In this bulletin:
1. WEIGHTLIFTING — PNG Weightlifter Baru sets sights on Tahiti
2. FOOTBALL — Defending Champions Back in OFC Champions League Final
3. FOOTBALL — Lea’i Treble Sends Central Coast FC into Champions League Showdown
4. RUGBY LEAGUE — New knee Taina Naividi stepping up with confidence for Roosters
5. RUGBY LEAGUE — Rugby League targets schools
6. RUGBY — Natave targets PNC after Skipper Cup return with Nadi
7. RUGBY — Ravuiwasa joins Drua
8. RUGBY — Force land physical back-rower Baleisomosomo on two-year deal
9. RUGBY — Star centres Ikitau, Suaalii back in settled Wallabies squad for Argentina tour
10. RUGBY — Former Wallabies boss Michael Cheika appointed NSW Waratahs coach
11. RUGBY LEAGUE — Minister’s call over Rugby League World Cup UK paywall
PNG – WEIGHTLIFTING: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 20 Aug 2026
PNG Weightlifter Baru sets sights on Tahiti
PORT MORESBY, 20 AUGUST 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Papua New Guinea weightlifter Morea Baru says his next task is to add another medal to his collection at next year’s Pacific Games in Tahiti.
He was speaking at a welcome reception for Team PNG at the Government House in Port Moresby last Friday.
The event was hosted by Governor-General Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, his wife Lady Emeline and British High Commissioner to PNG Paul Eastwood.
According to Team PNG Chef de Mission to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games Elaine Iorive, Team PNG’s campaign was strong and encouraging.
She said for many athletes, it was their first shot at the Commonwealth Games and they did so with determination, courage and an unwavering commitment to wearing the red, black, and gold.
Baru said 2027 is not far off and he is already looking forward to the Pacific Games.
“It’s always an honour to win a medal for the country and make Papua New Guinea proud.
“I was so proud of myself, for the effort and hard work put into my preparations before the Commonwealth Games and getting the bronze medal was the result,” he said.
“I’ve been to five Commonwealth Games and so far I’ve collected two silver medals and this year’s bronze is my third. I’ll do my best in training and prepare well with a focus on bagging a gold at the next games.”
Before next year’s challenges, Baru has his sights set on the 2026 World Weightlifting Championships scheduled for Oct 27 to Nov 8 in Ningbo, China – a significant international competition in Olympic weightlifting, featuring elite athletes from national federations worldwide.
The championships will also serve as an early indicator of form leading into the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics qualification cycle.
“I have six qualification events to go through and try to qualify for the Olympic Games. I know it’s going to be tough but the big thing is I remain focused on my goals and train hard,” Baru said.
His message to young weightlifters: “There are no shortcuts to success. Work hard, keep striving, and your efforts will pay off.”….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 20 Aug 2026
Defending Champions Back in OFC Champions League Final
BA, 20 AUGUST 2026 (OFC)—Auckland City eased their way into a fifth successive OFC Champions League Final as the defending champions saw off the challenge of Fijians Rewa FC with a 3-1 win in their semi-final encounter at 4R Stadium Govind Park in Ba.
With key players Merril Nand and Josef Athale suspended, Rewa FC Head Coach Tevita Waranaivalu was forced to shuffle his pack, bringing in Asivorosi Rabo and Don Keana in their stead and it took Rewa some time to settle.
Auckland City created the first opportunity of the contest inside the opening ten minutes, when Michal Doudera nodded back a cross into the path of striker Ryan De Vries, who ought to have done better than sky his finish high over the crossbar with the Rewa FC goal at his mercy.
The New Zealand side dominated the possession in the opening quarter, Pavel Osmancik denied by a decent block from goalkeeper James Do’oro, so it was little surprise when they opened the scoring nine minutes before the half-time whistle.
Doudera was the provider, claiming a De Vries flick on to slide a perfect first-time through ball into the path of the marauding Gerard Garrriga who was clear of the Rewa FC defence. Needing to keep his cool, Garriga did just that, and rolled a confident finish past the advancing Do’oro.
Do’oro was called upon to make a pair of sharp saves as Auckland City piled on the pressure, but there was nothing he could do to prevent the second Auckland goal on the cusp of the break as Nathan Rostron reacted quickest to a loose ball following a corner to slide home from close range.
Any hopes that Rewa FC had of finding a way back into the contest were dispelled nine minutes after the restart as Auckland City grabbed a third. Matt Ellis strolled onto a pass from De Vries and accelerated away from a mistimed challenge to bear down on goal and finish with an exemplary strike beyond Do’oro.
Rewa FC immediately made a quartet of changes but, with a fourteenth OFC Champions League Final almost in the bag, Auckland City were able to relax and were only denied a fourth by a magnificent save from Do’oro, pushing away a fierce De Vries drive from just inside the penalty area.
Do’oro was, at times, a one-man band denying Auckland City further additions to the scoreboard while, at the other end, his teammates continued to push for a way back into the contest and, with time running out, were rewarded as they scored the goal of the game.
The industrious Waranaivalu chipped a cross into the penalty area which was met by a spectacular acrobatic volley from Josaia Sela, but it was too little too late as Auckland City progressed to yet another OFC Champions League showdown.
Auckland City FC 3 (Gerard GARRIGA 34′, Nathan ROSTRON 45′, Matt ELLIS 54′)
Rewa FC 1 (Josaia SELA 89′)
HT: 2-0…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 20 Aug 2026
Lea’i Treble Sends Central Coast FC into Champions League Showdown
BA, 20 AUGUST 2026 (OFC)—A hat-trick from Rafa Lea’i sent Central Coast FC into the OFC Champions League Final with a heart-stopping, pulsating 3-2 extra-time victory over Galaxy FC in a semi-final match for the ages at Four R Govind Park Stadium in Ba.
After a rip-roaring start in which both teams went out at a fast pace, attacking from the outset, it was Central Coast FC who took the lead on the quarter-hour mark, putting Galaxy FC behind for the first time in the tournament.
A long ball found Hudyn Irodao on the right-hand side of the penalty area and his touch and shot was too much for Michael Laulae in the Galaxy FC goal. The effort cannoned back off the bar and, after Bobby Leslie saw his header blocked, the loose ball was controlled and smashed home by Rafa Lea’i.
With Lea’i pulling the strings with touches of impudent class, Central Coast FC continued to push, and Barrie Limoki saw a long-range thunderbolt rattle the woodwork before the same player was thwarted by an excellent stop from Laulae.
The Solomon Islands stars were keeping nine-goal tournament top-scorer Willian Dos Santos Medina quiet, nullifying the threat posed by the ace Brazilian marksman, throttling the Galaxy FC midfield supply line orchestrated by skipper Roberson Dos Santos Ribiero.
Galaxy FC wasted a glorious chance when Tasso Jeffrey headed over from inside the six-yard box and they were made to pay a minute before the half-time break. Leslie and Limoki combined on a slick counterattack to set-up Lea’i who confidently drilled home his second of the match.
As expected of the top scorers in this season’s tournament, Galaxy FC came out firing in the second half with Dos Santos Media denied by a good save from Erick Wanega, who also repelled a header from Aengari Gagame, scooping the ball clear from inside his six-yard box.
Medina then spurned a presentable chance to reduce the arrears, skewing wide from the top of the six-yard area as the team from Vanuatu upped the ante, the same player then seeing a header kept out by Wanega who was suddenly coming under increasing pressure.
Galaxy FC’s Brazilian hit man was not to be denied though and pulled his team back into the game with his tenth of the competition with just over twenty minutes remaining. Andrew Malakai found Dos Santos Medina with a neat pass and the striker spun, ran at the defence, and curled home a superb goal.
And it was Dos Santos Medina who drew his team on terms eight minutes later. Controlling a pass, and breaking the Central Coast FC offside trap, he coolly slotted home yet another predatory finish to take the tie to extra-time.
Both teams created openings in the extra half-an-hour, Leslie having gone closest for Central Coast FC while the ubiquitous Dos Santos Medina was an ever-present penalty box threat for Galaxy FC.
But it was Central Coast who found the critical breakthrough with three minutes remaining through that man Lea’i. Substitute Fordney Junior capitlised on a slip at the back by Galaxy FC to feed a precise ball to Lea’i and the Solomon Islands international thrashed a crunching finish high into the net to seal a place in the Final.
Galaxy FC 2 (Willian DOS SANTOS MEDINA 69′, 77′)
Central Coast FC 3 (Rafa LEAI’I 15′, 44′, 117′)
After Extra Time
HT: 0-2….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 20 Aug 2026
New knee Taina Naividi stepping up with confidence for Roosters
SYDNEY, 20 AUGUST 2026 (NRL)—“I knew immediately what had happened.”
In that moment, Taina Naividi knew that she would not only miss the 2025 NRLW grand final, but also potentially the whole next season with the Roosters after tearing her ACL in the captain’s run.
“(We were) 10 minutes in … and I tore it,” Naividi said.
“I’ve torn my other ACL before, so I knew immediately what had happened and I was honestly still just super shocked.
“They obviously said to get scans and everything, but having done my other ACL, I knew immediately.
“But for some reason, my spirits were still high.”
Having been described by her captain Isabel Kelly, as “the ultimate character”, Naividi – although injured – was still buzzing to be around her teammates throughout the whole rehab process.
“I never lost my energy,” Naividi said.
I was there for the girls and I was just happy to be there to support them.
“It was really tough 10 months. I genuinely didn’t have any time off.
“It was just straight ‘go time’ from doing my ACL. I got discharged from the hospital and then got straight into rehab.
“It was super tough, super grinding, but I think it just made me better as a player, as a person too, because on the days that I didn’t feel like doing it, it just really pushed me to keep on going.
“It was really good discipline at the end of the day, but without my family and friends, and my club I would not be here today.”
Coach John Strange gave testament to Naividi and teammate Tarryn Aiken who also suffered the season ending injury just weeks apart, for the way they conducted themselves throughout their recovery.
“Her [Naividi] and Taz [Atkin] both ruptured their ACLs at a similar time end of last year, so they were both working incredibly hard,” Strange said.
“Day and night to be honest, more than I’ve ever seen girls do that rehab with the ACL.”
Naividi, who has since resumed her role within the playing squad and even scored a try in her most recent match against the Broncos, is playing with a confidence her coach said ‘she should have’.
“She’s a pretty lively character Tines, but she should be confident,” Strange said.
“The skill set she has; she’s quick, she’s got strength and her passing game is great.
“She should be confident and she should play like that, because of what she has.
“She can literally play 1-13 and be brilliant in every single position, so for me as a coach to just have someone like that in our squad is a real luxury.”
Reflecting on her time away from the field, Naividi believes it really cemented that playing in the NRLW is something she will never take for granted.
“It feels so freaking good (to be playing),” Naividi said.
“I think being injured, when you have that opportunity taken away from you, it’s just really good to remember your roots.
“I think I just want to take the opportunity to get back on the field with both hands.
“Doing my ACL, it really made me reflect on how good it can get and I never want to miss an opportunity like that again.
“So just giving them 110 percent at all times is my main goal.”
Whilst discussing goals Naividi exclaimed her desire to take the field this year if her side makes the grand final again, whilst she also has one eye on the upcoming World Cup.
“Obviously making it to the grand final and winning the premiership would be amazing, given my situation that happened last year,” Naividi said.
“But definitely playing for Fiji in the World Cup would be unreal.
“I love representing my country.
“I was able to represent them back in 2024 so, yeah, I would love to go out and play in the World Cup at the end of the year.”
Fiji Bulikula will start their RLWC campaign against New Zealand at McDonald Jones Stadium in October….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 20 Aug 2026
Rugby League targets schools
SUVA, 20 AUGUST 2026 (NRL)—The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) together with the Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL), took its grassroots outreach programme to Rishikul Nadera Primary School in Nasinu this week.
Speaking to SUNsports, (ARLC) Commissioner Peter Beattie said engaging children at the grassroots level was important to developing healthy lifestyles and creating pathways in rugby league.
“Grassroots are the key to it all and schools are the key,” Beattie said.
“What we want to do is engage young Fijians at school. Not only in terms of pathways of opportunities, but develop healthy lifestyles, healthy eating, not doing drugs and if they do that as part of developing teamwork or as part of a community. They’ll have longer, healthier lives,” Beattie said.
He said the programme was part of a 10-year partnership funded by the Australian Government.
“We’re all friends, we’re all long-term partners. So we have an obligation to be supportive of Fijians in Fiji and that’s why the schools and grassroots are important,” he said.
Beattie said discussions had already begun with the Education Department on how the programme would be delivered in schools.
“We met with the education department (on Monday) about how we engage in schools. We’re obviously going to set up a working group with them to work out the best way to do that, to consult,” he said.
FNRL chairman Rajesh Singh said the programme marked an important step in taking rugby league into primary and secondary schools.
“This programme is so special. I think this is a great thing. As you know, rugby league was not in primary schools, but this is where we’re going,” Singh said.
“I think this thing will help our kids, especially healthy living, playing sports, and also once you play sports and all that, your mind will be more active.
“It helps in education too. So I think this is a big thing, a big leap for rugby league.”
Singh thanked Rishikul Nadera Primary School, the NRL Fiji team, Beattie and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for supporting the initiative….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 20 Aug 2026
Natave targets PNC after Skipper Cup return with Nadi
NADI, 20 AUGIST 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Worcester Warriors loosehead prop Livai Natave wants to represent the Flying Fijians in next month’s Pacific Nations Cup (PNC).
Last Friday night, Natave played for McDonald’s Nadi in their 31-26 win over FMF Suva in their Skipper Cup clash at Suva’s National Stadium.
Speaking to SUNsports, the former Fijian Drua forward said he was pleased to be back playing for Nadi as part of his preparation for PNC.
“Firstly, I thank the Nadi Rugby Union for allowing me to play for them and prepare for the Pacific Nations Cup as this helps improve my game fitness,” the 27-year-old said.
“It was a tough game against Suva, but luckily we managed to get the win.”
Natave joined the Warriors for the 2025- 2026 season and later extended his stay with the England-based club right to the end of 2027.
Natave said the biggest difference of playing overseas and the Skipper Cup is in the structure of the game.
“Back overseas we follow a structured game, while playing in the Skipper Cup, the style of play is unstructured,” he said.
Despite the difference, Natave said, he was able to contribute by sharing his experience with the Nadi players.
“I was able to help the boys and give them advice, especially during scrums,” he said.
Natave was called into the Flying Fijians squad to replace injured Atu Sokobale during the inaugural Nations Championship in July where they played Test matches against Wales, England and Scotland.
Only four nations are participating in this year’s PNC where the Flying Fijians are the defending champions.
The Flying Fijians face Canada on September 12 in the first semi-final at 7pm (Fiji time) followed by Japan taking on USA at 10.05pm. Both matches will be played in Osaka, Japan. The grand-final will be played on September 19 in Tokyo.
Interim Flying Fijians head coach Senirusi Seruvakula is expected to name the PNC squad later this week….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 20 Aug 2026
Ravuiwasa joins Drua
NADI, 20 AUGUST 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—Fijian Drua continues its commitment to identifying and developing the best of Fiji’s local talent, securing experienced tighthead prop Inoke Ravuiwasa for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.
A proven performer on the domestic scene, Ravuiwasa adds strength and experience to the Club’s front row.
Originally from Tavuki, Taveuni, with maternal links to Susui, Vanuabalavu in Lau, Ravuiwasa has been a consistent performer at Fiji’s provincial level, most recently representing Suva in the Skipper Cup.
He has been a long-serving member of the Fiji Police rugby team. He also represented the Skipper Select in their first-ever match against the Fijian Drua, which served as the Club’s 2026 pre-season trial.
Ravuiwasa said he was excited about the new journey.
“I’ve been working towards making this team for a long time, so to finally get this opportunity means a lot to me. All the sacrifices, perseverance and discipline over the years have paid off. I’m very grateful to the Drua management for giving me this opportunity, and I’ll continue to work hard, especially heading into the new season. I’m really looking forward to joining the boys and working together.”
Ravuiwasa also has playing experience in Australia, featuring for the Western Districts Lions in Canberra’s John I Dent Cup during the 2026 season. The experienced tighthead has been a regular presence in the Lions’ front row, adding another dimension to an already extensive domestic rugby career in Fiji.
The move to the Drua will also see Ravuiwasa reunite with some familiar faces.
He was part of the Fiji Under-20 setup in 2016 alongside 2026 co-captains Temo Mayanavanua and Frank Lomani, before progressing through domestic rugby pathways.
More recently, Ravuiwasa represented the Fijian Warriors, featuring in the forward pack against Australia Country in October 2025….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 20 Aug 2026
Force land physical back-rower Baleisomosomo on two-year deal
PERTH, 20 AUGUST 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—Get to know the playing style of new Force recruit Netani Baleisomosomo who has been dominating with Wests Bulldogs in Queensland Premier Grade this season.
The Western Force is thrilled to announce the signing of ball-running back-rower Netani Baleisomosomo on a two-year deal.
The versatile 22-year-old forward will join the Force from Queensland Hospital Cup club Wests Bulldogs, who are currently competing in finals.
Fiji-born Baleisomosomo is a physical, dominant ball-runner, with a good engine and good skills. He’s spent time in the second and back rows for Wests this season.
Be part of the Sea of Blue – register your interest in a 2027 Western Force Membership today
The forward has been in fine form for Wests, including playing a key role in their 36-19 semi-final win over Easts 36-19 on Sunday to progress to the preliminary final.
Baleisomosomo has been named in the Hospital Cup Team of the Week three times this season, in Rounds Five, Nine and 14.
He grew up in Fiji, before moving to New Zealand as a 15-year-old to attend Nelson College on a rugby scholarship. He went on to join the Crusaders U20s Academy and NPC side Tasman Mako, before moving to Brisbane earlier this year to play for Wests.
Force head coach Simon Cron noted that Baleisomosomo fills a vital physical void following the departure of Vaiolini Ekuasi.
Cron said: “We’re really excited to bring Netani across to the Force. Netani brings a big body, dominant ball-carrying and plenty of physicality.
“He’s driven to be successful, fits seamlessly into our playing group and has massive upside as we develop him into a great Super Rugby player.”
Baleisomosomo “I’m really excited about this new chapter with the Western Force. I’m ready for a fresh start and a new challenge. This is an exciting opportunity for me.
“I’m looking forward to getting to the club, meeting new people and to keep pushing to get better.
“I’m keen to take the next step in my career and, when speaking to the club, I know the Force will make me a better player. I watched the team last year and it’s a side on the up,” he said…… PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 20 Aug 2026
Star centres Ikitau, Suaalii back in settled Wallabies squad for Argentina tour
SYDNEY, 20 AUGUST 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—Wallabies duo Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii have been named to return ahead of next week’s tour of Argentina.
The pair headline a settled squad from the sweep of Japan, which begins on August 30 in San Salvador de Jujuy, followed by a trip to Mendoza.
Ikitau missed the two Tests against the Brave Blossoms after picking up an ankle injury last month against Italy in Perth.
The returning Brumby is looking for back-to-back John Eales Medals, claiming the honour in 2025.
Meanwhile, Suaalii was ruled out of the Townsville win with a hamstring strain, having played the first four Tests of the year.
“As coaches we’ve looked to maintain consistency in selection with the bulk of this squad having laid a solid foundation over the past few weeks, through their hard work and connection on and off the field,” coach Les Kiss said.
“Touring Argentina presents another tough challenge for us as a new group, and it’s one that we know will require us to go to another level as we continue to look to build and develop our game.”
Jock Campbell and Josh Flook are the players who drop out of the squad.
Recent debutant Massimo De Lutiis retains his spot in the squad, becoming Wallaby #1000 last weekend.
De Lutiis scored on debut in the victory in Queensland, one of five front-rowers to score, with Zane Nonggorr ruled out with injury.
Lock Miles Amatosero will not make the trip to Argentina, not considered as he serves the final two games of his suspension.
It leaves Tom Hooper to remain with the squad, one of two overseas players along with Racing 92 prop Taniela Tupou.
Fullback Tom Wright can bring up 50 Tests if he features in both Tests, currently on 48 caps.
The squad, which consists of 19 forwards and 15 backs will assemble in Sydney on Saturday before departing for Buenos Aires on Sunday.
Wallabies squad for the Fight Centre Series Tests against Argentina (Wallaby number, first Australian Rugby club, Super Rugby Pacific club, Test caps)
Forwards (19)
Allan Alaalatoa (#896, West Harbour Juniors, ACT Brumbies, 92)
Angus Bell (#940, Hunters Hill Rugby Club, NSW Waratahs, 55)
Charlie Cale (#976, Beecroft Junior Rugby Club, ACT Brumbies, 4)
Josh Canham (#987, Harlequin Junior Rugby Club, Queensland Reds, 6)
Massimo de Lutiis (#1000, Surfers Paradise Dolphins, Queensland Reds, 1)
Tom Hooper (#964, Bathurst Bulldogs, Exeter Chiefs (UK), 23)
Isaac Kailea (#975, Harlequin Junior Rugby Club, NSW Waratahs, 8)
Fraser McReight (#937, Albany Creek Brumbies, Queensland Reds, 44)
Josh Nasser (#979, Easts Rugby (Brisbane), Queensland Reds, 15)
Brandon Paenga-Amosa (#918, Southern Districts, Western Force, 29)
Billy Pollard (#958, Lindfield Junior Rugby Club, ACT Brumbies, 22)
Aidan Ross (#994, Bond University, Queensland Reds, 5)
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (#914, Randwick, Queensland Reds, 46)
Lachlan Shaw (#996, University of Queensland, ACT Brumbies, 3)
Carlo Tizzano (#982, University of Western Australia, Western Force, 16)
Taniela Tupou (#917, Brothers Rugby (Brisbane), Racing 92 (France), 72)
Rob Valetini (#929, Harlequin Junior Rugby Club, ACT Brumbies, 66)
Jeremy Williams (#973, Wahroonga Tigers, Western Force, 30)
Harry Wilson (c) (#933, Gunnedah Red Devils, Queensland Reds, 41)
Backs (15)
Filipo Daugunu (#931, Wests Bulldogs, Queensland Reds, 23)
Ben Donaldson (#962, Clovelly Eagles, Western Force, 23)
Carter Gordon (#967, Sunshine Coast Grammar School, Queensland Reds, 11)
Isaac Henry (#999, Kenmore Bears, Queensland Reds, 2)
Len Ikitau (#944, Tuggeranong Vikings, ACT Brumbies, 53)
Max Jorgensen (#984, Balmain Wolves, NSW Waratahs, 25)
Ryan Lonergan (#993, Tuggeranong Vikings, ACT Brumbies, 10)
Tate McDermott (#936, Flinders Rugby Club, Queensland Reds, 55)
Declan Meredith (#997, Barron Trinity Bulls, ACT Brumbies, 3)
Hunter Paisami (#932, Harlequin Junior Rugby Club, Queensland Reds, 37)
Dylan Pietsch (#979, Leeton Phantoms, Western Force, 11)
Harry Potter (#989, Moorabbin Rams, NSW Waratahs, 14)
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (#988, The Kings School, NSW Waratahs, 22)
Kalani Thomas (#995, Springfield Hawks, Queensland Reds, 1)
Tom Wright (#939, Clovelly Eagles, ACT Brumbies, 48)…PACNEWS
UK – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 20 Aug 2026
Minister’s call over Rugby League World Cup UK paywall
LONDON, 20 AUGUST 2026 (AAP)—UK culture secretary Lisa Nandy has criticised the decision to put the Rugby League World Cup behind a paywall after subscription channel Premier Sports was confirmed as the tournament’s sole UK broadcaster.
Premier Sports, which has aired some games in previous tournaments, stepped in after the BBC reportedly opted against bidding for the event, which takes place in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea in October.
Nandy, who runs the government’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport department and is MP for Wigan, home town of one of the world’s great clubs, said: “Rugby League is a source of pride and identity that brings communities together across the country.
“I’m a fan myself, I wholeheartedly share fans’ disappointment that the upcoming World Cup will not be on free-to-air television.
“I urge the International Rugby League to work with UK free-to-air broadcasters, so the millions of fans can follow the tournament,” she said…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 20 Aug 2026
Former Wallabies boss Michael Cheika appointed NSW Waratahs coach
SYDNEY, 20 AUGUST 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—Champion-winning head coach Michael Cheika has returned to the NSW Waratahs, signing on with his former club for the 2027 season.
The 59-year-old helped the Waratahs claim their lone Super Rugby title, delivering success in NSW in 2014.
He returns to Rugby Union after a stint as assistant coach for NRL team Sydney Roosters as well as head coach of Lebanon.
“The NSW Waratahs have always occupied a special place for me – it’s my home state and I feel ready to return as their Head Coach ahead of an important year for the Waratahs and also for Australian Rugby in the lead up to the home Rugby World Cup,” Cheika said in a statement.
“Being involved in the NSW squad that lifted the Super Rugby trophy in 2014 is something I will never forget, especially the passion and energy of our supporters. This is a new time, a different time and I am looking forward to being able to enjoy those same kinds of feelings and more with players, their families and all the fans in this new adventure.
“I really would like to share all the experiences I have been lucky enough to gain since I was last here and make this a great place to play footy.
“Before all of that I want to give my all to my rugby league club, the Sydney Roosters, to help achieve our goal for this season, to pay them back for the trust and belief they have always shown in me.”
Cheika’s appointment is his first back in Australian Rugby since taking charge of the Wallabies between 2014-2019.
During his tenure, he helped Australia claim its first Rugby Championship title in 2015, reaching the Rugby World Cup Final in England later that year, named World Rugby Coach of the Year.
In total, Cheika coached 68 games for the Wallabies and stepped down after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Since then, he has coached Argentina, initially joining as an assistant in 2020-21, eventually taking over full-time in 2022.
He guided Los Pumas to their first win over New Zealand in New Zealand, marking back-to-back victories over the All Blacks.
The success continued as Los Pumas made the semi-finals of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, shifting to English club Leicester, who he’d take to the Premiership Final in 2025.
Cheika’s previous experience includes winning the Heineken Cup with Leinster in 2009 and finishing runner-up in the
Argentina is one of several teams Michael Cheika has tasted success with.
“Michael is a proven leader with an exceptional record across many years building and preparing teams to compete on rugby’s biggest stages,” Waratahs Director of Performance B-J Mather said.
“His coaching achievements speak for themselves but equally important is his sincere passion for our club and what it represents.
“We believe Michael is the right person to now lead the next chapter for the Waratahs and we are delighted to welcome him home.”…PACNEWS
