the 13 international teams Rees-Zammit has faced, Fiji are the only one he has scored against on every occasion – touching down in his last two meetings in 2021 and 2023.
Both of those were on the wing, where Rees-Zammit – who has 16 tries in his previous 40 caps – will start on the weekend. Despite a niggle keeping him out of training on Tuesday, he’s fit to take part this weekend.
Blair Murray keeps his place at full-back from the win over the Barbarians, while Cardiff’s Josh Adams is brought back into the side after being on waterboy duties in London last Saturday.
The only other change in the backline is to bring Saracens-bound Tomos Williams in at scrum-half.
In the pack, there are three changes. Rhys Carre replaces Gareth Thomas at loosehead, while Adam Beard starts alongside Ben Carter after being in Top 14 final action with Montpellier last Saturday.
The other change sees back-row Alex Mann continue to be the only other player alongside captain Dewi Lake to start every Test match under Tandy – with Saturday being his 10th cap under the new Wales coach.
On the bench, Taine Plumtree provides second-row cover, while Ospreys tighthead Ben Warren is in line for his Test debut.
Wales: Blair Murray; Louis Rees-Zammit, Eddie James, Joe Hawkins, Josh Adams; Dan Edwards, Tomos Williams; Rhys Carre, Dewi Lake (c), Dillon Lewis, Ben Carter, Adam Beard, Alex Mann, Jac Morgan, Aaron Wainwright.
Replacement: Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Ben Warren, Taine Plumtree, James Botham, Kieran Hardy, Sam Costelow, Ellis Mee….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 03 Jul 2026
Fijian Drua welcomes expanded Super Rugby season
NADI, 03 JULY 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The Fijian Drua has welcomed the announcement by Super Rugby Pacific confirming an expanded 2027 competition.
It will be a 17-week regular season and a revamped Finals Series set to deliver more rugby and higher stakes across the campaign.
The 2027 season will kick off on 12 February, with each team playing 16 regular season matches before the top six progress to a new-look Finals Series that rewards the top two teams with direct qualification to the semi-finals.
Fijian Drua chief executive officer Jeff Miller said, “The expanded season is a great outcome for our players, sponsors, fans and the competition as a whole.
“More matches mean more opportunities for the DruaNation to get behind the Drua, while the new Finals format places even greater value on consistency throughout the regular season.
“It’s an exciting evolution for Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific, and we look forward to embracing the challenge as we continue building towards the 2027 season.
“Working with our amazing sponsors, we will have more activations for fan engagement, more giveaways and prizes, as well as the curtain-raiser ‘A Games’ featuring even more of your favourite Drua and provincial rugby stars.”
Further details regarding the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific draw will be announced in the coming weeks….PACNEWS
GEORG – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 03 Jul 2026
Pritchard dazzles as Australia U20 produce thumping win over Fiji in Junior World Championship
TBLISI, 03 JULY 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—Queensland Reds star Treyvon Pritchard has reaffirmed his status as one of the best teenagers in the world as Australia U20 produced a dominant 53-17 win over Fiji in their second match of the Junior World Championship.
Pritchard was the catalyst behind a dominant first half, creating one and scoring another to build a strong early lead that set up the win.
It started in the eighth minute when the centre skipped past two and fended another, drawing the fullback with a freakish flick pass for Tom Farr-Jones for the try.
Pritchard, who was a key member in the Reds’ Super Rugby campaign, added to the highlight reel with a solo effort in the 23rd minute to dummy past his defender and beat two more for the five pointer.
He finished his afternoon with a game-high 12 tackle busts on six remarkable carries during a 59-minute stint.
It helped the Aussies build a comprehensive 36-3 advantage at the break, and they were rarely troubled.
Farr-Jones was strong on the wing, answering a second-half try by the Fijians with his second to secure the win.
It comes after the nephew of legendary Wallaby Nick missed the opener due to illness.
He wasn’t the only second generation star to deliver as Toby Brial, son of former Walkaby Michael, got in on the fun with a double.
The brother of Reds back-rower Toby got the first and last of the half, making good use of his elevation to the tight five.
The Aussies found themselves down to 14 on three occasions, at one stage reduced to 13, after yellows to Jacob Job, Edwin Langi and Charlie Bird.
However, they managed to hold off the Fijians and punished them when they went down a man as Marshall le Maitre locked up the result with 15 to go.
Replacement scrumhalf Angus Grover brought up the half-century as Fiji dealt with another yellow card, bringing the total to six for the game.
It sets up a crucial decider with France next week, with the winner advancing to the semi-finals.
The French struggled early against Spain, trailing 20-10 before rolling to a 57-32 win….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 03 Jul 2026
PNG Chiefs announce development deals for rising PNG talent
PORT MORESBY, 03 JULY 2026 (NRL)—PNG Chiefs have continued to build for the future with the announcement of Papua New Guinea talents Gairo Voro, Morea Morea and Finley Glare as the club’s inaugural development players ahead of its entry to the NRL in 2028.
The trio – all currently playing for London Broncos – become the first PNG-born players to officially join the Chiefs’ squad for its inaugural season.
Voro, Morea and Glare have all signed two-year development contracts, also becoming the first players signed to the club’s development pathway — an important milestone as the Chiefs continue their commitment to create a strong pathway for Papua New Guinea talent.
PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said the signings were a significant step in the development of local rugby league talent in the region.
“Today is an important day for the Chiefs as we highlight the opportunities that this rugby league team will create for Papua New Guinea,” McPherson said.
“We are proud to have Gairo, Morea and Finley join the Chiefs ahead of the 2028 season and we celebrate together the way they have earned this opportunity through their hard work, passion and talent.
“As an organisation, we know how important this team will be not just on the field but off it, and these three players will help to demonstrate our commitment to building strong pathways and an inspiration for all young Papua New Guinea players.
“These young men are great ambassadors for our country, and we can’t wait to officially welcome them and their families to the Chiefs in 2028.”
Voro, 23, is an international five-eighth who progressed through the PNG system, making his PNG Hunters debut in 2024 before going on to represent the Kumuls at Test level in 2025. He has scored 18 tries in 20 games for London Broncos through 2026.
Morea, 25, is a fullback who also represented the Kumuls in 2024 and 2025, scoring 29 tries in 17 games for the Broncos to be the leading try-scorer in the Championship so far this season.
Glare, 22, has followed a similar pathway to Voro and Morea, progressing through the Hunters’ pathway before making his Test debut for the Kumuls in 2025. A previous captain of the Junior Kumuls, the hooker has scored 14 tries in 12 games for the Broncos.
PNG Chiefs General Manager – Football Michael Chammas said the contracts were a reward for the players’ performances and welcomed their continued development ahead of the Chiefs’ inaugural season in 2028.
“These three players are part of the next wave of talent that will come through the PNG system for many years to come,” Chammas said.
“The announcement of these deals is a significant moment for our club, but they are also important in developing a strong NRL squad that is ready to compete and be successful from the very first whistle.
“We’re looking forward to seeing how Gairo, Morea and Finley continue to perform with London this season and their continued development with us in the years to come.”
PNG Chiefs would like to thank London Broncos for their professionalism throughout the process with Gairo, Morea and Finley, and the PNG Hunters for their development of the trio…..PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 03 Jul 2026
PNG Chiefs for Pacific: PM Marape
PORT MORESBY, 03 JULY 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—The PNG Chiefs have announced three new local additions to their development programme, as Prime Minister James Marape reminded everyone that the club must unite not only Papua New Guineans but also the wider Pacific rugby league family, including players and supporters from Australia, New Zealand, Far North Queensland and the Pacific Island nations
Meanwhile, rugby league’s expansion bid gets more interesting as latest news reveal the likelihood of a 20th NRL franchise to be included by either 2029 or 2030 season, and that would be club No.2 out of New Zealand.
A number of floated bids have been reported from New Zealand for a second team, effectively taking over the potential of another team in Queensland joining the NRL.
During a meeting on Tuesday, Marape reminded the PNG Chiefs board and management that PNG’s NRL entry in 2028 is a sporting milestone that would set the pace for national unity and deeper Pacific partnership and peace.
The PM said it is a strategy that would set the benchmark to drive tourism expansion and economic opportunities.
Chiefs’ executives also briefed him on the club’s progress on preparations heading towards 2028, player recruitment, accommodation and facilities, fan ownership, city readiness and the wider social and economic opportunities that will flow from participation.
“In preparing the PNG Chiefs for 2028, we are constructing a future for our young people, our country and our Pacific region. Rugby league and the PNG Chiefs can become an even stronger bridge between PNG, Australia, New Zealand and our fellow Pacific Island countries,” Marape said in a statement.
He told the Chiefs’ managers that the club’s player pathway and recruitment strategy should reflect the inclusive Pacific character of the franchise, while maintaining a strong Papua New Guinean identity at its heart.
He said eligible players from PNG, the Pacific Islands, Far North Queensland and other rugby league communities could all contribute to the success of the PNG Chiefs.
Prime Minister Marape said PNG’s extraordinary cultural diversity was not a weakness but one of the country’s greatest strengths, and the NRL entry would provide an unprecedented opportunity to showcase the country’s people, culture, landscapes, hospitality and tourism potential to Australia, the Pacific and the world.
Marape has also welcomed plans for essential family-oriented facilities within the PNG Chiefs Village.
He noted that this includes a school to cater for the children of players, officials and other residents, as well as other services required to support a professional sporting environment.
The prime minister acknowledged these developments at a meeting this week with the PNG Chiefs board and management at the Melanesian Haus in Port Moresby.
He said the development of the PNG Chiefs Village must become a model community which demonstrates that Papua New Guinea is ready to host elite sporting professionals and their families in a safe, modern and well-supported environment.
“We are not just building accommodation for athletes,” Marape said.
“We are building a home for a professional sporting family. We are building a community where players, officials, wives, husbands and children can live, learn, work and prosper.
“This must show the world that Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea are ready for the PNG Chiefs and ready for the opportunities that will come with the NRL.”
The discussions also covered preparations by the National Capital District Commission for Port Moresby to accommodate the anticipated increase in visitors travelling between Papua New Guinea and Australia when the PNG Chiefs enter the NRL in 2028.
Marape said the city must be prepared for greater demand for hotels, lodges, bed-and-breakfast facilities, restaurants, transport services, entertainment, tourism experiences and other visitor services.
He said the expected growth in sporting tourism and business activity should encourage responsible private-sector investment in Port Moresby’s skyline, accommodation sector and wider urban development.
“As the PNG Chiefs take the field in 2028, Port Moresby must also rise to the occasion,” he said. “We expect more visitors from Australia, the Pacific and from within our own country. This means more rooms, more hospitality businesses, more transport services, more small businesses and more opportunities for ordinary Papua New Guineans.
“The PNG Chiefs will not only play rugby league. They will help stimulate an entire sporting, tourism and business economy,” he said…PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 03 Jul 2026
PNG Hunters hooker admits 2026 one of toughestseason for PNG side
PORT MORESBY, 03 JULY 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Reflecting on the SP PNG Hunters’ 2026 season so far, hooker Trevor Solu admits it has been one of the toughest he’s been involved with since joining the Hunters system in 2023.
“It’s been a really tough season for us this year as you all know we lost some experienced players at the beginning of the season and brought in several new guys,” Solu said.
“But we know how capable we are as a team and we know what we can bring onto the field. For me, I just don’t want to give up. I just do my best and make sure I do everything right.”
After their bye last weekend, they will face the Wynnum Manly Seagulls at the BMD Kougari Oval in Brisbane on Sunday.
“We really had a good rest last week, so it gives us a good chance to prepare well again for this weekend’s game,” Solu said.
“We are not in the best position on the ladder at the moment, but I think the energy the boys bring this weekend can get us out from this situation. That’s our focus.”
For Solu, the challenge goes beyond performance on the field. As one of the team leaders, he admitted the season had tested him personally and mentally as he carried added responsibility in the squad.
“It’s tough for me being a leader in the team,” he said.
“The responsibility the team puts on me is tough. Every day I challenge myself, work hard, come to the field early and try to lead by example.”
The experienced hooker said the Hunters entered the season knowing every match in Australia would be difficult and that competing week after week against strong opposition demanded consistency and resilience.
“We knew it was going to be tough playing in Australia. Every team presents challenges,” he said.
“The level we are playing at now is fast and everything happens quickly. We are trying to adapt and telling the boys to do their best every weekend.”….PACNEWS
FIJI – ATHLETICS: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 03 Jul 2026
Athletics Fiji team steps up Glasgow preps
SUVA, 03 JULY 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The Athletics Fiji (AF) team will head into a one-week camp on Sunday in preparation for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The Commonwealth Games will be from 23 July to 02 August.
AF head coach Bola Tafao’ou said the team has been preparing for the Games since last year.
“Some of the athletes were at the Fiji Finals, and some competed at the Oceania Games,” he said.
“Now we are training daily with double sessions.”
Tafao’ou acknowledged the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) for funding their accommodation at the Suva Apartments.
“We have received help from weightlifting coach Henry Elder, who is looking after the athletes’ strength and conditioning,” he said.
“As most of these athletes have individual events, we have different targets for different athletes.”
Tafao’ou said they are hoping to qualify for the semi-finals and record personal best times.
“We didn’t have enough competition,” he said.
“We had one competition at the Oceania Games and one local competition.”
Tafao’ou said there is a need for more athletics competitions in Australia and other Pacific countries.
“The regional competitions would help us prepare,” he said.
“The more we compete, the better we get, especially if we are running against Australian and New Zealand athletes.”
Tafao’ou added that finances are also a challenge for the team in its preparation.
“I’ve told our student athletes that the Commonwealth Games are the third-biggest athletics championship in the world, so they can’t miss training,” he said.
“They have to be disciplined, as everything needs to be spot on to improve their times.”
Tafao’ou said he was impressed with his athletes’ commitment to training.
“I would like to ask the people of Fiji for their prayers and support for this team when we leave our shores to compete at the Commonwealth Games against some of the world’s best athletes,” he said.
Tafao’ou is confident that para-athlete Sitiveni Konataci has a good chance of winning a medal in the discus throw event…. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 03 Jul 2026
Giant Broncos prop released to chase NFL dream
BRISBANE, 03 JULY 2026 (AAP)—The immediate NRL career of Brisbane’s Ben Te Kura is over as he embarks on a new journey, chasing his NFL dream in the US.
The 205cm prop has previously expressed a desire to try his hand at American Football after watching former South Sydney-contracted Jordan Mailata become a superstar of the NFL and win the Super Bowl with Philadelphia last year.
Te Kura was given permission by the Broncos to take a break from NRL training to attend a six-week NFL camp on the Gold Coast in April and May.
In a statement, Brisbane said the 22-year-old would undergo further training in Arizona with a view to being picked up by an NFL franchise.
Mailata entered the NFL after gaining a spot in its international pathway programme (IPP) in 2017.
Te Kura had limited NRL opportunities with the Broncos due to the strength of the forward pack and injuries, playing just five games since making his debut in 2023.
“I’m very grateful to the Broncos for everything they’ve done to support me in pursuing an opportunity in the NFL,” Te Kura said.
“Making my NRL debut for the Broncos against the Storm in 2024 was such an unbelievable moment for myself and my family.
“I owe the club so much for the faith they’ve had in me right from day one.”
Brisbane are struggling in 13th position on the ladder and have lost a plethora of forwards to injury and State of Origin for Saturday night’s home game against Cronulla.
Te Kura would have been a handy back-up if fit and firing, but the club have put his wellbeing and aspirations first by releasing him.
“This is an incredible opportunity and one we felt was important to help facilitate,” Broncos football boss Troy Thomson said.
“Everyone at the Broncos wish Ben and his family all the very best for the future,” he said…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 03 Jul 2026
‘Hardest decision I had to make’: Origin star’s call
SYDNEY, 03 JULY 2026 (AAP)—NSW centre Stephen Crichton has described his call to sit out of the second State of Origin match as “the hardest decision I had to make”.
But the sacrifice has helped the Canterbury captain re-enter camp for Wednesday’s decider feeling the best he has since suffering his long-standing shoulder injury.
Usually a walk-up starter for the Blues, Crichton was named in the squad for the eventual 44-24 MCG thrashing, only to withdraw that same evening.
The 25-year-old had been troubled by an AC joint injury since the Bulldogs’ loss to South Sydney on Good Friday, frequently requiring painkilling injections.
Crichton had lined up in the Blues’ game-one victory, but still below his best ahead of Origin II, he feared he would have been a “liability” had he remained in camp.
“It was the hardest decision that I had to make,” Crichton said.
“Just knowing that I couldn’t train and couldn’t get the repetition in with the boys and build that connection, I didn’t want to be a liability.
“I knew, going back to Dogs, I could get that rest at the start of the week and do what I had to do.”
Crichton has managed to remain afield with the improving Bulldogs in recent weeks, negotiating a surprise switch to five-eighth in that time.
He tested his shoulder out during the Blues’ wrestling session at their Kingscliff camp on Wednesday and pulled up well from heavy contact with the other outside backs.
“This is probably the best I’ve felt as well, coming into camp,” said Crichton.
He will need all the strength he can muster in the decider.
He will line up against Queensland’s left edge, where strike weapons Kalyn Ponga, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Cameron Munster do their best attacking work.
“It’s going to be a massive task for our right edge, but I’m very excited to walk towards the challenge,” Crichton said.
The Blues held their first field session of camp on Thursday at Gold Coast’s Cbus Super Stadium, lining up against local side Tweed Seagulls for some contact training.
Champion boxer Jai Opetaia was a spectator, with Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy and former NSW players Graham Eadie and Brent Kite also stopping by.
Much-discussed Canterbury halfback Lachlan Galvin is another guest of the Blues this week, selected among a handful of training players.
Crichton said the call-up was “100 per cent” a vindication for Galvin, who has been subject to scrutiny since his mid-season arrival last year coincided with a dip in the Bulldogs’ form.
“He’s been one of our best players this year, regardless of wins and losses at the ‘Dogs. He truly deserves to be in and around the boys,” he said.
Crichton was part of the NSW set-up in a similarly informal capacity in 2020 and 2021 before his own debut.
He tipped the experience to prepare Galvin for a possible representative future of his own.
“I know Lachie’s going to take it with both arms and use it as an opportunity to not just get better physically, but mentally as well,”” Crichton said.
“I spoke to him this morning as well and he’s loving I,” he said…PACNEWS
