In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — World Rugby confirms qualification pathway for Los Angeles 2028 Olympics Games
2. RUGBY — Excitement mounts as six set out on WXV Global Series Challenger quest in Hong Kong
3. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Chiefs secure record-breaking NRL sponsorship deal
4. FOOTBALL — FIFA U-20 World Cup qualification on the line in OFC U-19 Men’s Championship semi-finals
5. RUGBY — Flying Fijians ready for Canada test
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — Holmes good to go for Cook Islands in World Cup: Iro
7. RUGBY — Tuinakauvadra enjoying return to Wallaroos as star number eight gives injury update
8. RUGBY LEAGUE — Roosters great lifts lid on future, finals injury cloud
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — Smith vows to repay Rabbitohs for their faith in him
10. RUGBY — Five more rugby greats complete prestigious World Rugby Hall of Fame class of 2026
IRELAND – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 10 Sep 2026
World Rugby confirms qualification pathway for Los Angeles 2028 Olympics Games
DUBLIN/ LOS ANGELES, 10 SEPTEMBER 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—A total of 24 teams will compete at LA28, with each qualified National Olympic Committee (NOC) able to select a delegation of 12 players per team.
As hosts, USA will receive an automatic quota place in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
The race for Olympic qualification will begin during the HSBC SVNS 2027 season, which is set to kick-off in Dubai in November 2026 before concluding in Bordeaux at the end of May 2027.
The four highest-ranked eligible men’s teams and four highest-ranked eligible women’s teams, excluding host nation USA, in the final HSBC SVNS World Championship 2027 standings will each secure a quota place for their National Olympic Committee at LA28.
With Olympic qualification on the line throughout the season, SVNS 2027 will provide an additional dimension to the battle for the overall SVNS world champions title as the world’s leading teams target an early ticket to Los Angeles.
Regional qualification pathway
Following the conclusion of HSBC SVNS 2027, attention will turn to the six regional qualification tournaments, which will take place across the second half of 2027.
One place in each of the men’s and women’s competitions will be available from each of World Rugby’s six regional associations:
*Africa
*Asia
*Europe
*North America
*Oceania
*South America
Should an eligible men’s or women’s North American team secure an LA28 place through the HSBC SVNS World Championship 2027, the North American regional qualifier will instead qualify a team for the Olympic Repechage. The corresponding LA28 quota place will then be awarded to the next highest-ranked eligible NOC at the final Olympic Repechage.
The regional qualifiers will provide another major opportunity for teams from across the world who have not yet qualified to realise their Olympic ambitions.
Olympic Repechage offers final opportunity
The final quota place in each competition will be decided at the Olympic Repechage tournament in June 2028.
Eight men’s and eight women’s teams, qualifying through the regional championships or Games, will contest the repechage, with the winners securing the 12th and final qualification place in their respective competitions at LA28.
The tournament will represent the last opportunity for teams to book their ticket to Los Angeles and will complete the line-up for the men’s and women’s Olympic rugby sevens competitions.
Building on a memorable Paris 2024
Rugby sevens will make its fourth Olympic Games appearance at LA28, having debuted at Rio 2016 before featuring at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
Paris delivered another memorable chapter in rugby sevens’ Olympic story with hosts France claiming an historic men’s gold medal, defeating two-time Olympic champions Fiji in the gold medal match at the Stade de France. South Africa completed the podium by claiming bronze.
In the women’s competition, New Zealand successfully defended their Olympic crown, overcoming Canada in the gold medal match, while USA secured their first Olympic rugby sevens medal with bronze.
With qualification places available through HSBC SVNS, six regional pathways and the final Olympic Repechage, the road to Los Angeles promises to showcase the global reach and competitiveness of rugby sevens as teams around the world chase their Olympic dream….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 10 Sep 2026
Excitement mounts as six set out on WXV Global Series Challenger quest in Hong Kong
HONG KONG, 10 SEPTEMBER 206 (WORLD RUGBY)—Excitement is mounting as Fiji, Hong Kong China, the Netherlands, Samoa, Spain and Brazil prepare to go head-to-head in the three-week WXV Global Series Challenger 2026 tournament at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground in Hong Kong.
The Challenger tournament – part of the evolving WXV Global Series presented by Mitsubishi Electric – will be played across three rounds, with a triple-header of games on each match day.
Fans will be able to enjoy nine international matches across the three weekends.
Spain take on Fiji on 13 September to kick-off the tournament before Hong Kong China take on Brazil and the Netherlands face Samoa at the same venue.
Samoa will then take on Spain, and Fiji will face Hong Kong China, while Brazil meet the Netherlands on 19 September.
The WXV Global Series Challenger 2026 then rounds off with Fiji v Netherlands, Hong Kong China v Samoa and Spain v Brazil on 26 September.
“It is massive for us and our women’s programme. Playing this global event at Kai Tak is just unreal and it is always nice to play on home soil,” Hong Kong China’s Fung Hoi Ching said while enjoying an Aqua Luna boat trip around Hong Kong’s iconic harbour.
“We really hope that we can inspire our next generation to just pick up a rugby ball. Dream big, because there is a chance for them to represent Hong Kong China on the world stage one day.”
Fijiana captain Kolora Lomani, meanwhile, looked ahead to their mouthwatering opener against Spain. “We played against Spain in Dubai in the last WXV,” she said. “They’re very physical and a strong team. We’re really excited for the challenge.”
The centrally hosted WXV Global Series Challenger is part of the WXV Global Series calendar, as a new two-tier format means more competitive matches for fans to enjoy at the grounds and on television in the lead-up to Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029.
And that is the ultimate goal for the six teams in Hong Kong this month. Five places at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 are already taken. First-time hosts Australia, as well as the top four sides from the last tournament – champions England, Canada, New Zealand, and France – are assured of their places, leaving 13 teams to vie for 11 places.
Eight of those remaining places will be filled through 2027 regional competitions, while the two best non-qualified teams, according to World Rugby Women’s Rankings at the end of the 2027 international window, will also qualify, leaving the final place to be decided at the WXV Global Series Challenger 2028…..PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 10 Sep 2026
PNG Chiefs secure record-breaking NRL sponsorship deal
PORT MORESBY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—The PNG Chiefs won’t play an NRL game until 2028, but already the start-up club has netted the most lucrative sponsorship deal in the competition’s history.
The Chiefs announced on Wednesday that Bank South Pacific – which has branches throughout the Pacific – had agreed to a three-year deal to become the club’s front-of-shirt sponsor.
The contract is believed to be worth about $15 million (US$10.82 million), averaging out at $5 million (US$3.60 million) per season.
“This is a landmark partnership for the PNG Chiefs and Papua New Guinea and, as a club, we couldn’t be prouder to welcome BSP on board,” said Chiefs executive Lorna McPherson.
“To have this level of commitment to our club – including this period leading into our first game in 2028 – shows BSP’s belief in what we are building, and the way we will create opportunities for Papua New Guineans for generations to come.’
The acquisition of a major sponsor follows the club putting the first pieces of its roster together ahead of entry into the NRL in 2028.
The Chiefs have already signed Hull KR coach Willie Peters to lead them into their inaugural season, while also signing a who’s who of high-profile names including Brian To’o, Jarome Luai, Zac Lomax, Alex Johnston and Joey Manu….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 10 Sep 2026
FIFA U-20 World Cup qualification on the line in OFC U-19 Men’s Championship semi-finals
APIA, 10 SEPTEMBER 2026 (OFC)—Two spots at FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027 in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are at stake for the winners of this Friday’s OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 semi-finals at the Samoa Football HQ in Apia.
The Solomon Islands will take on Tahiti in the first semi-final at 11am local time, before New Zealand face New Caledonia in the second semi-final at 3pm local time, with the victors to secure both of OFC’s two slots at the 24-team age-group global finals next year, and progress to the final of the U-19 continental championships.
Ahead of Friday’s two crunch fixtures, the coaches of all four nations gathered in Apia to give their thoughts.
Semi-final 1: Solomon Islands v Tahiti
Two years after a heartbreaking semi-final defeat to New Caledonia that cut their dreams of qualifying for a first U-20 World Cup to shreds, the Solomon Islands are back in the last four, looking to make amends.
Semi-finalists in three of the previous four editions of the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship, the Solomon Islands are now regulars at this stage of the tournament but carry with them the scars of near-misses in the knockout stage from previous generations. Of the four semi-finalists at this year’s tournament, they are the only nation to have never qualified for the FIFA U-20 World Cup but can take inspiration from the U-16s who qualified for their second FIFA U-17 World Cup two months ago.
They have put together an impressive run of form in Samoa so far, led by captain Jayroll Patty who has scored five goals in three games, helping them top Group A with the maximum nine points.
They’ll be wary of a Tahitian side who have shown plenty of resilience to reach this stage though, particularly after beginning their campaign with an 0-8 defeat to New Zealand in their first group stage match.
Tahiti are attempting to qualify for a third FIFA U-20 World Cup, having become the first OFC member association other than Australia or New Zealand to qualify for the tournament at the 2009 edition in Egypt. They followed that up with qualification in 2019 and reached the semi-finals of this year’s U-19 Men’s Championship with a crucial 2-1 win over Fiji on the final day of group play.
The two nations have met at this same stage before, Tahiti winning 3-1 on home soil in 2018 to qualify for their second FIFA U-20 World Cup. Now, eight years on, the Solomon Islands have another chance to rewrite their history — but Tahiti will be hoping the past can repeat itself when it matters most.
Solomon Islands head coach Franco Ne’e said: “Everybody’s dream is to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The U-16s have done it, and now the pressure is on us to do it too. It’s a wonderful opportunity that we don’t want to let slip, and we will give it everything.”
“Most of the players have never travelled outside of the Solomon Islands, but I can see a lot of raw talent within our group. We must focus on ourselves. How we perform will decide the outcome of the match.”
Tahiti coach Raimana Bu-Luc said: “We had a difficult start to the tournament in our first match against New Zealand, but we have improved as our campaign has gone on. Our first objective was to reach the semi-finals and we’ve done that.”
“We want to be the third generation of Tahitian players to participate at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. This generation here — it’s their story. It’s up to them to write that history and go all the way to fulfil their dream. We strongly believe in it.’
New Zealand v New Caledonia
Qualification for an eighth consecutive FIFA U-20 World Cup, and a ninth overall, beckons for New Zealand in Friday’s second semi-final with New Caledonia – also a replay of the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2024 final.
The Junior All Whites have dominated the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship for the last two decades and haven’t lost at the competition since 2008, compiling a 33-game unbeaten run in the 18 years since.
They’ve been similarly impressive at this year’s championship in Samoa so far too, topping Group B with nine points, and scoring 16 goals without conceding on their way to the last four.
Their opponents New Caledonia face an almighty task to upset the Applecart and qualify for a second consecutive FIFA U-20 World Cup then, having lost 0-4 to New Zealand in the final two years ago.
They have reached the semi-finals in each of the last four editions of the tournament, also losing to New Zealand at this stage in 2018, but come into Friday’s contest with confidence from a huge 7-0 win over Papua New Guinea in their final group match, finishing second behind the Solomon Islands in Group A.
New Zealand may arrive as overwhelming favorites, but with a place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup on the line, New Caledonia have the chance to turn two decades of Junior All Whites dominance on its head.
New Zealand head coach Jose Figueira said: “Qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup means a lot. We don’t only want to showcase future All Whites here in Oceania, but we also want to showcase them on the world stage too, and we’re only one game away from achieving that.”
“The journey to this stage has been good, and the players are building a strong connection. New Caledonia will being a different type of challenge, so we’ll need to adapt and act on how we want to play.”
New Caledonia head coach Jules Wakanumune said: “A lot of the preparation for our semi-final with New Zealand will be focused on our mentality. We’re going to try a system of play that we think can disrupt them. If that doesn’t work though, we will have to be prepared to switch it up.”
“We’ve seen what the results of qualifying for the last FIFA U–20 World Cup has done for football in our country. This time we will have to work twice as hard and be twice as motivated. It would be a great source of pride to qualify again,” he said …PACNEWS
JAPAN – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 10 Sep 2026
Flying Fijians ready for Canada test
OSAKA, 10 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FIJI SUN) —The Flying Fijians did not waste any time, going through another training session in Osaka, Japan.
Speaking to SUNsports, Flying Fijians assistant coach Seremaia Bai said preparations had been going well.
“There is a good spirit in the team,” he said.
“The weather is good here and we are well looked after by the host.”
The Flying Fijians are the defending Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) champions.
The Tevita Ikani-vere-captained side takes on Canada in the first semi-final on Saturday at 7pm (Fiji time).
Bai said the team was looking forward to the match.
Meanwhile, the Canada men’s rugby team will be at their best against the Flying Fijians in Saturday’s Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) semi-final in Osaka, Japan.
The Canadians had a run when they lost 12-57 to Japan during their 100th year anniversary celebration, last Saturday.
Canada captain Lucas Rumball said he is hopeful that they are improve against the Flying Fijians.
“I think we wanted to have a good crack at it today (against Japan) and to try new things and to not be afraid to make mistakes,” he told Canada Rugby Media.
“We have a lot to look forward to in terms of set piece and detail, but I’m proud of the boys for putting in this effort.’
Rumball highlighted that they have a lot to do on the set pieces, on the forward side of the ball.
‘Then we need to keep growing and keep being confident in the risks we take. I think it pays off when we do that.”
The Flying Fijians are the defending PNC champions and interim head coach Senirusi Seruvakula is bringing over a new team.
Canada men’s head coach Stephen Meehan said their preparations are geared towards next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
“We’ll keep working on our fundamentals as much as we can. With a few more weeks in Japan-which we’re looking forward to, the team will continue to work on all aspects of their play and through to the end of the year to get a better idea of where we’re at.
“This is a long programme, and we’ll continue to use our time together to identify where we need to be to ensure we’re in a good place for Australia next year,” Meehan said.
As of now he says, they have turned their focus on the Flying Fijians. The match kicks-off at 7pm (Fiji time)…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 10 Sep 2026
Holmes good to go for Cook Islands in World Cup: Iro
SYDNEY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—Cook Islands skipper KL Iro has found an extra spring in his step with injured centre and former Kangaroos star Valentine Holmes making himself available for the Pacific nation in the upcoming World Cup.
Holmes, who played 21 Tests for Australia, injured his ankle just after halftime in St George Illawarra’s 24-22 win over Parramatta last Sunday.
Initial fears of a syndesmosis, or high-ankle sprain, meant Holmes’s Cook Islands debut might have to be put on ice.
But Iro, who is preparing for Cronulla’s elimination final against North Queensland in week one of the NRL finals, said the diagnosis was looking far better 48 hours on.
“I saw him and I think it’s a low-grade sprain so he’ll be sweet to go,” Iro told media after the Sharks’ training session ahead of Saturday night’s final at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium.
“Ah, I’m not sure if I’m meant to say that, but he did tell me he was sweet so that’s pretty good.”
Iro has played 11 Tests for the Kuki Airani although his family’s international pedigree was heavily slanted towards New Zealand since the Cook Islands didn’t join the International Rugby League (IRL) until 1998.
His uncle Tony Iro played 25 Tests for the Kiwis, while father Kevin Iro played 34, although he managed four Tests for the Kuki Airani towards the end of his career, including the 2000 World Cup.
“I’m pretty excited – I haven’t spoken too much to the coach (former Australian fullback Karmichael Hunt) yet, but I’m always privileged to put that jersey on,” Iro said.
“It’s massive for me because I grew up there, so my heart is tied to there. It makes me happy to represent Cook Islands.”
Their first game of the 2026 World Cup is against Fiji at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium on October 18.
But first, Iro has unfinished business with Cronulla.
He has played all six finals with the Sharks in 2024 and 2025 reaching the preliminary finals both years only to fall to Penrith and then Melbourne respectively.
The Sharks also enter the 2026 finals race having lost three of their last four games.
“I feel like finals is a whole new contest. You don’t look at the past but focus on what’s in front of you,” Iro said.
We have made prelim finals the last couple of years, which is pretty good, but we’re always chasing more.
“It is good to have Tricky (five-eighth Braydon Trindall). He’s so energetic, a real ball of energy on the field wanting to be part of everything.”
Iro actually scored a hat-trick the last time the Sharks faced the Cowboys although they lost the round-eight contest 46-34.
Perhaps Iro’s midas touch might return at Allianz Stadium.
“I hope so because I haven’t scored one (try) in a while,” he said, with his last four-pointer seven weeks ago in round 21,” he said……PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 10 Sep 2026
Tuinakauvadra enjoying return to Wallaroos as star number eight gives injury update
LONDON, 10 SEPTEMBER 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU) —Defending Wallaroos Player of the Year Tabua Tuinakauvadra is relishing being back in camp as the number eight works her way back into full fitness in the coming weeks.
Tuinakauvadra has joined the team in the UK ahead of Saturday’s clash with World Cup champions England in Manchester.
The powerhouse backrower is looking towards the matches against France and Scotland as an ideal return point after a torrid run of injuries in 2026.
The Brumby tore the meniscus in her right knee at the start of the year, missing the Pacific Four series.
She’d eventually return for Super Rugby W, only for a return to club footy to lead to a low-grade MCL injury in her other knee.
“It’s all just bad knees over here,”” she said and smiled.
“I had to re-jig a lot of the goals and things I wanted to achieve if I were to play the whole year, and that was a bit challenging [in terms of] accepting that I can’t play as much rugby as I wanted to.
“It’s been about staying in the moment, being present with what I have…being able to be around the girls and also focus on just rehabbing, I’m just happy to be in the squad.”
The bubbly number eight has been an unsettled watcher on the sideline, eager to make up for lost time.
“It’s been a pretty new year in terms of Pacific Four being at the start of the Anzac Day clash. That was pretty exciting, seeing that on the calendar,” she said on what she’s missed.
“I think just the opportunity to play and also coming off the back of last year, the opportunity to get better, I definitely wanted to have a good crack at just raising my own ceiling. I can still do that, it’s just a matter of time bouncing back from the injury.”
The Wallaroos have settled back in Manchester, their base at the start of last year’s World Cup.
A full crowd is expected at CorpAcq Stadium, where the Australians produced a 73-0 win over Samoa, their largest in World Cup history….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 10 Sep 2026
Roosters great lifts lid on future, finals injury cloud
SYDNEY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—Daniel Tupou’s hopes of finishing his 15th year in the NRL with a premiership and lifting the Rugby League World Cup with Tonga hinge on his ability to manage a shoulder issue that has threatened to ruin his season.
As he revealed he was nearing a decision on whether he would play on with the Sydney Roosters next year, Tupou spoke of the gruelling rehabilitation process he has undergone to return to fitness for Sunday’s qualifying final against Penrith.
The winger suffered a shoulder dislocation in a game against Newcastle in late July and opted against going under the knife in a bid to help the Roosters push towards their first premiership since 2019.
“If it does happen again then I have to go for surgery,” Tupou told AAP.
“At the moment it’s feeling great … it was painful when it was just hanging out and my physio had to pop it back in.
“We had a baby this year so she (my wife) was a bit off with me that I wasn’t able to help out, but she understands.”
A recurrence of the injury in the NRL finals series would also deny Tupou the chance to sign off from his international career with a trophy.
The 35-year-old is Tonga’s record tryscorer and has been a mainstay of the group that led the nation’s giant strides when they reached the semi-finals of the 2017 World Cup.
“Surgery would probably put me out for the World Cup,” he said.
“Nobody would have thought we’d do something like that (in 2017) and create something special for our little nation.
“It’s awesome and something that I’ll always be grateful to have been a part of.
“The opportunity to play at the World Cup will be an awesome experience but I’m not looking too far ahead.”
Tupou is without a contract beyond this year but he and the Roosters have taken a relaxed approach to his future.
The winger, who is one of Trent Robinson’s most-trusted performers, and the club’s record tryscorer said: “I’m sorting that out with my manager.
“I’ve got to catch up with him in the next couple of days and sort it out by the end of the week.
“There’s a couple of options there but it’s about whatever fits best for myself and my family,” he said…. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 10 Sep 2026
Smith vows to repay Rabbitohs for their faith in him
SYDNEY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—Rabbitohs hooker Brandon Smith has vowed to repay South Sydney for sticking by him during his ongoing legal action over a drugs charge stemming from a golf weekend in Queensland last year.
Speaking openly about the case for the first time, Smith praised the support he had received from club chief executive Blake Solly and coach Wayne Bennett.
“There are incredible people to work with, who have the players’ interests first,” Smith told reporters at Souths headquarters at Maroubra, as the club prepares for Friday night’s NRL elimination final against the Knights at Allianz Stadium.
“I can’t speak highly enough of Blake – an incredible human being who’s had my back through everything at this club.”
The next court date in the case is yet to be set as Smith fights the charge of supplying a dangerous drug (cocaine).
Police dropped a second charge of insider-betting last month.
Smith, a New Zealand Test player, acknowledged the Rabbitohs were within their rights to sack him over the incident.
But now he intends to let his football do the talking.
“I owe them a lot … they stuck by me through everything,” Smith said.
“And I’m trying to repay them with the effort I put on the field, the way I carry myself at training, and the way I try to lead the young fellas around.
“I’m a bit of a larrikin, but I’ve played this game a long time. I’ve played a lot of big games. I’m hoping my energy and enthusiasm helps these guys out, especially on the training paddock.
“I’ve got a lot of info ‘upstairs’ because I’ve been at some great clubs.”
Smith played in two grand finals for Melbourne Storm, losing to the Sydney Roosters in 2018 and winning against Penrith in 2020.
He reached the semi-finals with the Roosters after joining the club in 2023.
“At the moment it’s just staying on the path I’m on and it’s clearly working – I’m staying on the field and playing some good football, so I’m happy with that,” Smith said.
“I finally got 40 minutes out in the first half and I haven’t done that in the last five years due to injury and constantly being in and out of teams.
“I’ve really found a home at the Bunnies.”
His personal life is also on the up, after becoming engaged to partner Isabella.
“She’s a beautiful woman that has helped me progress to the man I am today,” Smith said.
“She changed my life and been by my side through all the hard stuff I’ve put her through and put myself through.
“I’m very proud to call her my fiancee now,” he said…. PACNEWS
IRELAND – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 10 Sep 2026
Five more rugby greats complete prestigious World Rugby Hall of Fame class of 2026
DUBLIN, 10 SEPTEMBER 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—World Rugby has announced the remaining five modern greats that will join Joel Stransky and Zinzan Brooke in being inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame over the coming months as the class of 2026.
Abdelatif Benazzi (France), Jen Crawford (USA), Sue Day (England), Diego Dominguez (Italy) and Rochelle Martin (New Zealand) will take the number of inductees to 182 since the Hall of Fame began in 2006.
Joel Stransky (South Africa) and Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand) were the first of the class of 2026 to be inducted into the Hall of Fame during a special ceremony in Cape Town on 27 August, two days before the second test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series between their two nations.
Jen Crawford was a central figure in USA winning the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1991, beating England 19-6 in the final. She will be inducted alongside Sue Day, twice a runner-up in the showpiece event with the Red Roses and still their record try-scorer, at the WXV Global Series 2026 match between USA and England in New Jersey on 30 October.
A day later, at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, three-time Women’s Rugby World Cup winner Rochelle Martin will be inducted into the Hall of Fame as the Black Ferns face France in another WXV Global Series encounter.
Abdelatif Benazzi, the Morocco-born veteran of 78 caps in the back row for France from 1990-2001 who is now vice-president of the Fédération Française de Rugby and a World Rugby Council member, will be the sixth in the class of 2026 to be inducted, at the World Rugby Council dinner in Dublin on 17 November.
That leaves Dominguez, the former Argentina and Italy fly-half who played in three Rugby World Cups and was a talisman as the Azzurri transitioned into the Men’s Six Nations in 2000. He will be inducted ahead of one of Italy Men’s Six Nations matches versus either France or Wales in Rome in March.
The World Rugby Hall of Fame recognises those that have made an outstanding contribution to the game of rugby throughout their careers, while also demonstrating rugby’s character-building values of integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline and respect.
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “On behalf of the global rugby family, I would like to congratulate Jen, Sue, Rochelle, Diego and Abdel on their richly deserved inductions into the World Rugby Hall of Fame, joining Joel and Zinzan in taking our class of 2026 to seven members.
“They have each made their mark on our sport, not only on the pitch but also off it. Jen was a trailblazer for women’s rugby in the USA, Sue is still the Red Roses’ record try-scorer and Rochelle won three Women’s Rugby World Cups.
“I actually made my test debut for Australia against an Italy side featuring Diego, who would go on to become a talisman for the Azzurri. Abdel continues to be a driving force within the game, just as he was on the field, as a World Rugby Council member and steadfast chair of the men’s High-Performance Committee.”
John Eales, Chair of the Hall of Fame panel and a Hall of Fame inductee, said: “This year’s inductees represent the very best of our sport with extraordinary talent matched by humility, leadership and an unwavering commitment to rugby’s values. From World Cup-winning moments etched in history to the quiet, tireless work many have done to grow and champion the game long after their playing days, each of them has shaped rugby for the better. On behalf of the Hall of Fame, I warmly welcome them into the fold.”
For more information on the World Rugby Hall of Fame, visit www.world.rugby/halloffame.
World Rugby Hall of Fame 2026 inductees
No.176 – Joel Stransky (South Africa)
No.177 – Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand)
No.178 – Sue Day (England)
No.179 – Jen Crawford (USA)
No.180 – Rochelle Martin (New Zealand)
No.181 – Diego Dominguez (Italy)
No.182 – Abdelatif Benazzi (France)
Sue Day (England)
World Rugby Hall of Fame – Inductee No.178
Like many of the best female players of her generation, Sue Day excelled in a multitude of positions. During her 59-test England career, she played at centre, wing and full-back, seamlessly slotting into the different positions as and when required.
Despite her test career finishing nearly two decades ago in 2007, Day still holds England women’s all-time try-scoring record, crossing for a remarkable 61 tries in a decade of service to the Red Roses between 1997 and 2007.
Helped by her outstanding footwork, Day scored 19 tries across three Women’s Rugby World Cups (1998, 2002 and 2006), a tally only bettered by Black Ferns ace Portia Woodman-Wickliffe. Five of those tries were scored in a single match against Italy in 2002, while she also bagged four tries on two occasions, against Canada in 1998 and South Africa in 2006. Day also represented England at the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens in 2009, captaining the side at the tournament.
While Day had to be content with two Women’s Rugby World Cup runners-up medals, she was one of the driving forces behind three Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam campaigns, captaining the team in the last of the triumphs in 2007.
After hanging up her boots, she commentated on women’s rugby for Sky Sports and World Rugby, became Wasps FC’s first-ever female President, having previously served the club as a player for 15 years, and a partner in Corporate Finance at her accountancy firm.
In another first, Day was appointed as the RFU’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer in 2017. The role included being Executive lead for the women’s game where she played a lead role in driving the women’s game forward. That included leading on the business case for women’s rugby in England to drive the growth in the game, the creation of the PWR as a standalone, independent league and leading the bid for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. She stayed there until late 2024, when she became director of Women’s Football at The Football Association.
A founding trustee of the Women’s Sports Trust, Day was awarded an MBE in 2020 for services to gender equality in sport.
Jen Crawford (USA)
World Rugby Hall of Fame – Inductee No.179
Jennifer Crawford is regarded as one of the finest female rugby players North America has ever produced. A supremely versatile and dangerous attacking player, she excelled at fly-half, centre and full-back during a distinguished international career with the USA.
A potent attacking threat, Crawford scored 24 test tries in 23 caps for the Women’s Eagles over a 12-year period from 1988-2000, including a try on her Women’s Rugby World Cup debut against the USSR in 1991. At the time of her retirement, she was the all-time leading Women’s Eagles try-scorer.
The Stanford University graduate was a central figure in the USA team that won the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup in Cardiff, 19-6 against England. She subsequently appeared in the next two finals in 1994 and 1998, both of which ended in defeat.
She scored twice as the Women’s Eagles lost 38-23 to England in 1994 before captaining them to a second consecutive runners-up finish four years later in Amsterdam, losing 44-12 to New Zealand.
Crawford’s legacy extends well beyond her international statistics. During her time as a player and later as a coach, she was a passionate champion of women’s rugby at every level, helping to create pathways for the next generation of female players.
With the Berkeley All-Blues, she helped lead the club to nine consecutive USA Rugby National Women’s Club Championships, playing and coaching alongside fellow World Rugby inductee Kathy Flores.
She co-founded the Piedmont High School Girls’ Rugby Club, creating an opportunity for young women to discover the sport she had helped elevate. The programme went on to produce six collegiate players, two college club founders and, ultimately, a USA national team player. She also served a two-year term as a Player’s Representative on the USA Rugby Board and was inducted into the USA Rugby Hall of Fame in 2019.
Rochelle Martin (New Zealand)
World Rugby Hall of Fame – Inductee No.180
Introduced to rugby at Wellington Football Club in Wellington, Rochelle Martin became one of the toughest and most talented loose forwards in her country’s history.
A professional in every sense of the word, except that she was never paid, Martin was relentless in defence and attack and had the mindset of a winner.
She was a member of the all-conquering Black Ferns team that won three successive Women’s Rugby World Cups (1998, 2002 and 2006), serving as vice-captain to Farah Palmer in the latter tournament, which brought the curtain down on her test career after 12 years at the top.
Named Black Ferns Player of the Year in only her second year in test rugby in 1995, Martin was only on the losing side once in 32 caps for New Zealand, scoring 14 tries.
Whichever team she played for tended to come out on top. Martin was unbeaten in provincial rugby with Auckland Storm, and she was also a talisman for the dominant College Rifles Club that won five Auckland club championships.
For the past 25 years, Martin has been a firefighter, rising through the ranks to now be the District Commander of Waitematā District in Auckland. She was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2018 for services to rugby and Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and she is also a mum of four.
Diego Dominguez (Italy)
World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee No. 181
Diego Dominguez started his career with his hometown club La Tablada in Córdoba and went on to play a significant role in the development of Italian rugby during one of the most important periods in its history.
His international career began with Argentina, earning two test caps against Chile and Paraguay in 1989. Through his mother’s Italian heritage, he qualified to represent Italy, making his Azzurri debut against France in 1991. Over the next 12 years, the fly-half earned 74 test caps.
Dominguez represented Italy at three Rugby World Cups – 1991, 1995 and 1999 – and was an important figure in the team’s successful transition into the Men’s Six Nations in 2000. In Italy’s first-ever Men’s Six Nations match, a memorable victory over Scotland, he scored 29 of the Azzurri’s 34 points, including three trademark drop goals.
When he retired from international rugby in 2003, he had scored 1,010 test points – 983 for Italy and 27 for Argentina – placing him among the select group of players to have scored more than 1,000 international points.
His achievements extended to the club game, winning four ‘Scudetto’ and one Italian Cup with Milan Rugby and helping Stade Français win four French Championship titles and one Ives du Manoir Cup. Dominguez also scored a record 30 points in the 2001 Heineken Cup final against Leicester.
Throughout his career, Dominguez was recognised for his consistency, composure and professionalism. Since retiring from playing, he has remained involved in rugby, working with developing young players and supporting programmes for disadvantaged youngsters in juvenile detention centres, continuing to promote the values of the game beyond the field.
Abdelatif Benazzi (France)
World Rugby Hall of Fame – Inductee No.182
Told as a youngster new to the sport to just pick up the ball and run forward, Abdelatif Benazzi quickly realised that rugby was his game. Aged 18, Benazzi’s performances for the Moroccan junior team on a tour of Europe caught the eye of clubs in France, and in 1988 he joined second division Cahors.
Known for his thunderous runs, Benazzi then moved to SU Agen and spent the majority of his career there, gaining legendary status over 12 years, before signing off in England as a member of a star-studded Saracens side for two seasons.
Having not long appeared for the senior Moroccan team for the first time, Benazzi became a dual international when he made his debut for France against Australia in 1990. A red card for stamping was hardly the start to his test career that Benazzi would have envisaged, but the ‘Oujda Bull’ put that setback behind him to become a figurehead for the formidable French pack.
Capable of playing second-row, flanker or number eight, Benazzi gained a reputation for his ball-handling skills as well as his physicality, and in 1994, he played a part in the ‘try from the end of the world’, scored by Jean-Luc Sadourny, which beat the All Blacks at their Eden Park fortress.
In total, Benazzi won 78 caps for his adopted country from 1990-2001, scoring 12 tries and captaining Les Bleus on 15 occasions, including leading them to the 1997 Six Nations Grand Slam. He played nine Five and Six Nations tournaments and three Rugby World Cups (1991, 1995 and 1999, the latter after battling back from a serious knee injury) and was named in the RWC 1999 Greatest XV, the year France reached their second final.
Benazzi holds the rank of Knight of Legion of Honour and Commander of the National Order of Merit. He has been vice-president of the Fédération Française de Rugby (FFR) in charge of international relations and a World Rugby Council member since 2023, and chaired World Rugby’s Men’s High-Performance Rugby Committee at the time of his induction.
Joel Stransky (South Africa)
World Rugby Hall of Fame – Inductee No.176
Joel Stransky will forever be remembered as the player who kicked South Africa to their first-ever Rugby World Cup against New Zealand in 1995.
By then, Stransky was an established international, with the fabled final falling midway through his 22-test career, which began with a win against Australia in Sydney in July 1993.
Stransky scored the first of his six test tries in his second match in Springbok colours in the return fixture against the Wallabies in Brisbane, on his way to amassing 240 points in his three-year career at the highest level.
In the final of RWC 1995, the fly-half scored all of South Africa’s points in a 15-12 win at his home ground, Ellis Park, including the extra-time drop goal that ensured Stransky of his place in Springbok rugby folklore.
Stransky’s talent and dedication were apparent from an early age. By 20, he had become a key player for Natal. After helping Natal beat Northern Transvaal in 1990 to win the Currie Cup for the first time, the young Stransky spent two successful seasons in Italy representing L’Aquila and San Dona before returning home.
The arrival of professionalism took him overseas again, this time to England and Leicester, where he scored 896 points in 73 appearances for the Tigers, helping them to win both the Pilkington Cup and the Allied Dunbar Premiership title.
After a successful playing career and a brief foray into coaching, Stransky’s business acumen and natural leadership led him to become a successful entrepreneur. Sports marketing was a key focus initially, while he has enjoyed a two-decade long career as a television presenter, commentator and analyst.
Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand)
World Rugby Hall of Fame – Inductee No.177
Despite his first initial, Zinzan Valentine Brooke was a genuine X-factor player.
Once described by All Blacks team-mate Jeff Wilson as ‘a team in a number eight’s body’, Brooke had the skills of a back as well as possessing the dynamic power more normally associated with his position at the base of the scrum.
One of the few forwards from a leading rugby nation to have ever kicked a drop goal, Brooke is best remembered for a 38-metre effort against England in the semi-finals of Rugby World Cup 1995 and the historic series-clinching three-pointer a year later against the Springboks.
A Rugby World Cup winner at the age of 22 in 1987, Brooke appeared in three tournaments on his way to winning 58 caps for his country, 54 of them starts, in a test career spanning 12 years. His tally of 17 test tries was a record for a forward at the time.
Brooke represented the All Blacks 100 times in total, including 42 non-international matches, and played 22 times for the Māori All Blacks. He played alongside his younger brother Robin on many occasions for club and country, and as captain of the Auckland Blues, he led the team to back-to-back Super 12 titles in 1996 and 1997. A distinguished provincial career saw him play 140 games for Auckland where his flair and finesse saw him score an impressive 94 tries.
During his distinguished career, Zinzan Brooke also spent some time overseas, including a spell in Italy with Lazio and, as a player and then head coach, with Harlequins in England. After one season at Coventry in 2002/03, Brooke called time on his pro career.
Brooke’s impact in New Zealand’s sporting landscape was such that in 1997 he was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (NZOM) for services to rugby….PACNEWS
In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — World Rugby confirms qualification pathway for Los Angeles 2028 Olympics Games
2. RUGBY — Excitement mounts as six set out on WXV Global Series Challenger quest in Hong Kong
3. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Chiefs secure record-breaking NRL sponsorship deal
4. FOOTBALL — FIFA U-20 World Cup qualification on the line in OFC U-19 Men’s Championship semi-finals
5. RUGBY — Flying Fijians ready for Canada test
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — Holmes good to go for Cook Islands in World Cup: Iro
7. RUGBY — Tuinakauvadra enjoying return to Wallaroos as star number eight gives injury update
8. RUGBY LEAGUE — Roosters great lifts lid on future, finals injury cloud
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — Smith vows to repay Rabbitohs for their faith in him
10. RUGBY — Five more rugby greats complete prestigious World Rugby Hall of Fame class of 2026
IRELAND – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 10 Sep 2026
World Rugby confirms qualification pathway for Los Angeles 2028 Olympics Games
DUBLIN/ LOS ANGELES, 10 SEPTEMBER 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—A total of 24 teams will compete at LA28, with each qualified National Olympic Committee (NOC) able to select a delegation of 12 players per team.
As hosts, USA will receive an automatic quota place in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
The race for Olympic qualification will begin during the HSBC SVNS 2027 season, which is set to kick-off in Dubai in November 2026 before concluding in Bordeaux at the end of May 2027.
The four highest-ranked eligible men’s teams and four highest-ranked eligible women’s teams, excluding host nation USA, in the final HSBC SVNS World Championship 2027 standings will each secure a quota place for their National Olympic Committee at LA28.
With Olympic qualification on the line throughout the season, SVNS 2027 will provide an additional dimension to the battle for the overall SVNS world champions title as the world’s leading teams target an early ticket to Los Angeles.
Regional qualification pathway
Following the conclusion of HSBC SVNS 2027, attention will turn to the six regional qualification tournaments, which will take place across the second half of 2027.
One place in each of the men’s and women’s competitions will be available from each of World Rugby’s six regional associations:
*Africa
*Asia
*Europe
*North America
*Oceania
*South America
Should an eligible men’s or women’s North American team secure an LA28 place through the HSBC SVNS World Championship 2027, the North American regional qualifier will instead qualify a team for the Olympic Repechage. The corresponding LA28 quota place will then be awarded to the next highest-ranked eligible NOC at the final Olympic Repechage.
The regional qualifiers will provide another major opportunity for teams from across the world who have not yet qualified to realise their Olympic ambitions.
Olympic Repechage offers final opportunity
The final quota place in each competition will be decided at the Olympic Repechage tournament in June 2028.
Eight men’s and eight women’s teams, qualifying through the regional championships or Games, will contest the repechage, with the winners securing the 12th and final qualification place in their respective competitions at LA28.
The tournament will represent the last opportunity for teams to book their ticket to Los Angeles and will complete the line-up for the men’s and women’s Olympic rugby sevens competitions.
Building on a memorable Paris 2024
Rugby sevens will make its fourth Olympic Games appearance at LA28, having debuted at Rio 2016 before featuring at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
Paris delivered another memorable chapter in rugby sevens’ Olympic story with hosts France claiming an historic men’s gold medal, defeating two-time Olympic champions Fiji in the gold medal match at the Stade de France. South Africa completed the podium by claiming bronze.
In the women’s competition, New Zealand successfully defended their Olympic crown, overcoming Canada in the gold medal match, while USA secured their first Olympic rugby sevens medal with bronze.
With qualification places available through HSBC SVNS, six regional pathways and the final Olympic Repechage, the road to Los Angeles promises to showcase the global reach and competitiveness of rugby sevens as teams around the world chase their Olympic dream….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 10 Sep 2026
Excitement mounts as six set out on WXV Global Series Challenger quest in Hong Kong
HONG KONG, 10 SEPTEMBER 206 (WORLD RUGBY)—Excitement is mounting as Fiji, Hong Kong China, the Netherlands, Samoa, Spain and Brazil prepare to go head-to-head in the three-week WXV Global Series Challenger 2026 tournament at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground in Hong Kong.
The Challenger tournament – part of the evolving WXV Global Series presented by Mitsubishi Electric – will be played across three rounds, with a triple-header of games on each match day.
Fans will be able to enjoy nine international matches across the three weekends.
Spain take on Fiji on 13 September to kick-off the tournament before Hong Kong China take on Brazil and the Netherlands face Samoa at the same venue.
Samoa will then take on Spain, and Fiji will face Hong Kong China, while Brazil meet the Netherlands on 19 September.
The WXV Global Series Challenger 2026 then rounds off with Fiji v Netherlands, Hong Kong China v Samoa and Spain v Brazil on 26 September.
“It is massive for us and our women’s programme. Playing this global event at Kai Tak is just unreal and it is always nice to play on home soil,” Hong Kong China’s Fung Hoi Ching said while enjoying an Aqua Luna boat trip around Hong Kong’s iconic harbour.
“We really hope that we can inspire our next generation to just pick up a rugby ball. Dream big, because there is a chance for them to represent Hong Kong China on the world stage one day.”
Fijiana captain Kolora Lomani, meanwhile, looked ahead to their mouthwatering opener against Spain. “We played against Spain in Dubai in the last WXV,” she said. “They’re very physical and a strong team. We’re really excited for the challenge.”
The centrally hosted WXV Global Series Challenger is part of the WXV Global Series calendar, as a new two-tier format means more competitive matches for fans to enjoy at the grounds and on television in the lead-up to Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029.
And that is the ultimate goal for the six teams in Hong Kong this month. Five places at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 are already taken. First-time hosts Australia, as well as the top four sides from the last tournament – champions England, Canada, New Zealand, and France – are assured of their places, leaving 13 teams to vie for 11 places.
Eight of those remaining places will be filled through 2027 regional competitions, while the two best non-qualified teams, according to World Rugby Women’s Rankings at the end of the 2027 international window, will also qualify, leaving the final place to be decided at the WXV Global Series Challenger 2028…..PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 10 Sep 2026
PNG Chiefs secure record-breaking NRL sponsorship deal
PORT MORESBY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—The PNG Chiefs won’t play an NRL game until 2028, but already the start-up club has netted the most lucrative sponsorship deal in the competition’s history.
The Chiefs announced on Wednesday that Bank South Pacific – which has branches throughout the Pacific – had agreed to a three-year deal to become the club’s front-of-shirt sponsor.
The contract is believed to be worth about $15 million (US$10.82 million), averaging out at $5 million (US$3.60 million) per season.
“This is a landmark partnership for the PNG Chiefs and Papua New Guinea and, as a club, we couldn’t be prouder to welcome BSP on board,” said Chiefs executive Lorna McPherson.
“To have this level of commitment to our club – including this period leading into our first game in 2028 – shows BSP’s belief in what we are building, and the way we will create opportunities for Papua New Guineans for generations to come.’
The acquisition of a major sponsor follows the club putting the first pieces of its roster together ahead of entry into the NRL in 2028.
The Chiefs have already signed Hull KR coach Willie Peters to lead them into their inaugural season, while also signing a who’s who of high-profile names including Brian To’o, Jarome Luai, Zac Lomax, Alex Johnston and Joey Manu….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 10 Sep 2026
FIFA U-20 World Cup qualification on the line in OFC U-19 Men’s Championship semi-finals
APIA, 10 SEPTEMBER 2026 (OFC)—Two spots at FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027 in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are at stake for the winners of this Friday’s OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 semi-finals at the Samoa Football HQ in Apia.
The Solomon Islands will take on Tahiti in the first semi-final at 11am local time, before New Zealand face New Caledonia in the second semi-final at 3pm local time, with the victors to secure both of OFC’s two slots at the 24-team age-group global finals next year, and progress to the final of the U-19 continental championships.
Ahead of Friday’s two crunch fixtures, the coaches of all four nations gathered in Apia to give their thoughts.
Semi-final 1: Solomon Islands v Tahiti
Two years after a heartbreaking semi-final defeat to New Caledonia that cut their dreams of qualifying for a first U-20 World Cup to shreds, the Solomon Islands are back in the last four, looking to make amends.
Semi-finalists in three of the previous four editions of the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship, the Solomon Islands are now regulars at this stage of the tournament but carry with them the scars of near-misses in the knockout stage from previous generations. Of the four semi-finalists at this year’s tournament, they are the only nation to have never qualified for the FIFA U-20 World Cup but can take inspiration from the U-16s who qualified for their second FIFA U-17 World Cup two months ago.
They have put together an impressive run of form in Samoa so far, led by captain Jayroll Patty who has scored five goals in three games, helping them top Group A with the maximum nine points.
They’ll be wary of a Tahitian side who have shown plenty of resilience to reach this stage though, particularly after beginning their campaign with an 0-8 defeat to New Zealand in their first group stage match.
Tahiti are attempting to qualify for a third FIFA U-20 World Cup, having become the first OFC member association other than Australia or New Zealand to qualify for the tournament at the 2009 edition in Egypt. They followed that up with qualification in 2019 and reached the semi-finals of this year’s U-19 Men’s Championship with a crucial 2-1 win over Fiji on the final day of group play.
The two nations have met at this same stage before, Tahiti winning 3-1 on home soil in 2018 to qualify for their second FIFA U-20 World Cup. Now, eight years on, the Solomon Islands have another chance to rewrite their history — but Tahiti will be hoping the past can repeat itself when it matters most.
Solomon Islands head coach Franco Ne’e said: “Everybody’s dream is to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The U-16s have done it, and now the pressure is on us to do it too. It’s a wonderful opportunity that we don’t want to let slip, and we will give it everything.”
“Most of the players have never travelled outside of the Solomon Islands, but I can see a lot of raw talent within our group. We must focus on ourselves. How we perform will decide the outcome of the match.”
Tahiti coach Raimana Bu-Luc said: “We had a difficult start to the tournament in our first match against New Zealand, but we have improved as our campaign has gone on. Our first objective was to reach the semi-finals and we’ve done that.”
“We want to be the third generation of Tahitian players to participate at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. This generation here — it’s their story. It’s up to them to write that history and go all the way to fulfil their dream. We strongly believe in it.’
New Zealand v New Caledonia
Qualification for an eighth consecutive FIFA U-20 World Cup, and a ninth overall, beckons for New Zealand in Friday’s second semi-final with New Caledonia – also a replay of the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2024 final.
The Junior All Whites have dominated the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship for the last two decades and haven’t lost at the competition since 2008, compiling a 33-game unbeaten run in the 18 years since.
They’ve been similarly impressive at this year’s championship in Samoa so far too, topping Group B with nine points, and scoring 16 goals without conceding on their way to the last four.
Their opponents New Caledonia face an almighty task to upset the Applecart and qualify for a second consecutive FIFA U-20 World Cup then, having lost 0-4 to New Zealand in the final two years ago.
They have reached the semi-finals in each of the last four editions of the tournament, also losing to New Zealand at this stage in 2018, but come into Friday’s contest with confidence from a huge 7-0 win over Papua New Guinea in their final group match, finishing second behind the Solomon Islands in Group A.
New Zealand may arrive as overwhelming favorites, but with a place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup on the line, New Caledonia have the chance to turn two decades of Junior All Whites dominance on its head.
New Zealand head coach Jose Figueira said: “Qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup means a lot. We don’t only want to showcase future All Whites here in Oceania, but we also want to showcase them on the world stage too, and we’re only one game away from achieving that.”
“The journey to this stage has been good, and the players are building a strong connection. New Caledonia will being a different type of challenge, so we’ll need to adapt and act on how we want to play.”
New Caledonia head coach Jules Wakanumune said: “A lot of the preparation for our semi-final with New Zealand will be focused on our mentality. We’re going to try a system of play that we think can disrupt them. If that doesn’t work though, we will have to be prepared to switch it up.”
“We’ve seen what the results of qualifying for the last FIFA U–20 World Cup has done for football in our country. This time we will have to work twice as hard and be twice as motivated. It would be a great source of pride to qualify again,” he said …PACNEWS
JAPAN – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 10 Sep 2026
Flying Fijians ready for Canada test
OSAKA, 10 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FIJI SUN) —The Flying Fijians did not waste any time, going through another training session in Osaka, Japan.
Speaking to SUNsports, Flying Fijians assistant coach Seremaia Bai said preparations had been going well.
“There is a good spirit in the team,” he said.
“The weather is good here and we are well looked after by the host.”
The Flying Fijians are the defending Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) champions.
The Tevita Ikani-vere-captained side takes on Canada in the first semi-final on Saturday at 7pm (Fiji time).
Bai said the team was looking forward to the match.
Meanwhile, the Canada men’s rugby team will be at their best against the Flying Fijians in Saturday’s Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) semi-final in Osaka, Japan.
The Canadians had a run when they lost 12-57 to Japan during their 100th year anniversary celebration, last Saturday.
Canada captain Lucas Rumball said he is hopeful that they are improve against the Flying Fijians.
“I think we wanted to have a good crack at it today (against Japan) and to try new things and to not be afraid to make mistakes,” he told Canada Rugby Media.
“We have a lot to look forward to in terms of set piece and detail, but I’m proud of the boys for putting in this effort.’
Rumball highlighted that they have a lot to do on the set pieces, on the forward side of the ball.
‘Then we need to keep growing and keep being confident in the risks we take. I think it pays off when we do that.”
The Flying Fijians are the defending PNC champions and interim head coach Senirusi Seruvakula is bringing over a new team.
Canada men’s head coach Stephen Meehan said their preparations are geared towards next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
“We’ll keep working on our fundamentals as much as we can. With a few more weeks in Japan-which we’re looking forward to, the team will continue to work on all aspects of their play and through to the end of the year to get a better idea of where we’re at.
“This is a long programme, and we’ll continue to use our time together to identify where we need to be to ensure we’re in a good place for Australia next year,” Meehan said.
As of now he says, they have turned their focus on the Flying Fijians. The match kicks-off at 7pm (Fiji time)…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 10 Sep 2026
Holmes good to go for Cook Islands in World Cup: Iro
SYDNEY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—Cook Islands skipper KL Iro has found an extra spring in his step with injured centre and former Kangaroos star Valentine Holmes making himself available for the Pacific nation in the upcoming World Cup.
Holmes, who played 21 Tests for Australia, injured his ankle just after halftime in St George Illawarra’s 24-22 win over Parramatta last Sunday.
Initial fears of a syndesmosis, or high-ankle sprain, meant Holmes’s Cook Islands debut might have to be put on ice.
But Iro, who is preparing for Cronulla’s elimination final against North Queensland in week one of the NRL finals, said the diagnosis was looking far better 48 hours on.
“I saw him and I think it’s a low-grade sprain so he’ll be sweet to go,” Iro told media after the Sharks’ training session ahead of Saturday night’s final at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium.
“Ah, I’m not sure if I’m meant to say that, but he did tell me he was sweet so that’s pretty good.”
Iro has played 11 Tests for the Kuki Airani although his family’s international pedigree was heavily slanted towards New Zealand since the Cook Islands didn’t join the International Rugby League (IRL) until 1998.
His uncle Tony Iro played 25 Tests for the Kiwis, while father Kevin Iro played 34, although he managed four Tests for the Kuki Airani towards the end of his career, including the 2000 World Cup.
“I’m pretty excited – I haven’t spoken too much to the coach (former Australian fullback Karmichael Hunt) yet, but I’m always privileged to put that jersey on,” Iro said.
“It’s massive for me because I grew up there, so my heart is tied to there. It makes me happy to represent Cook Islands.”
Their first game of the 2026 World Cup is against Fiji at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium on October 18.
But first, Iro has unfinished business with Cronulla.
He has played all six finals with the Sharks in 2024 and 2025 reaching the preliminary finals both years only to fall to Penrith and then Melbourne respectively.
The Sharks also enter the 2026 finals race having lost three of their last four games.
“I feel like finals is a whole new contest. You don’t look at the past but focus on what’s in front of you,” Iro said.
We have made prelim finals the last couple of years, which is pretty good, but we’re always chasing more.
“It is good to have Tricky (five-eighth Braydon Trindall). He’s so energetic, a real ball of energy on the field wanting to be part of everything.”
Iro actually scored a hat-trick the last time the Sharks faced the Cowboys although they lost the round-eight contest 46-34.
Perhaps Iro’s midas touch might return at Allianz Stadium.
“I hope so because I haven’t scored one (try) in a while,” he said, with his last four-pointer seven weeks ago in round 21,” he said……PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 10 Sep 2026
Tuinakauvadra enjoying return to Wallaroos as star number eight gives injury update
LONDON, 10 SEPTEMBER 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU) —Defending Wallaroos Player of the Year Tabua Tuinakauvadra is relishing being back in camp as the number eight works her way back into full fitness in the coming weeks.
Tuinakauvadra has joined the team in the UK ahead of Saturday’s clash with World Cup champions England in Manchester.
The powerhouse backrower is looking towards the matches against France and Scotland as an ideal return point after a torrid run of injuries in 2026.
The Brumby tore the meniscus in her right knee at the start of the year, missing the Pacific Four series.
She’d eventually return for Super Rugby W, only for a return to club footy to lead to a low-grade MCL injury in her other knee.
“It’s all just bad knees over here,”” she said and smiled.
“I had to re-jig a lot of the goals and things I wanted to achieve if I were to play the whole year, and that was a bit challenging [in terms of] accepting that I can’t play as much rugby as I wanted to.
“It’s been about staying in the moment, being present with what I have…being able to be around the girls and also focus on just rehabbing, I’m just happy to be in the squad.”
The bubbly number eight has been an unsettled watcher on the sideline, eager to make up for lost time.
“It’s been a pretty new year in terms of Pacific Four being at the start of the Anzac Day clash. That was pretty exciting, seeing that on the calendar,” she said on what she’s missed.
“I think just the opportunity to play and also coming off the back of last year, the opportunity to get better, I definitely wanted to have a good crack at just raising my own ceiling. I can still do that, it’s just a matter of time bouncing back from the injury.”
The Wallaroos have settled back in Manchester, their base at the start of last year’s World Cup.
A full crowd is expected at CorpAcq Stadium, where the Australians produced a 73-0 win over Samoa, their largest in World Cup history….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 10 Sep 2026
Roosters great lifts lid on future, finals injury cloud
SYDNEY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—Daniel Tupou’s hopes of finishing his 15th year in the NRL with a premiership and lifting the Rugby League World Cup with Tonga hinge on his ability to manage a shoulder issue that has threatened to ruin his season.
As he revealed he was nearing a decision on whether he would play on with the Sydney Roosters next year, Tupou spoke of the gruelling rehabilitation process he has undergone to return to fitness for Sunday’s qualifying final against Penrith.
The winger suffered a shoulder dislocation in a game against Newcastle in late July and opted against going under the knife in a bid to help the Roosters push towards their first premiership since 2019.
“If it does happen again then I have to go for surgery,” Tupou told AAP.
“At the moment it’s feeling great … it was painful when it was just hanging out and my physio had to pop it back in.
“We had a baby this year so she (my wife) was a bit off with me that I wasn’t able to help out, but she understands.”
A recurrence of the injury in the NRL finals series would also deny Tupou the chance to sign off from his international career with a trophy.
The 35-year-old is Tonga’s record tryscorer and has been a mainstay of the group that led the nation’s giant strides when they reached the semi-finals of the 2017 World Cup.
“Surgery would probably put me out for the World Cup,” he said.
“Nobody would have thought we’d do something like that (in 2017) and create something special for our little nation.
“It’s awesome and something that I’ll always be grateful to have been a part of.
“The opportunity to play at the World Cup will be an awesome experience but I’m not looking too far ahead.”
Tupou is without a contract beyond this year but he and the Roosters have taken a relaxed approach to his future.
The winger, who is one of Trent Robinson’s most-trusted performers, and the club’s record tryscorer said: “I’m sorting that out with my manager.
“I’ve got to catch up with him in the next couple of days and sort it out by the end of the week.
“There’s a couple of options there but it’s about whatever fits best for myself and my family,” he said…. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 10 Sep 2026
Smith vows to repay Rabbitohs for their faith in him
SYDNEY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—Rabbitohs hooker Brandon Smith has vowed to repay South Sydney for sticking by him during his ongoing legal action over a drugs charge stemming from a golf weekend in Queensland last year.
Speaking openly about the case for the first time, Smith praised the support he had received from club chief executive Blake Solly and coach Wayne Bennett.
“There are incredible people to work with, who have the players’ interests first,” Smith told reporters at Souths headquarters at Maroubra, as the club prepares for Friday night’s NRL elimination final against the Knights at Allianz Stadium.
“I can’t speak highly enough of Blake – an incredible human being who’s had my back through everything at this club.”
The next court date in the case is yet to be set as Smith fights the charge of supplying a dangerous drug (cocaine).
Police dropped a second charge of insider-betting last month.
Smith, a New Zealand Test player, acknowledged the Rabbitohs were within their rights to sack him over the incident.
But now he intends to let his football do the talking.
“I owe them a lot … they stuck by me through everything,” Smith said.
“And I’m trying to repay them with the effort I put on the field, the way I carry myself at training, and the way I try to lead the young fellas around.
“I’m a bit of a larrikin, but I’ve played this game a long time. I’ve played a lot of big games. I’m hoping my energy and enthusiasm helps these guys out, especially on the training paddock.
“I’ve got a lot of info ‘upstairs’ because I’ve been at some great clubs.”
Smith played in two grand finals for Melbourne Storm, losing to the Sydney Roosters in 2018 and winning against Penrith in 2020.
He reached the semi-finals with the Roosters after joining the club in 2023.
“At the moment it’s just staying on the path I’m on and it’s clearly working – I’m staying on the field and playing some good football, so I’m happy with that,” Smith said.
“I finally got 40 minutes out in the first half and I haven’t done that in the last five years due to injury and constantly being in and out of teams.
“I’ve really found a home at the Bunnies.”
His personal life is also on the up, after becoming engaged to partner Isabella.
“She’s a beautiful woman that has helped me progress to the man I am today,” Smith said.
“She changed my life and been by my side through all the hard stuff I’ve put her through and put myself through.
“I’m very proud to call her my fiancee now,” he said…. PACNEWS
IRELAND – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 10 Sep 2026
Five more rugby greats complete prestigious World Rugby Hall of Fame class of 2026
DUBLIN, 10 SEPTEMBER 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—World Rugby has announced the remaining five modern greats that will join Joel Stransky and Zinzan Brooke in being inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame over the coming months as the class of 2026.
Abdelatif Benazzi (France), Jen Crawford (USA), Sue Day (England), Diego Dominguez (Italy) and Rochelle Martin (New Zealand) will take the number of inductees to 182 since the Hall of Fame began in 2006.
Joel Stransky (South Africa) and Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand) were the first of the class of 2026 to be inducted into the Hall of Fame during a special ceremony in Cape Town on 27 August, two days before the second test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series between their two nations.
Jen Crawford was a central figure in USA winning the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1991, beating England 19-6 in the final. She will be inducted alongside Sue Day, twice a runner-up in the showpiece event with the Red Roses and still their record try-scorer, at the WXV Global Series 2026 match between USA and England in New Jersey on 30 October.
A day later, at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, three-time Women’s Rugby World Cup winner Rochelle Martin will be inducted into the Hall of Fame as the Black Ferns face France in another WXV Global Series encounter.
Abdelatif Benazzi, the Morocco-born veteran of 78 caps in the back row for France from 1990-2001 who is now vice-president of the Fédération Française de Rugby and a World Rugby Council member, will be the sixth in the class of 2026 to be inducted, at the World Rugby Council dinner in Dublin on 17 November.
That leaves Dominguez, the former Argentina and Italy fly-half who played in three Rugby World Cups and was a talisman as the Azzurri transitioned into the Men’s Six Nations in 2000. He will be inducted ahead of one of Italy Men’s Six Nations matches versus either France or Wales in Rome in March.
The World Rugby Hall of Fame recognises those that have made an outstanding contribution to the game of rugby throughout their careers, while also demonstrating rugby’s character-building values of integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline and respect.
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “On behalf of the global rugby family, I would like to congratulate Jen, Sue, Rochelle, Diego and Abdel on their richly deserved inductions into the World Rugby Hall of Fame, joining Joel and Zinzan in taking our class of 2026 to seven members.
“They have each made their mark on our sport, not only on the pitch but also off it. Jen was a trailblazer for women’s rugby in the USA, Sue is still the Red Roses’ record try-scorer and Rochelle won three Women’s Rugby World Cups.
“I actually made my test debut for Australia against an Italy side featuring Diego, who would go on to become a talisman for the Azzurri. Abdel continues to be a driving force within the game, just as he was on the field, as a World Rugby Council member and steadfast chair of the men’s High-Performance Committee.”
John Eales, Chair of the Hall of Fame panel and a Hall of Fame inductee, said: “This year’s inductees represent the very best of our sport with extraordinary talent matched by humility, leadership and an unwavering commitment to rugby’s values. From World Cup-winning moments etched in history to the quiet, tireless work many have done to grow and champion the game long after their playing days, each of them has shaped rugby for the better. On behalf of the Hall of Fame, I warmly welcome them into the fold.”
For more information on the World Rugby Hall of Fame, visit www.world.rugby/halloffame.
World Rugby Hall of Fame 2026 inductees
No.176 – Joel Stransky (South Africa)
No.177 – Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand)
No.178 – Sue Day (England)
No.179 – Jen Crawford (USA)
No.180 – Rochelle Martin (New Zealand)
No.181 – Diego Dominguez (Italy)
No.182 – Abdelatif Benazzi (France)
Sue Day (England)
World Rugby Hall of Fame – Inductee No.178
Like many of the best female players of her generation, Sue Day excelled in a multitude of positions. During her 59-test England career, she played at centre, wing and full-back, seamlessly slotting into the different positions as and when required.
Despite her test career finishing nearly two decades ago in 2007, Day still holds England women’s all-time try-scoring record, crossing for a remarkable 61 tries in a decade of service to the Red Roses between 1997 and 2007.
Helped by her outstanding footwork, Day scored 19 tries across three Women’s Rugby World Cups (1998, 2002 and 2006), a tally only bettered by Black Ferns ace Portia Woodman-Wickliffe. Five of those tries were scored in a single match against Italy in 2002, while she also bagged four tries on two occasions, against Canada in 1998 and South Africa in 2006. Day also represented England at the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens in 2009, captaining the side at the tournament.
While Day had to be content with two Women’s Rugby World Cup runners-up medals, she was one of the driving forces behind three Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam campaigns, captaining the team in the last of the triumphs in 2007.
After hanging up her boots, she commentated on women’s rugby for Sky Sports and World Rugby, became Wasps FC’s first-ever female President, having previously served the club as a player for 15 years, and a partner in Corporate Finance at her accountancy firm.
In another first, Day was appointed as the RFU’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer in 2017. The role included being Executive lead for the women’s game where she played a lead role in driving the women’s game forward. That included leading on the business case for women’s rugby in England to drive the growth in the game, the creation of the PWR as a standalone, independent league and leading the bid for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. She stayed there until late 2024, when she became director of Women’s Football at The Football Association.
A founding trustee of the Women’s Sports Trust, Day was awarded an MBE in 2020 for services to gender equality in sport.
Jen Crawford (USA)
World Rugby Hall of Fame – Inductee No.179
Jennifer Crawford is regarded as one of the finest female rugby players North America has ever produced. A supremely versatile and dangerous attacking player, she excelled at fly-half, centre and full-back during a distinguished international career with the USA.
A potent attacking threat, Crawford scored 24 test tries in 23 caps for the Women’s Eagles over a 12-year period from 1988-2000, including a try on her Women’s Rugby World Cup debut against the USSR in 1991. At the time of her retirement, she was the all-time leading Women’s Eagles try-scorer.
The Stanford University graduate was a central figure in the USA team that won the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup in Cardiff, 19-6 against England. She subsequently appeared in the next two finals in 1994 and 1998, both of which ended in defeat.
She scored twice as the Women’s Eagles lost 38-23 to England in 1994 before captaining them to a second consecutive runners-up finish four years later in Amsterdam, losing 44-12 to New Zealand.
Crawford’s legacy extends well beyond her international statistics. During her time as a player and later as a coach, she was a passionate champion of women’s rugby at every level, helping to create pathways for the next generation of female players.
With the Berkeley All-Blues, she helped lead the club to nine consecutive USA Rugby National Women’s Club Championships, playing and coaching alongside fellow World Rugby inductee Kathy Flores.
She co-founded the Piedmont High School Girls’ Rugby Club, creating an opportunity for young women to discover the sport she had helped elevate. The programme went on to produce six collegiate players, two college club founders and, ultimately, a USA national team player. She also served a two-year term as a Player’s Representative on the USA Rugby Board and was inducted into the USA Rugby Hall of Fame in 2019.
Rochelle Martin (New Zealand)
World Rugby Hall of Fame – Inductee No.180
Introduced to rugby at Wellington Football Club in Wellington, Rochelle Martin became one of the toughest and most talented loose forwards in her country’s history.
A professional in every sense of the word, except that she was never paid, Martin was relentless in defence and attack and had the mindset of a winner.
She was a member of the all-conquering Black Ferns team that won three successive Women’s Rugby World Cups (1998, 2002 and 2006), serving as vice-captain to Farah Palmer in the latter tournament, which brought the curtain down on her test career after 12 years at the top.
Named Black Ferns Player of the Year in only her second year in test rugby in 1995, Martin was only on the losing side once in 32 caps for New Zealand, scoring 14 tries.
Whichever team she played for tended to come out on top. Martin was unbeaten in provincial rugby with Auckland Storm, and she was also a talisman for the dominant College Rifles Club that won five Auckland club championships.
For the past 25 years, Martin has been a firefighter, rising through the ranks to now be the District Commander of Waitematā District in Auckland. She was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2018 for services to rugby and Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and she is also a mum of four.
Diego Dominguez (Italy)
World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee No. 181
Diego Dominguez started his career with his hometown club La Tablada in Córdoba and went on to play a significant role in the development of Italian rugby during one of the most important periods in its history.
His international career began with Argentina, earning two test caps against Chile and Paraguay in 1989. Through his mother’s Italian heritage, he qualified to represent Italy, making his Azzurri debut against France in 1991. Over the next 12 years, the fly-half earned 74 test caps.
Dominguez represented Italy at three Rugby World Cups – 1991, 1995 and 1999 – and was an important figure in the team’s successful transition into the Men’s Six Nations in 2000. In Italy’s first-ever Men’s Six Nations match, a memorable victory over Scotland, he scored 29 of the Azzurri’s 34 points, including three trademark drop goals.
When he retired from international rugby in 2003, he had scored 1,010 test points – 983 for Italy and 27 for Argentina – placing him among the select group of players to have scored more than 1,000 international points.
His achievements extended to the club game, winning four ‘Scudetto’ and one Italian Cup with Milan Rugby and helping Stade Français win four French Championship titles and one Ives du Manoir Cup. Dominguez also scored a record 30 points in the 2001 Heineken Cup final against Leicester.
Throughout his career, Dominguez was recognised for his consistency, composure and professionalism. Since retiring from playing, he has remained involved in rugby, working with developing young players and supporting programmes for disadvantaged youngsters in juvenile detention centres, continuing to promote the values of the game beyond the field.
Abdelatif Benazzi (France)
World Rugby Hall of Fame – Inductee No.182
Told as a youngster new to the sport to just pick up the ball and run forward, Abdelatif Benazzi quickly realised that rugby was his game. Aged 18, Benazzi’s performances for the Moroccan junior team on a tour of Europe caught the eye of clubs in France, and in 1988 he joined second division Cahors.
Known for his thunderous runs, Benazzi then moved to SU Agen and spent the majority of his career there, gaining legendary status over 12 years, before signing off in England as a member of a star-studded Saracens side for two seasons.
Having not long appeared for the senior Moroccan team for the first time, Benazzi became a dual international when he made his debut for France against Australia in 1990. A red card for stamping was hardly the start to his test career that Benazzi would have envisaged, but the ‘Oujda Bull’ put that setback behind him to become a figurehead for the formidable French pack.
Capable of playing second-row, flanker or number eight, Benazzi gained a reputation for his ball-handling skills as well as his physicality, and in 1994, he played a part in the ‘try from the end of the world’, scored by Jean-Luc Sadourny, which beat the All Blacks at their Eden Park fortress.
In total, Benazzi won 78 caps for his adopted country from 1990-2001, scoring 12 tries and captaining Les Bleus on 15 occasions, including leading them to the 1997 Six Nations Grand Slam. He played nine Five and Six Nations tournaments and three Rugby World Cups (1991, 1995 and 1999, the latter after battling back from a serious knee injury) and was named in the RWC 1999 Greatest XV, the year France reached their second final.
Benazzi holds the rank of Knight of Legion of Honour and Commander of the National Order of Merit. He has been vice-president of the Fédération Française de Rugby (FFR) in charge of international relations and a World Rugby Council member since 2023, and chaired World Rugby’s Men’s High-Performance Rugby Committee at the time of his induction.
Joel Stransky (South Africa)
World Rugby Hall of Fame – Inductee No.176
Joel Stransky will forever be remembered as the player who kicked South Africa to their first-ever Rugby World Cup against New Zealand in 1995.
By then, Stransky was an established international, with the fabled final falling midway through his 22-test career, which began with a win against Australia in Sydney in July 1993.
Stransky scored the first of his six test tries in his second match in Springbok colours in the return fixture against the Wallabies in Brisbane, on his way to amassing 240 points in his three-year career at the highest level.
In the final of RWC 1995, the fly-half scored all of South Africa’s points in a 15-12 win at his home ground, Ellis Park, including the extra-time drop goal that ensured Stransky of his place in Springbok rugby folklore.
Stransky’s talent and dedication were apparent from an early age. By 20, he had become a key player for Natal. After helping Natal beat Northern Transvaal in 1990 to win the Currie Cup for the first time, the young Stransky spent two successful seasons in Italy representing L’Aquila and San Dona before returning home.
The arrival of professionalism took him overseas again, this time to England and Leicester, where he scored 896 points in 73 appearances for the Tigers, helping them to win both the Pilkington Cup and the Allied Dunbar Premiership title.
After a successful playing career and a brief foray into coaching, Stransky’s business acumen and natural leadership led him to become a successful entrepreneur. Sports marketing was a key focus initially, while he has enjoyed a two-decade long career as a television presenter, commentator and analyst.
Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand)
World Rugby Hall of Fame – Inductee No.177
Despite his first initial, Zinzan Valentine Brooke was a genuine X-factor player.
Once described by All Blacks team-mate Jeff Wilson as ‘a team in a number eight’s body’, Brooke had the skills of a back as well as possessing the dynamic power more normally associated with his position at the base of the scrum.
One of the few forwards from a leading rugby nation to have ever kicked a drop goal, Brooke is best remembered for a 38-metre effort against England in the semi-finals of Rugby World Cup 1995 and the historic series-clinching three-pointer a year later against the Springboks.
A Rugby World Cup winner at the age of 22 in 1987, Brooke appeared in three tournaments on his way to winning 58 caps for his country, 54 of them starts, in a test career spanning 12 years. His tally of 17 test tries was a record for a forward at the time.
Brooke represented the All Blacks 100 times in total, including 42 non-international matches, and played 22 times for the Māori All Blacks. He played alongside his younger brother Robin on many occasions for club and country, and as captain of the Auckland Blues, he led the team to back-to-back Super 12 titles in 1996 and 1997. A distinguished provincial career saw him play 140 games for Auckland where his flair and finesse saw him score an impressive 94 tries.
During his distinguished career, Zinzan Brooke also spent some time overseas, including a spell in Italy with Lazio and, as a player and then head coach, with Harlequins in England. After one season at Coventry in 2002/03, Brooke called time on his pro career.
Brooke’s impact in New Zealand’s sporting landscape was such that in 1997 he was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (NZOM) for services to rugby….PACNEWS
