In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Fiji eyes Western Australia for Springboks home test
2. BOXING — Samoa’s Oceania Boxing Team acknowledge Government’s support
3. RUGBY LEAGUE — Kamea questions FNRL handling of alleged sexual harassment complaint
4. FOOTBALL — Bula Boys face uphill battle in MSG Cup
5. YOUTH OLYMPICS — Fitness key for Fiji 3×3 women at Youth Olympics
6. FOOTBALL — Julia Honakoko reflects on New Caledonia’s historic World Cup journey
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — Woolf in the door: Dolphins set to extend coach
8. RUGBY — Tupou hoping to continue Wallabies career ahead of Springboks farewell
9. RUGBY — All Blacks captain Savea to miss Wallabies Tests
10. RUGBY — Springboks make 13 changes for Perth clash with Wallabies
11. RUGBY — IHG Hotels & Resorts joins as Official Partner of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC NEWS PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 23 Sep 2026
Fiji eyes Western Australia for Springboks home test
SUVA, 23 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FBC NEWS)—Fiji Rugby is exploring the possibility of taking its home Test against South Africa to Western Australia as it looks to use international rugby to create wider economic and tourism opportunities.
The proposed fixture was highlighted by Fiji Rugby acting chief operating officer Talemo Waqa during his submission to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence on the Fiji Australia Vuvale Union and Ocean of Peace Alliance Treaties.
Waqa says Fiji Rugby has been closely analysing the economic impact of international fixtures, including their flow-on benefits to accommodation and hospitality, aviation and transport, restaurants, tourism operators and local communities.
“We are working towards playing South Africa. It’s a home Test. We are looking at playing it in Western Australia, but everything else comes through Fiji.”
He says international rugby also contributes through employment and casual work, events and entertainment, international media exposure and commercial sponsorship, while helping drive sports tourism.
Fiji Rugby is also planning a four-team competition next year involving Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Australia A as it continues to build its international programme.
Waqa says the organisation sees rugby as an important vehicle for strengthening Fiji’s economic and tourism contribution, with major international fixtures providing opportunities that extend beyond the field.
The proposed South Africa Test in Western Australia is yet to be formally confirmed, with Fiji Rugby continuing to work through the arrangements for the fixture…..PACNEWS
SAMOA – BOXING: TALAMUA MEDIA PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 23 Sep 2026
Samoa’s Oceania Boxing Team acknowledge Government’s support
APIA, 23 SEPTEMBER 2026 (TALAMUA ONLINE)— Samoa’s Boxing Team that got third place in the recent Oceania Invitational Boxing Competition 2026 in Apia, have acknowledged the Government support for the successful hosting of the tournament at the Gym 1, Tuana’imato Sports complex.
The team, led by the Samoa Independent Boxing Inc. Tavu’i Mike Lemisio and legendary Toaletai David Tua and the boxers, called on the Prime Minister to acknowledge the government financial and moral support of the weeklong tournament.
Samoa as the host nation came in third place with 5 Gold Medals, 4 Silver and 1 Bronze medal. Australia took the lead with 9 Gold and 2 Silver medals followed by New Zealand with 8 Gold, 3 Silvers and 2 Bronze medals. Fiji came in fourth with 4 Gold, 3 Silver and 2 Bronze medals. Kiribati and Tuvalu finished with 1 Silver and 1 bronze each.
The coaches from all six teams agreed that the competition was a great steppingstone for the athletes as they gained experience fighting international opponents as they prepare for the Las Vegas Olympics in 2028.
Oceania Boxing President – Leatigaga Beulah Daunakamakama during her speech at the closing of the Oceania Invitational Boxing Competition 2026.
“A lot of our boxers, they are good, but they can’t get to that level because they don’t get enough ring time,” said Leatigaga Beulah Dunakamakama, President of Oceania Boxing.
“Tournaments like this are really important so our boxers can get that ring time and fight against fighters from New Zealand and Australia who have that international experience.”
The small island nations such as Kiribati and Tuvalu pulled their weight during the competition despite both countries missing out on winning gold.
“It is always a good experience for our athletes once they enter these competitions, because they get to fight the big countries,” said Baadi Taafaki, Head Coach of Tuvalu.
The Oceania Boxing President, Leatigaga Beulah Daunakamakama told Talamua that the World Boxing has provisionally approved Samoa as the host of the Las Vegas Olympics Qualifiers in October 2027.
She acknowledges that the Government of Samoa is in full support of next year’s tournament.
There were talks about the Oceania region qualifiers to be held in Africa which would have been very costly for the region to travel over to compete.
“We are so grateful to the Samoa Government and Independent Boxing for putting up their hand and leading the way for us,” said Daunakamakama.
“The facilities are great and Samoa has had so much experience in hosting big event,” said the Oceania Boxing President.
As part of the tournament, the referees, judges and coaches also went through a two day up skilling workshop before the competition started.
The local referees and judges then put into practise and showcased what they learned as part of their practical for Oceania Qualification.
Referees and Judges during the Oceania Invitational Boxing Competition 2026 with Wayne Rose (sitting in the middle).
“Ladies and gentlemen, with limited neutrality, these Referees and Judges worked tirelessly throughout the competition, and I am extremely proud of what they have done and the performances they produced,” said Wayne Rose, Technical Delegate for the Oceania Invitational Boxing Competition 2026.
During the Closing Ceremony on Saturday 12th September 2026, twelve Referees and Judges, seven of them were from Samoa and eight Coaches, with the legend To’aletai David Tua were awarded their Oceania Certifications…..PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY LEAGUE: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 23 Sep 2026
Kamea questions FNRL handling of alleged sexual harassment complaint
SUVA, 23 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—Rugby League in Fiji Founder and Fiji National Rugby League Life Member Culden Kamea has questioned whether the FNRL is meeting the standards set by Australian Rugby League Commission and NRL executive chairman Peter V’landys in handling a sexual harassment complaint against a senior executive.
Police confirmed to FBC News that the executive is currently under investigation for allegedly sexually harassing a staff member.
Kamea says V’landys wrote to the FNRL Board on 16 September, putting directors on notice that the complaint must be handled with the “appropriate level of care, seriousness, independence, diligence and transparency”.
The complaint, according to Kamea, involved two allegations of sexual harassment against the senior executive, which allegedly occurred at the FNRL office during working hours on 27 August and 7 September this year.
Kamea says the complaint was emailed to the FNRL Board on 16 September by his son Randall, who is assisting the organisation, with the NRL copied into the correspondence.
He says he immediately wrote to the FNRL Board recommending that it act with sensitivity and understanding, while remaining mindful of its responsibilities to both parties.
Kamea says he has not heard from the FNRL Board, the alleged offender or acting chairman Etika Rokobuli since sending that email.
The senior executive was suspended for five days on 17 September.
Kamea has now raised a series of concerns over how the matter is being managed, including alleged offender’s presence at the FNRL office on 18 September while suspended.
He says the senior executive spoke directly to staff and attended a staff meeting, where Kamea claims the alleged perpetrator described the matter as “only a small thing”.
Kamea also claims the alleged victim has been suspended from work and had her pay stopped, while his son Randall has also been suspended from working with the FNRL.
He questioned whether the FNRL’s appointed independent panel of investigators is sufficiently independent.
Kamea says he understands an accountancy firm is part of the panel but points out that the firm is a major FNRL sponsor, which he believes presents a conflict of interest.
He is also seeking clarity on who else sits on the panel, their experience in handling sexual harassment complaints and the terms of reference governing the investigation.
Kamea further questions whether the FNRL investigation has been paused following the commencement of a Police investigation, citing clause 12.3 of the FNRL Code of Conduct.
He says the concerns have prompted him to speak out because of his long-standing ties to rugby league in Fiji and his involvement in helping the FNRL transition to its current board and administration.
Kamea also says he stands by his son Randall and his decision to follow the Codes of Conduct of the FNRL and International Rugby League.
He is calling for the senior executive and Rokobuli to stand down until the Police investigation is completed and its outcome made public, or for the FNRL Board to suspend them as directors…..PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 23 Sep 2026
Bula Boys face uphill battle in MSG Cup
SUVA, 23 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—The Bula Boys are sitting fourth on the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup 2026 standings after two matches, with their hopes of reaching the final now under pressure.
Fiji has managed just one point from its opening two matches following a 3-all draw with Solomon Islands before suffering a narrow 1-0 loss to Vanuatu on Monday night.
The result leaves Fiji three points behind Solomon Islands, who lead the standings with four points, while Papua New Guinea and defending champions Vanuatu are on three points each.
Papua New Guinea has played only one match, beating Vanuatu 2-1 in its opening outing.
With the top two teams advancing to the final on 03 October, Fiji will need a strong finish to its remaining matches to stay in contention.
The Bula Boys will have to wait until Thursday for their next chance to climb the standings, with Solomon Islands facing Vanuatu at 4pm before Papua New Guinea takes on New Caledonia at 7pm.
Fiji will be watching both results closely as the race for the top two places begins to take shape.
Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea leads the women’s competition with six points from two matches.
Vanuatu is second on four points, while Solomon Islands has one point. Fiji and New Caledonia are yet to open their accounts.
The Fiji Kulas return to action against Solomon Islands at 7pm, after Vanuatu faces New Caledonia at 4pm…..PACNEWS
FIJI – YOUTH OLYMPICS: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 23 Sep 2026
Fitness key for Fiji 3×3 women at Youth Olympics
SUVA, 23 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The Fiji Basketball 3×3 women’s team is focused on improving fitness ahead of its campaign at the Youth Olympic Games next month.
This was the gist of head coach Earl Hughes’ interview with SUNsports.
“3×3 is a physically demanding sport in any age group,” he said.
“Preparation has been good and we’ve been preparing for about four weeks on the court.”
Hughes indicated that overseas based player Zara Suka will join the team on October 4.
“She’s going to be the rock that comes through and helps us defensively and offensively,” he said.
“The girls that have been selected are very competitive, and they showed this in the previous secondary school tournament when they represented their own teams,” he said.
‘They carried their teams; they got that attitude and a strong ability; so we’re happy with that.”
He added that his young four-member team will take every opportunity when they take the court.
“We’ll let the results come through by taking these opportunities, and they are excited to represent Fiji for the first time at the Youth Olympics,” he said.
“They’re determined and are ready to go.”
Hughes described his players as enthusiastic and adaptable athletes.
“They’re very good at getting feedback and are just willing to learn and progress,” he said.
“They make mistakes, but it’s all about learning, and they’re starting to play as a team despite being from different teams.”
Hughes was optimistic about the team’s chances due to their talent and speed on the court.
FIJI’S 3×3 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM
*Nyssa Daunivalu
*Anasofaia Maiwiriwiri
*Makaefa Savu
* Zara Suka….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 23 Sep 2026
Julia Honakoko reflects on New Caledonia’s historic World Cup journey
NOUMEA, 23 SEPTEMBER 2026 (OFC)—History was made earlier this month when New Caledonia made their debut at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, the first FIFA women’s finals that the OFC member association has ever participated in.
Reflecting on her role as a trailblazer for women’s football in the country, attacker Julia Honakoko leaves with memories that will last her a lifetime.
“Taking part in New Caledonia’s first-ever FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup has meant writing a page in history for football in our country” says Honakoko.
“Sharing this with my teammates has been the most beautiful part of the journey. We cried together, laughed together, and made history together. Sharing this experience with them has made it unforgettable.”
New Caledonia lost all three of their group stage matches and finished bottom of Group F but produced some encouraging moments against some of the world’s more established female national youth sides in Poland.
They held China scoreless for 46 minutes of their opening match and scored their first goal at a FIFA women’s event when Joceline Kourevi found the back of the net in the 89th minute of New Caledonia’s final match with Nigeria.
“We wanted to show a positive image of New Caledonia’s youth: a generation that works hard, sets goals for itself and can compete against the best teams in the world. It’s been an immense source of pride and great responsibility.”
Honakoko started in two of the team’s three matches at the tournament, captaining New Caledonia in their very first match on the global stage against China at Arena Sosnowiec in Southern Poland.
She also came off the bench in the only match she didn’t start, accumulating over 230 minutes of gametime over the course of the tournament.
“I approached it with a great deal of pride, but also with a lot of humility. Being captain meant being there for my teammates, encouraging them, leading by example and remaining positive, even during difficult moments.”
“I also felt responsibility towards everyone who had supported us along the way. Qualification for the World Cup was the result of a collective effort, and I wanted to live up to the trust that had been placed in us.”
Honakoko played a major part in their qualification campaign as well, scoring two goals on their run to the final of OFC U-19 Women’s Championship 2025 in Tahiti, including the late winner in a crucial victory over Vanuatu during the group stage.
It wasn’t just her performances in the qualification campaign that took Honakoko to the world stage though, but also the sacrifices and choices she made to develop her skills from a young age.
“There have been sacrifices, of course: leaving my family, missing important moments, training when others are resting, and dealing with fatigue, doubts and injuries. But in the end, every sacrifice becomes a source of strength. Because when you hear your national anthem being played in a World Cup stadium, you understand why you gave everything.”
Now having been the first female footballer to lead New Caledonia at a World Cup, Honakoko hopes she and her teammates have inspired the next generation.
“I hope this World Cup will be a starting point. That it will inspire young girls to play, to dream, and to believe that anything is possible.”
“If this experience can inspire a new generation, create more opportunities, more support and greater visibility, then our mission will be accomplished. We have opened a door. Now it is up to the next generation to walk through it and go even further.” …PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 23 Sep 2026
Woolf in the door: Dolphins set to extend coach
SYDNEY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—It takes a special kind of coach to follow Wayne Bennett with success and Kristian Woolf fits the bill for the Dolphins in key metrics.
It is why Dolphins CEO Terry Reader said the 51-year-old would ink a contract extension post-season as a formality after guiding the Dolphins to Friday night’s grand-final qualifier against Sydney Roosters in what is the club’s first finals appearance.
“That’s something that will be taken care of quite quickly,” Reader said.
“Our intention is for him to be a long-term coach at our club, and that’s his intention as well.”
Woolf, signed until the end of 2027, is technically off-contract on November 1. He was a key part of the Dolphins’ coaching puzzle from day one after Bennett said he would be on deck for the set-up year in 2022 and then coach for two seasons.
The Dolphins had identified his assistant Woolf as the heir apparent for 2025 following success as a head coach in Super League and on the international stage after turning Tonga from minnows into a powerhouse.
“Woolfie wasn’t an assistant coach who we were hoping knew how to be a head coach,” Reader said.
“He’d won three Super League premierships in a row with St Helens, and he’d done what he had with Tonga.
“Woolfie’s got a lot of respect from everyone in the game, but especially our playing group.
“In a similar vein to Wayne, he’s a great man manager and connects very well with the players.”
The Dolphins had a shaky start to this season and were 12th after eight rounds following four losses and while there was outside noise about the coach, the brains trust was not concerned.
“If you’ve ever heard us speak, and you look at how the Dolphins have operated in the past, we’re not a club that has a committee meeting because we lost a few games in a row,” Reader said.
“We’ve got wonderful faith in our people and loyalty to our people.”
The buy-in of the players is reflected by their heartfelt responses about their mentor.
Strike centre Herbie Farnworth said Woolf had created an environment where “all the boys look up to him.”
“Woolfy is all about really high standards and you have to toe the line. That has worked for us, especially with the young group,” he told AAP.
Elite Dolphins half Isaiya Katoa said the confidence Woolf had in him was integral.
“If there is one word to sum up how much Woolfy has done for me it is definitely to show the confidence in me to go out and be myself, take control and play exactly what I see,” he said.
Woolf has the ball in his court to have the longest stay at a club post-Bennett since Tim Sheens who won three titles with Canberra in a nine-year stint from 1988-1997.
Since then it has been slim pickings for coaches after the mastercoach. Rick Stone exited inside one year at Newcastle, Anthony Seibold was sacked during his second year at the Broncos after Ivan Henjak had earlier lasted two seasons.
Jason Demetriou was out the door in his third season after replacing Bennett at South Sydney while Steve Price was also removed in his third year at St George Illawarra.
Woolf is well positioned to defy the Bennett “curse” and prove the Dolphins’ call to appoint him a masterstroke.
“It gave us great credibility and stability, and you’ve seen the fruits of that now,” Reader said….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 23 Sep 2026
Tupou hoping to continue Wallabies career ahead of Springboks farewell
SYDNEY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—Ahead of his return to French club Racing 92, Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou hopes to remain in the squad beyond Sunday’s Test against the Springboks.
Tupou has enjoyed a prolonged stint in the Test squad in 2026 thanks to World Rugby’s regulation nine laws around player eligibility.
The tighthead prop will return to France next week and miss the Bledisloe Cup series, with the Top 14 season already a month into its regular season.
He can return for the Nations Championship Tests in November, with Tupou embracing the opportunity in front of him right now.
“I didn’t think I was going to be back here around this time of the year,” he told reporters.
“My focus was really just playing well for Racing and then Joe [Schmidt, then-Wallabies coach] called me a few months ago and asked if I was keen to come back and play for the Wallabies.
“I always put my hands up to represent Australia; hopefully, this isn’t the last time…I haven’t spoken to Les about what the future looks like, and I’m hoping I’ll see the team in the UK.”
Tupou was ready for the challenge the world champion Springboks possess, especially up front.
Front-rowers Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and Thomas du Toit were all named in World Rugby’s 2025 Team of the Year.
“We’ve been working hard, and we know what’s coming,” Tupou said.
“We all know that they’re the best in the world around set pieces and scrums, so I think it’s a good challenge for us to see where we are as a group, so we’re looking forward to it.”
“Their scrum’s been a weapon of theirs for a number of years now,” assistant coach Tom Donnelly added.
“They’re pretty big humans but their technique [is excellent] and they’re all scrummaging together as an eight. Massive challenge for us as a forward pack this weekend around the set-piece, scrum and maul.” …PACNEWS
NZ – RUGBY: REUTERS PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 23 Sep 2026
All Blacks captain Savea to miss Wallabies Tests
AUCKLAND, 23 SEPTEMBER 2026 (REUTERS)—All Blacks captain Ardie Savea will need surgery after dislocating his shoulder in the South Africa series and will miss next month’s Bledisloe Cup Tests against Australia.
The All Blacks on Monday gave updates on 10 players, including the inspirational No.8, who were injured during the four-Test series against the Springboks, which New Zealand lost 3-1.
The statement said the timeline for Savea’s return to play would be determined after the operation.
Surgery on a dislocated shoulder normally requires four to six months recuperation, which would also rule Savea out of the second half of the Nations Championship in November.
His fellow loose forward Luke Jacobson will be sidelined for four to five months by an elbow tendon injury, ruling him out for the rest of the season.
Winger Caleb Clarke has also played his last match this year with a ruptured shoulder tendon keeping him out for five months, while prop Ollie Norris is slated to return from a knee cartilage injury in time for the Super Rugby pre-season.
Anton Lienert-Brown, who suffered a knee injury, will return in four to six weeks, a similar recovery period to his fellow centre Billy Proctor, who fractured a shoulder blade.
A third centre, Quinn Tupaea, could face the Wallabies after being listed as one to two weeks away from recovery from his knee issue.
Flanker Anton Segner (ankle-joint inflammation) will also be back in a couple of weeks, while hooker George Bell, who was sent home from South Africa with a calf injury, scored a hat-trick of tries for Canterbury in the National Provincial Championship on Sunday.
New Zealand host Australia in Auckland on 10 October with the return match in Sydney the following week.
Australia relinquished the Bledisloe Cup in 2003 and the All Blacks have held it since…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 23 Sep 2026
Springboks make 13 changes for Perth clash with Wallabies
PERTH, 23 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—South Africa have made a whopping 13 changes to their starting line-up for Sunday’s one-off Test against the Wallabies in Perth.
Only lock Eben Etzebeth and winger Ethan Hooker retain their starting roles from the team that beat the All Blacks 43-28 in Baltimore to seal a 3-1 series win in the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
Etzebeth will extend his record as the most capped Springbok of all time to 147 Test matches.
Props Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Zachary Porthen will join forces with hooker Johan Grobbelaar in a new-look front row, while two-time World Cup-winning flyhalf Handre Pollard returns from a calf injury to form a new halves pairing with fit-again scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies.
Centre Andre Esterhuizen has been named skipper, making him South Africa’s 68th captain.
Lock Franco Mostert will play his first Test since facing Wales last November.
Despite the mass changes, only three players named in the starting line-up have fewer than 10 Test caps – winger Edwill van der Merwe, lock Paul de Villiers and prop Porthen.
“Australia poses a completely different threat to New Zealand in the way they play, so we believe these combinations would be best suited for the challenge that we will face against them,” South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus said.
“This is going to be a big challenge against a team that has been playing good rugby, and who have won four of their last five matches, with their other result being a draw against the Pumas in Argentina.”
Erasmus had no second thoughts about allowing veteran duo Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende to return home so they could spend time with family.
“They had a heavy workload in the last few months, and they deserve a break,” Erasmus said.
‘But at the same time we decided from the outset that if everything went according to plan, we would rest them for this match, so it made sense to send them home to spend time with their families.”
SOUTH AFRICA (15-1): Aphelele Fassi, Edwill van der Merwe, Canan Moodie, Andre Esterhuizen (captain), Ethan Hooker, Handre Pollard, Herschel Jantjies, Marco van Staden, Elrigh Louw, Paul de Villiers, Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Zachary Porthen, Johan Grobbelaar, Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, Wilco Louw, Lood de Jager, Jasper Wiese, Morne van den Berg, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Quan Horn….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 23 Sep 2026
IHG Hotels & Resorts joins as Official Partner of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027
SYDNEY/DUBLIN, 23 SEPTEMBER 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—World Rugby has today announced IHG Hotels & Resorts as the Official Hotel Partner of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, ready to welcome fans, players and officials from all over the world for what is set to be the biggest edition of the tournament to date.
With over 7,000 hotels operating globally, 60 of those nationwide in Australia, IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) is a leading hospitality company with a focus on providing ‘true hospitality for good’, making a positive difference every day to its people, guests and communities around the world.
Its broad portfolio of 21 hotel brands sits across luxury & lifestyle, premium, essentials and suites, with options to suit every individual, group and family. With a worldwide network of hotels, IHG is a trusted provider that will bring familiarity to fans travelling from overseas for the tournament, along with a sense of comfort to those travelling interstate in Australia or staying closer to home.
The partnership with Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will see IHG host tournament watch parties across IHG Hotel venues in each of the seven Host Cities and nationwide, as well as engaging with rugby fans from stadium venues to Fan Festivals, helping to create a sense of community and belonging across the six weeks of the tournament. IHG’s support of this landmark tournament in Australia also presents a unique opportunity to bring IHG One Rewards members and travelling fans closer to the action through unforgettable experiences.
World Rugby Chief Revenue Officer Michel Poussau said: “Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will be the biggest edition of our tournament to date and a spectacular celebration of rugby, Australia and the fans who will travel from every corner of the world to be part of it. Welcoming IHG Hotels & Resorts as Official Hotel Partner is an important part of delivering that experience at the scale and standard this iconic event deserves.
“From the moment fans begin planning their journey, through to the 24 teams, match officials and guests arriving in Australia, the partnership with IHG will help take the Rugby World Cup experience to the next level. Together, we want to create a warm welcome and unforgettable moments across the tournament, from hotels and Host Cities to stadiums and Fan Festivals.”
IHG Hotels & Resorts Chief Executive Officer, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa, Kenneth Macpherson, said: “Our partnerships are about driving commercial value for our hotels and owners, and creating opportunities to delight guests. Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will bring teams and fans from around the world to Australia, driving significant accommodation demand in the host market, while also giving IHG a powerful global platform to build awareness of our brands and hotels with millions of rugby fans internationally.
“Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 is one of sport’s great global occasions, bringing people together around a shared passion. As Official Hotel Partner, we have an opportunity not only to support that experience in Australia, but also to engage fans and IHG One Rewards members across key international markets before, during and beyond the tournament.
“With more than 160 million IHG One Rewards members globally, the partnership gives us another meaningful way to deepen loyalty, create distinctive experiences and introduce IHG to new audiences. That value extends well beyond the tournament itself, strengthening consideration and demand across our global hotel network and creating long-term value for our brands, hotels and owners.”
Tickets for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 go on sale from 1 October 2026, with fans encouraged to register their interest now to receive news and updates and ensure they don’t miss out on their chance to be part of the action.
Supporters can also access ticket-inclusive hospitality and travel packages across all matches, including the final and tournament’s most in-demand matches, right now through Rugby World Cup Experiences. …PACNEWS
