In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Sydney Summit to advance Women’s Rugby in the Pacific
2. RUGBY — Earn your jersey, Flying Fijians warned
3. RUGBY LEAGUE — 40,000 reasons Kaufusi wants World Cup pay equality
4. RUGBY LEAGUE — Taumalolo hungry like the Woolf for Tonga’s big test
5. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘Prove people wrong’: Luai warning after Tigers exit
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘I will look at it’: Bai ready for PNG Chiefs approach
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — Women’s Rugby League World Cup shapes as tightest yet as gap closes on hosts Australia
8. RUGBY LEAGUE — Kangaroos coach makes Tedesco vow, explains Walsh pick
9. RUGBY — Stars named in Australia Sevens squads for Kick on Sevens and Sydney quad header
10. YOUTH OLYMPICS — Croker targets personal best at Youth Olympics, Hurdles rookie ready for Youth Olympic challenge
11. FOOTBALL — Auckland United to play first round of FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2027 in Hangzhou, China PR
12. RUGBY — All Blacks searching for repeat effort in Bledisloe rematch
13. RUGBY LEAGUE — The PNG Chiefs must do more to support women facing a domestic violence crisis
PAC – RUGBY: OCEANIA RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 15 Oct 2026
Sydney Summit to advance Women’s Rugby in the Pacific
SYDNEY, 15 OCTOBER 2026 (OCEANIA RUGBY)—Around 50 women’s rugby leaders and emerging changemakers from across Oceania and beyond will meet in Sydney this week to support the growth of women’s and girls’ rugby across the Pacific.
Funded by the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports, Impact Beyond Pasifika aims to build a lasting Pacific rugby legacy from Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups in Australia in 2027 and 2029.
The Impact Beyond Pasifika Women & Girls’ Rugby Summit, held from 15 – 17 October, will bring regional stakeholders together to share knowledge, strengthen leadership and develop opportunities for the women’s game.
Attendees will include Sally Horrox, Chief of Women’s Rugby at World Rugby, and Dame Farah Palmer, World Rugby Hall of Fame and Council Member and former captain of New Zealand’s women’s international team, the Black Ferns, alongside representatives from rugby unions, development programmes and partner organisations.”
World Rugby Chief of Women’s Rugby, Sally Horrox said: “Growing women’s rugby cannot be achieved by any one union, organisation or individual acting alone. It takes collaboration, shared learning, collective investment and a willingness to support one another.
“Over the next three days, we have an opportunity to shape the next chapter of women’s rugby across Oceania. We will connect, challenge our thinking, learn from one another and, crucially, to turn our collective ambition into meaningful action that will provide a lasting impact in region.”
The summit is part of Impact Beyond Pasifika Super Week running from 13th October, which will also bring together the eight respective finalists of Oceania Rugby CAMP and Whiteboard and Whistles Match Officials network. Each programme will run its own activities during the week alongside the Summit.
Sheridan Graham-Tupaea, Women’s Rugby Programme Manager at Oceania Rugby, said the Summit would bring together the people, communities and women driving change across the Pacific.
“The strength of women’s rugby in Oceania lies in our people, our communities and the incredible women who continue to lead change across the Pacific,” she said.
“This Summit is about bringing those voices together, recognising the work already happening “within our Member Unions, and creating space for Pacific-led solutions that reflect the unique needs and aspirations of our region.”
She said Impact Beyond Pasifika presented an opportunity to turn the momentum of back-to-back Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029 into a legacy that extends beyond Australia and beyond the field of play.
“It’s about investing in our women, strengthening our leadership and creating opportunities for the next generation of girls to see themselves not only playing rugby, but leading it,” she said.
“Most importantly, we want everyone to leave Sydney feeling connected, empowered and ready to turn our shared ambitions into action.”
As the region looks towards Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 in Australia, Impact Beyond Pasifika will help turn shared ambition into stronger pathways, partnerships and opportunities—so more women and girls can participate, lead and thrive in rugby…..PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 15 Oct 2026
Earn your jersey, Flying Fijians warned
SUVA, 15 OCTOBER 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Players must be physically fit and healthy if they want to represent the Flying Fijians, national men’s head coach Jake White has warned.
“It’s very difficult to compare a person who’s playing 80 minutes at La Rochelle versus a club guy who isn’t playing much, and then the stats are always in favour of the overseas guy,” White said.
“What I’ll do is work hard with the conditioning coaches to see how the player looks after himself and manages himself between now and when we get together in June next year.
“Basically, it doesn’t matter which club you’ve played at. It doesn’t matter how many minutes you’ve played. It doesn’t matter what your reputation is. I want to make sure that by June, everyone arrives here fit and healthy.”
White said Fiji needed to select the best players available.
“It’s the best 33 players that will be going to the World Cup, and we need to find that best 33 players by the time we get on the aeroplane.”
He said Fiji needed to stabilise after its Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) campaign before building squad depth next year and preparing to compete at the World Cup with the best players available from Europe.
“My first priority is to build up a stabilising job now because we weren’t good in the PNC in the middle of the year,” White said.
The 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning coach said he would relocate to Fiji to spend time with the Fijian Drua, watch club rugby and work with the Under-18 and Under-20 coaches to identify emerging talent.
White also stressed the importance of restoring confidence, noting Fiji’s strong performance two years ago and its victory over Australia at the last World Cup.
He said improving the scrum and lineout would be crucial to giving Fiji a stronger platform against top opposition.
“If our lineout and our scrum are strong enough, we just get the ball and then we can beat anybody,” White said.
Fiji Rugby Union chairman John Sanday echoed similar sentiments, stressing that players should earn their selection rather than simply make up the numbers.
“We want people to earn it and not just to wear the jersey for the sake of satisfying their own things.
“I’m quite passionate about that and I want to set that standard very clear. We are here for business and we want to make it into the semi-final of the World Cup and even win the World Cup. So it’s all serious stuff,” he added.
Meanwhile, newly appointed Flying Fijians head coach Jake White is well aware of the challenges facing Fiji Rugby.
This includes limited resources, operating on a shoestring budget and the difficulty of assembling overseas-based players for Test matches, when the team is often at the mercy of their clubs.
Speaking to SUNsports, White acknowledged that Fiji did not have the same resources as South Africa but said he was ready to work within the available budget and structures.
“Well, let’s be fair, this is not South Africa and I’ve been very privileged to coach South Africa,” he said.
“I understand that and part of my interview with the board was exactly on that. It’s not South Africa but there are a lot of things that are in favour of Fiji as well.”
White, who coached the Springboks to victory at the 2007 Rugby World Cup (RWC), believes the Flying Fijians can raise their standards by maximising their strengths as they prepare for next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The Flying Fijians are in Pool C alongside Argentina, Spain and Canada.
White said the extended preparation period before the RWC would be crucial to improving the team’s performance.
He said the high-performance department would work with 50 to 60 players as they compete for places in the World Cup squad. White also indicated that he would raise the bar for selection.
“I want to make it difficult (players) to play for Fiji. I want to make it difficult for them (players) to get into the team,” the 62-year-old said.
White said competition for places would be vital, particularly with Fiji having several quality players capable of filling the same positions.
He acknowledged the frustration of not having the country’s best players together for every Test match but said the priority was to identify the right players and prepare them for the World Cup.
“But when we get to June next year and we have an extended time together with our best players here. They are to get conditioned and have time together to go through the details that we need to win the World Cup.”
White said his immediate task was to identify the players needed to build a competitive Flying Fijians squad.
“I think what’s important of all, we need to get the best team to Australia next year. We need to find out who’s eligible, who’s available, who’s injury-free. It’s going to be a bit of management going forward.
“We’ve got 353 days between now and the World Cup. So there’s not much time left and we’ve got to try and get as much unity and togetherness as we can. There’s no grey area to that. You’re either in or you’re out.”
Today, White will travel to the West to meet with the current Flying Fijians coaching panel and decide on the final squad selection for the Japan Test on October 24, followed by the Nations Championship.
The Flying Fijians will face France in Lyon on November 7, Ireland in Dublin on November 14 and Italy in Udine on November 21.
White also indicated that he was looking to bring in a lineout coach…. PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 15 OCTOBER 2026
40,000 reasons Kaufusi wants World Cup pay equality
SYDNEY, 15 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—The inequality in player payments at the Rugby League World Cup is a major issue that leading NRL players representative and Tongan rugby league player Felise Kaufusi is determined to rectify.
Australia’s players will a $40,000(US$27,880) flat free for their participation in the tournament, which kicks off on Thursday.
The deal was previously struck as part of the collective bargaining agreement between the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) and the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC).
But the sore point is that players from the other nations receive just $850 (US$592) per match, with a maximum earn of $4250 (US$2,962) for the tournament for players in a team that makes the final.
Dolphins forward Kaufusi, who represents Tonga on the international stage but is not in the squad for the World Cup, was appointed general president of the RLPA in November last year and will use his clout to bring fairness to the financial table.
“It is a tough one because it is international footy but that is definitely something I will address,” Kaufusi told AAP.
“I want more equality in the prize money. It is something we will raise in the next CBA.
“Australia is always going to get first preference, which is fine, but we need to get to a stage where it is a lot more even.
“It may not be the same, but it should be somewhere thereabouts.”
Several national coaches told AAP of their concern before the World Cup squads were named that Australia’s pay deal may prompt some players to choose the Kangaroos over other nations in order to benefit their families financially.
Kaufusi said while the majority of players prioritised their international allegiance out of respect for their heritage and culture rather than money, a fairer financial system would take that lure out of the equation.
Ahead of the 2017 World Cup, current Tonga captain Jason Taumalolo chose the Mate Ma’a over New Zealand while former Cronulla prop Andrew Fifita joined him after previously representing Australia.
Both gave up the $20,000 (US$13,939) on offer at the 2017 World Cup for players of both tier one nations at the time.
“Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita both had to make the ultimate sacrifice,” Kaufusi said.
“Jason is so inspirational and a lot of us boys look up to him.
“What he did for, not just me, but the benefit of all the younger guys coming through today like Robert Toia was awesome.
“Robert can play for different nations but he is proud to play for Tonga.”
Sydney Roosters centre Toia was in the sights of the Kangaroos ahead of this year’s World Cup and had a tough call to make but ultimately elected to stick with the Mate Ma’a Tonga……PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 15 Oct 2026
Taumalolo hungry like the Woolf for Tonga’s big test
SYDNEY, 15 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—Jason Taumalolo is in a mood ahead of his fourth and likely last World Cup for Tonga as England await in a round one blockbuster in Perth.
“What I have seen in him this year is a real hunger,” coach Kristian Woolf said of his talismanic captain.
Last year Tonga were poor in the Pacific Championships in heavy losses to Samoa and New Zealand.
Taumalolo played just 10 games for North Queensland in 2025 after an injury ravaged year, had minor post-season surgery and then was a late withdrawal from the Samoa clash before playing against the Kiwis in the Pacific titles.
This season the 33-year-old powerhouse was back to his best in 24 matches to lead the Cowboys to the finals.
Tamaulalo, who played 10 Tests for New Zealand between 2014 and 2017, created a Pacific revolution with former Tonga teammate Andrew Fifita.
Fifita switched allegiance from Australia and Taumalolo from the Kiwis to the Mate Ma’a on the cusp of the 2017 World Cup.
Taumalolo has now played 20 internationals for Tonga and is ready to lead them beyond their best finish of a semi-final berth in 2017 when they lost a heartbreaker 20-18 to England.
“Last year Jason was very underdone,” Woolf said.
“He’d come off a minor surgery and really raced the clock just to try and get back on the field, but that is no indication of where he is at now.
“This year he has come into camp fit and with a real fresh look about him and a hunger in the eyes that suggests he is ready to play a really good tournament.”
Saturday night’s clash at HBF Park will pit Tonga centre Robert Toia against England’s Herbie Farnworth.
Toia got the better of his opponent when the Sydney Roosters beat the Dolphins 36-20 in the NRL preliminary final.
Woolf is in the unfamiliar position of having to plot against Farnworth, whom he coaches at the Dolphins.
“It’s a great battle. Herbie is obviously an outstanding player that I love working with at clubland,” Woolf said.
“It is interesting trying to find ways to work against your own players and from some of the banter coming from Herbie it is something he is enjoying and looking forward to.
“It is something to look forward to from both parties.”
Woolf has named two five-eighths in his squad against England, with Wests Tigers playmaker Latu Fainu listed to start and experienced Huddersfield No.6 Tui Lolohea at No.18.
“We have still got a little bit to go with training but I like the way Latu came into camp and the way he finished his year,” Woolf said.
“He showed his class but I also like what Tui brings. He has played more Tests than anyone for Tonga and has done a great job for us in big games. They are both going to play their part at various times,” he said…. PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 15 Oct 2026
‘Prove people wrong’: Luai warning after Tigers exit
SYDNEY, 15 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—Stephen Crichton expects halfback Jarome Luai to play for Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup with a chip on his shoulder following the ill-fated end to his two-year stint at Wests Tigers.
Having played the back half of Canterbury’s NRL season in the halves, in a move he says has taken his game to “another level”, Crichton will revert to the centres for Samoa’s World Cup opener with France at CommBank Stadium on Friday.
Samoa coach Ben Gardiner has opted for Warriors five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita as the team’s No.6, with co-captain Luai slotting in at halfback.
Luai was a lightning rod for criticism in the just-finished NRL season after the Tigers’ campaign imploded when the 16-cap Samoan international announced in April that he would sign with the PNG Chiefs for 2028.
The animosity between the Tigers and Luai reached a tipping point in July, when the playmaker was told he could leave a year early and signed with Parramatta for a one-year deal in 2027.
“I can see the fire in Romy’s eyes to prove a lot of people wrong, and I’ll be right next to him, proving them wrong too,” Crichton said.
“I’ve spoken to him a lot and he’s got a very strong head on his shoulders.
“Regardless of what people say, he knows what’s most important to him and that’s family, his inner circle, and if his family’s good, nothing else can probably get to him.
“I’m very excited to see what he can do in this campaign, and our first few sessions he’s just been running amok.”
Samoa will face PNG in Port Moresby after Friday’s clash with the French.
“He (Luai) is going to take us all to the penthouse he’s going to be living in,” Crichton quipped.
As for his own season, Crichton feels the experience of partnering Lachlan Galvin in the halves for Canterbury has given him a new perspective on the game.
Crichton showed glimpses of brilliance as a big-bodied No.6, but his efforts were not enough to drag the Bulldogs into the top eight.
“I like both positions in different ways, but it’s good being back out in the centres and feeling a lot more comfortable,” Crichton said.
“I reckon it (playing as a half) has probably taken my game to another level, if I was to go back to centre now,” he said…. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 15 Oct 2026
‘I will look at it’: Bai ready for PNG Chiefs approach
GOLDCOAST, 15 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—Gold Coast forward Cooper Bai is open to an offer from PNG Chiefs if they come knocking as he explains why he signed a sponsorship deal with the same food company as Jarome Luai.
The 19-year-old PNG international, a free agent from 01 November, was ruled out of the Rugby League World Cup with a hamstring injury.
Bai was training to be part of the Kumuls squad and knew there was something wrong with his leg, but a scan brought only further bad news and a six-to-eight week recovery time frame.
In September the son of PNG international and Chiefs board member Marcus Bai signed a two-year third-party sponsorship agreement with Papua New Guinea rice supplier Truckai Industries, the same month that Luai inked a four-year agreement with the business.
Bai said the sponsorship deal had no connection with the PNG Chiefs, who will enter the 2028 NRL competition with Luai as their headline recruit.
“It has got nothing to do with that at all. It is all about a company that aligns with my values and helps young kids to eat healthy,” he said.
The Titans have approved the sponsorship deal, despite Bai being a free agent in less than three weeks.
“I am still signed here at the Titans (in 2027) and I can’t do anything until 01 November,” Bai said.
“I am not too sure what I will do at this stage, to be honest.”
If PNG general manager of football Michael Chammas comes knocking, Bai said he would keep an open mind.
“They are all options. I will have a look at it, but I have to wait until 01 November,” he said.
The Titans have told AAP they are keen to keep Bai but are aware that he will also be a likely target for the Chiefs.
Bai fits everything that the Chiefs want to stand for. He is a rising star with a decade of top line footy ahead of him, is studying at university (criminology), is a PNG international himself and immensely popular with the public due to his engaging personality.
Bai’s first full season in the NRL was a rollercoaster, like that of the Titans.
He played 23 games, 14 off the interchange bench and nine at lock, where he averaged 65m in attack and 19 tackles per match.
It was a learning experience.
“I felt like it was good to get a first full season in the NRL with all the ups and downs and highs and lows” he said.
“It was good to get a blueprint on the game, understand it and know what it means to be a week-in and week-out player.
“Starting is a big thing for any player and that is my goal next year,” he said…. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE GUARDIAN PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 15 Oct 2026
Women’s Rugby League World Cup shapes as tightest yet as gap closes on hosts Australia
SYDNEY, 15 OCTOBER 2026 (THE GUARDIAN) —Four years is a long time in women’s sport. While men’s sport is ever evolving and growing, the speed of change in the women’s game is much faster, as time lost when they were sidelined in professional sport at an increasingly rapid pace is made up.
The last time the Rugby League World Cup was held, the women’s game was in a very different place. The NRLW contained just six teams, playing five rounds of competition, which was positioned almost as a sideshow to the men’s finals. Since then, it has doubled in size to 12 teams and 11 rounds, getting genuine airtime across the Australian winter.
Women’s State of Origin has also grown to a three-match series, attracting crowds of over 20,000 and broadcast reach of over two million viewers per match. While this growth certainly benefits Australia, it has also strengthened women’s rugby league across the world.
Current NRLW players feature across the majority of teams in the 2026 World Cup – not just the Jillaroos. With double the number of players in the NRLW, it has not only provided opportunities for international players to take part, but also opened pathways for Australian players from different cultural backgrounds to represent the countries their parents and grandparents hail from. While this has long been common in men’s rugby league, having more players in the NRLW provides more visibility for those players to be seen and recruited by overseas coaches for the World Cup.
Although the Jillaroos remain favourites to back up their 2022 win, in which they defeated New Zealand 54-4 in the final, the gap is closing and this is shaping up to be the closest World Cup in history. Eight teams will compete for the title – five of those return from the 2022 iteration, Australia, New Zealand, England, Papua New Guinea and France. Fiji and Wales will make their first women’s Rugby League World Cup appearances, while Samoa will compete for the first time since 2003.
Most likely to challenge the Jillaroos are New Zealand and England. The Kiwi Ferns boast a full squad of NRLW players, most notably Canberra Raiders and former Queensland Maroons halfback Zahara Temara and Sydney Roosters premiership-winning prop Otesa Pule. England have strong experience in the Super League, including nine players from the dominant Wigan Warriors. They are bolstered by the inclusion of a number of NRLW stars, with Roosters second rower Jasmin Strange certain to make a big impact.
Where the Jillaroos maintain a strong edge, though, is in the combinations they have across the team. Their squad features eight players from the Roosters – undefeated NRLW premiers in 2026 – and 13 players from the NSW Sky Blues, who won the 2026 State of Origin series in a 3-0 whitewash. Not only have these players trained and played in these combinations throughout the year, they are highly experienced at winning together. The importance of this critical mass of players coming from a strong winning culture cannot be underestimated. In high-pressure games, a team who expects to win and plays with that mindset is difficult to beat.
The Jillaroos squad also has plenty of depth, and coach Jess Skinner will have some tough decisions to make before selecting her team for the big games in this tournament. The most intriguing battle is between the two halfbacks in the squad – State of Origin-winning half Jesse Southwell and NRLW premiership-winning half Tarryn Aiken. Both are incredible talents with the ability to turn the game to their advantage. Aiken’s more recent success gives her the edge – and she has been named at halfback for the opening match against Samoa – but expect Skinner to test both players throughout the tournament.
Roosters’ and Sky Blues’ five-eighth Jocelyn Kelleher has been named to make her Australian debut in the opener and is likely to hold down that spot throughout the tournament, after outstanding performances in the NRLW and State of Origin series. Her kicking game is a key strength the Jillaroos will be seeking to exploit – her pinpoint accuracy was on show in the NRLW grand final, as she troubled the opposition kick chasers and set up multiple tries for her team with her fifth tackle options. Also working in Kelleher’s favour is her combination with both Aiken at the Roosters and Southwell in the Sky Blues’ set up.
Possibly the most controversial selection call for the Jillaroos has already been made, with former captain Ali Brigginshaw missing out on selection in the squad. Brigginshaw retired from the NRLW after this year’s grand final and, after missing out on a fairytale ending with the Brisbane Broncos, would have been hoping to end her career on a high with a World Cup win. But the selectors did not have the 36-year-old in their plans and she has been left to watch the tournament unfold from the stands, while Sky Blues’ and Sydney Roosters’ captain Isabelle Kelly takes the leadership reins….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 15 Oct 2026
Kangaroos coach makes Tedesco vow, explains Walsh pick
BRISBANE, 15 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—Kevin Walters has declared the battle for Australia’s fullback berth remains wide open despite Reece Walsh winning the nod over James Tedesco to start in the Kangaroos’ World Cup opener.
Walters claimed ahead of Thursday night’s clash with New Zealand that Tedesco – the captain as Australia lifted the trophy four years ago – would have a chance to prove his worth in next Sunday’s group-stage game against Fiji in Brisbane.
The Kangaroos coach indicated that he had chosen to rest Tedesco and playmaker halfback Sam Walker following their exploits in the Sydney Roosters’ NRL grand final win.
Walsh – the hero of last year’s Ashes whitewash – will don the No.1 jersey at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium, but as for whether the Brisbane Broncos star will be first choice later in the tournament, Walters is keeping an open mind.
“I feel it’s in the best interest of the team they get a spell this week and they’ll play next week,” Walters said on Wednesday.
“To be honest, I haven’t decided that (fullback) position yet, that’s why we’re here, and they’ll both get an opportunity.
“They’re both Clive Churchill medallists – the last two – so I look at it that way, I’m very fortunate to have both of them in the team.
“They’re different players, but I love what they both bring to the team. Teddy’s the more experienced custodian and Reece is on the way up as such.”
The one drawback to Walsh is his fitness, with Thursday’s group-stage opener his first competitive match in close to two months after sustaining an ankle injury in clubland.
“He (Walsh) has had a good preparation and there’s a few players in that position themselves, so it’s good to get them around the group,” Walters said.
Walsh will be part of a relatively settled Kangaroos spine, with Cameron Munster at five-eighth and Harry Grant at hooker.
Halfback Mitchell Moses is the only new addition to the key playmaking roles.
Moses was on last year’s Ashes tour but didn’t take the field, with the Parramatta skipper an understudy to Nathan Cleary, who has missed this World Cup following his compound ankle fracture.
“He’s a very influential player, an experienced player, particularly his kicking game around the halves will be invaluable,” Walters said.
“He gets his opportunity and I’m sure he’s looking forward to taking it as well.
“They (Munster and Moses) are very calm and know what we need to do in different situations.”
The Kangaroos have not lost to New Zealand on Australian soil since 2015, and while the Kiwis have a monster forward pack, Walters insists his side have the firepower to match them.
“It’s a strong New Zealand side, certainly, but I feel like the guys that we have picked in the Australian squad, they’re not mugs,” the Kangaroos coach added.
“We’ve got Origin players, Test players, premiership winners, that’s what the World Cup is all about: seeing the best players on the world stage,” he said…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 15 Oct 2026
Stars named in Australia Sevens squads for Kick On Sevens and Sydney quad header
SYDNEY, 15 OCTOBER 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)–The Australia Sevens squads have named strong line-ups ahead of Friday’s Kick Ons 7s and Saturday’s quad-header at Accor Stadium.
The Women will face rivals New Zealand, whilst the Men will take on Fiji in three matches across the two days.
With the World Series set to begin at the end of next month, both teams have named extended squads for the contests.
New Women’s coach Reg Tayler will have a host of players available from their World Championship campaign, including top tryscorer Maddison Levi.
Levi is fresh off guiding Pacific Current to the Ultimate Sevens crown along with Aussie teammates Kahli Henwood and Kiiahla Duff.
Captain Isabella Nasser leads the side once again, re-signing on Tuesday for another two years.
Nine from the squad claimed the World Championship in Bordeaux, including Faith Nathan, Heidi Dennis, Kaitlin Shave and Amahli Hala, with Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea and Bienne Terita also included after stints with the Wallaroos.
Exciting young gun Cobi Ryan-Last has also been named, with the teenager sensation set for her first taste of Australian Sevens action.
“It’s a great opportunity to showcase Sevens to a big crowd, and the perfect hit out for us,” Tayler said. “There’s a great mix of experience and exciting new faces. You can expect a fit, energetic team that sticks together and sets the standard every time we take the field as we build towards Dubai.
“The girls have worked hard over the off-season, and I’m really happy with the squad.”
For the Men, 11 players are back from the 2025-26 World Series, including newly re-signed skipper Henry Hutchison.
Tokyo Olympian Josh Coward is one of five fresh faces returning to the squad for the first time since that campaign.
He’s joined by ACT Brumbies Academy member and former Australia U18 flanker Jarvis Orr, Bond Uni’s Deon Evans-Ao Leifi, Warringah product Tylan Berryman and U20 USA fullback Dane Mitchell, who qualifies under dual representation.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to play Fiji in such a special event across both Friday and Saturday’s matches,” coach Liam Barry said.
“To have all four teams in Gold playing on the same day at Accor Stadium is unprecedented and something our team does not take for granted.”
The action begins with a pair of matches Easts Rugby Club in Woollahra, before moving to the Olympic venue as part of a blockbuster day that includes the Wallaroos facing Scotland and Wallabies taking on the All Blacks.
Australia Men’s Sevens squad for Kick on 7s and Sydney Quadruple Header
Tylan Berryman
Jayden Blake
Josh Coward
Ben Dalton
Ben Dowling
Deon Evans-Ao Leifi
Henry Hutchison (c)
Maurice Longbottom
Ethan McFarland
James McGregor
Dane Mitchell
Beau Morrison
Jarvis Orr
Bailey Roberts-Lintmeijer
James Turner
Josh Turner
Harry Wilson
Australia Women’s Sevens squad for Kick on 7s and Sydney Quadruple Header
Bridget Clark
Mackenzie Davis
Heidi Dennis
Kiiahla Duff
Rhani Hagan
Amahli Hala
Kahli Henwood
Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea
Maddison Levi
Isabella Nasser (c)
Faith Nathan
Ruby Nicholas
Cobi Ryan-Last
Kaitlin Shave
Bienne Terita
Emmisyn Wynyard
AUSTRALIA SEVENS SCHEDULE
FRIDAY 16 OCTOBER
Eastern Suburbs District Rugby Union Football Club
4:00 PM – Gates open
4:30 PM – Wallabies, Wallaroos & Aussie 7s Player Signings
6:15 PM & 7:45 PM – Aussie Women v New Zealand
6:45 PM & 8:20 PM – Aussie Men v Fiji
SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER
Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
11:45am – Gates open
12:00pm – Wallaroos v Scotland
2:00pm – Men’s 7s Australia v Fiji
2:25pm – Women’s 7s Australia v New Zealand
3:45pm – Wallabies v All Blacks….PACNEWS
FIJI – YOUTH OLYMPICS: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 15 Oct 2026
Croker targets personal best at Youth Olympics, Hurdles rookie ready for Youth Olympic challenge
SUVA, 15 OCTOBER 2206 (FIJI SUN)—Josiah Alfred Delaiono Croker is hoping to achieve a personal best at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, at the end of the month.
The Marist Brothers High School student is the lone triathlon athlete representing Fiji at the Games.
He will also be Team Fiji’s flag bearer alongside swimmer Grace Khelan.
“Originally, I was a swimmer, then gradually transitioned into triathlon through cross-training. We would swim and then do running exercises. Eventually, everything came together, and we started participating in triathlon,” Croker said.
He was inspired by his older brother, Nikotimasi Croker.
“I’m very excited to go to the Games. This is my first Youth Olympic Games, so it’s a very special experience for me. My family is happy for me, and they’ve supported me throughout my journey.
“We recently competed at the Games in Tahiti, where I managed to achieve a significant personal best, improving my time from one hour and 80 minutes to one hour and 30 minutes.
“With the preparations I’m currently undertaking, I’m hoping to achieve a time of one hour and 10 minutes or faster at the Games.”
Asked whether being the lone triathlete put pressure on him, Croker said: “Yes, it does. Being the only athlete means I have to represent the entire federation. When I go out there, I know I have to do my very best.
“My preparations are going well. I’ve been training while balancing my schoolwork. I’ve had to sacrifice a lot of time with my friends and some sleep, but I’m doing my best to manage everything.”
Croker runs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while Tuesdays and Thursdays are dedicated to cycling.
“The afternoons are dedicated to swimming.”
His main swimming event was the 400-metre individual medley, which involves all four strokes. He competed in various swimming competitions and also represented Fiji internationally, including at the Australian School Games.
He transitioned to triathlon in late 2022. His family has been the backbone of his success.
“My support system has been really good. My family has supported me tremendously, and they’re very happy about this achievement.
“My friends have also been supportive, as has the Fiji Triathlon Federation. They’ve all played a big part in helping me get to where I am today.”
Croker said he had thought about giving up many times, but his family continued to motivate him.
“One of the biggest things that keeps me going is thinking about my mother and all the sacrifices she’s made to help me get to where I am today.
“Tomorrow (yesterday) is my mother’s birthday, so I’d like to wish her a very happy birthday in advance and thank her for everything she’s done for me.”
Meanwhile,with just one year of hurdles training under his belt, Ilaisa Tabete is ready to represent Fiji at next month’s Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
The 17-year-old, who hails from Yaroi, Matuku, Lau, will be Fiji’s sole representative in the hurdles event at the Games.
A student of International School Suva, Tabete previously competed in the 200 and 400 metres at the Coca-Cola Games, where he has been a regular competitor for about five years.
“It’s really exciting for me, as this is my first time competing in an international tournament outside Oceania, and I’m looking forward to it,” Tabete told SUNsports
Tabete said his interest in hurdles began during the off-season last year when his coach, Albert Miller, encouraged him to try something new.
“We were training with Albert Miller, and he decided we would try something new each day. One day, he brought out the hurdles and had us try the event.
“Ever since that training session, I’ve developed an interest in hurdles. We continued training in the event, and now it has brought me this opportunity,” he said.
Tabete said he found the event enjoyable from the beginning because he liked the combination of running and jumping.
“When I first started, it felt pretty easy because I enjoyed the motion of moving through the air. Combining running and jumping felt like the right fit for me, and I found my rhythm in the event,” he said.
He trains under Miller with the Laucala Bay Eagles.
Tabete encouraged other aspiring hurdlers not to be intimidated by the barriers, saying confidence and consistency were important to mastering the event.
“I think most people hesitate when they see hurdles because running towards an obstacle can make it look taller than it really is. But it’s largely a mental challenge.
“When you try something new, you just need to take that first step, stay committed and consistent, and eventually it becomes natural,” he said.
Tabete represented Fiji in the under-16 400 metres at the 2024 Oceania Athletics Championships, held at the National Stadium. Later that year, he was also selected for the under-15 basketball team and travelled to Canberra to compete.
Basketball remains his second sport, and he captained his under-17 team at this year’s secondary schools competition, where they finished runners-up.
Tabete credited Miller for recognising his potential in hurdles and helping him develop in the event.
“I want to thank my coach, Albert Miller, who has been training me since 2023. He saw my potential in hurdles and has really worked to bring it out of me.
“I’m grateful that he introduced me to the event because I never imagined myself doing hurdles three or four years ago,” he said.
He also acknowledged the support of his parents, Illuibau and Seini Tabete, who have backed him throughout his sporting journey.
“Without them, I don’t think I would have pursued athletics as much as I have. They have always encouraged me to try new things and give them my best,” he said.
Tabete also has maternal links to Moce, Lau.
Fiji will be represented in six sports at the Games: athletics, 3×3 basketball, boxing, futsal, swimming and triathlon.
The Summer Youth Olympic Games will be held from 31 October to 13 November. Team Fiji will leave on 26 October….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: FIFA PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 15 Oct 2026
Auckland United to play first round of FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2027 in Hangzhou, China PR
AUCKLAND, 15 OCTOBER 2026 (FIFA)—The second edition of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, the groundbreaking competition that unites all six continental club champions, will kick off on Sunday, 25 October 2026 in Hangzhou, China PR.
The Round 1 fixture at the Shangcheng Sports Centre Stadium will pit AFC Women’s Champions League winners Naegohyang Women’s FC against OFC Women’s Champions League holders Auckland United FC at 3pm local time.
The winner will move on to face the yet-to-be-determined CAF Women’s Champions League victor in December (date and venue to be announced) for a place at the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2027™ final stage in Miami, Florida.
The climactic final four, slated for late January at the recently-opened Nu Stadium, home of Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami CF, will also feature FC Barcelona Femení, Club América Femenil and the winner of this month’s CONMEBOL Libertadores Femenina.
Approved by the FIFA Council in 2024 with further developments announced in March 2025, the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup is the first truly global women’s club tournament, showcasing the best of the best from each of the six continental confederations. The inaugural edition concluded on 1 February 2026 as Arsenal Women FC defeated SC Corinthians in a spectacular extra-time final played before more than 25,000 fans in London.
The FIFA Women’s Champions Cup will be staged in years when there is no FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, which will debut in early 2028.
Organised in partnership with the Chinese Football Association (CFA), the Round 1 match in Hangzhou will represent an intriguing start to the journey toward Miami. New Zealand’s Auckland United FC will return to the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup after winning their third straight Oceania crown in July.
Auckland United fell in Round 1 of the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, losing 1-0 at Wuhan Jiangda WFC. Naegohyang Women’s FC of DPR Korea will make their intercontinental debut thanks to an impressive run through the 2025-26 AFC Women’s Champions League. The Pyongyang-based side won eight of nine matches and defeated Japanese power Tokyo Verdy Beleza in the May final (a rematch of their only defeat) …. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 15 Oct 2026
All Blacks searching for repeat effort in Bledisloe rematch
SYDNEY, 15 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—The All Blacks are promising the Wallabies no let up after touching down in Australia intent on yet another Bledisloe series whitewash.
The All Blacks secured a 50-19 win over the Wallabies, earning trans-Tasman bragging rights for a 23rd successive year at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday night.
Despite securing the Bledisloe Cup again, rugby-mad New Zealand will expect the All Blacks to inflict more pain on Australia in Sydney this weekend.
“Internally there’s some habits and standards and a legacy that demands the All Blacks to back up and represent the country,” Jordie Barrett said on Tuesday during a training session.
“There’s no trophy to play for, but our ambition and our goals haven’t really changed,” he told the media in Sydney.
The Wallabies’ woes at Eden Park stretch 40 years, but the All Blacks aren’t underestimating the hosts who have a home field advantage with coach Les Kiss at the helm.
He turned heads with Australia’s win against world No.1 South Africa a fortnight ago.
It stunned the rugby world and none more so than the All Blacks, who suffered three consecutive defeats against the Springboks in September.
“We put a lot of expectation on ourselves around lifting our game from our previous campaign in South Africa,” Assistant coach and former All Black Tana Umaga said.
“The quality of Les Kiss and his staff and the players that they have, you know they’ll be looking for a response, and we know that they’ll be up for it this weekend.
“With the All Blacks, what we represent and who we represent means the utmost to us every week, and so we’ve got to make sure that we’re living that every day that we’re here.”
Although, Umaga’s side are down four players.
Leroy Carter suffered a high ankle sprain in the motion of scoring a try at Eden Park and Anton Lienert-Brown will be brought into the squad as an injury replacement.
Ethan Blackadder injured his calf during the match warm-up last weekend and is replaced by Jamie Hannah.
Asafo Aumua and Anton Segner both failed head injury assessments after clashes and have a mandatory 12-day minimum stand down period.
George Bell and Du’Plessis Kirifi take their places….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: NATIONAL INDIGENOUS TIMES PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 15 Oct 2026
The PNG Chiefs must do more to support women facing a domestic violence crisis
By Michelle O’Shea and Rohini Balram
SYDNEY, 15 OCTOBER 2026 (NATIONAL INDIGENOUS TIMES)—In 2028, the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Chiefs will make their highly anticipated National Rugby League (NRL) debut after unprecedented Australian federal government investment, a flurry of big-name singings, lucrative tax breaks and seemingly infinite commercial deals.
But if we pause for a moment and look beyond the hype, deeply uncomfortable realities come into stark view. These include queries about why the new franchise won’t feature a women’s team.
If this investment is truly intended to transform PNG, women can’t remain on the sidelines. They must be central, not secondary, to its vision, opportunities and outcomes.
Bold aspirations for the new team
Rugby league is PNG’s national sport, so the launch of the Chiefs was widely celebrated on both sides of the Arafura Sea.
The expansion was announced in late 2024, with the Australian government tipping in $600 million (US$418 million). The funding is partly due to Australia’s efforts to curb China’s growing influence in the Pacific.
The funding includes:
*$290 million (US$202 million) to support the team’s operations
*$60 million (US$41 million) for the NRL’s existing franchises as a licence fee
*$250 million (US$174 million) for a Pacific rugby league partnership, which also covers Fiji, Tonga and Samoa, to encourage grassroots participation and establish a pathway for elite athletes.
PNG Prime Minister James Marape said the team was “a national unification strategy deployed under the flag of rugby league”.
These transformative aspirations were echoed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who stated he could not think of “any aid and assistance in our region in the Pacific […] more important than support for the PNG Chiefs”.
He added the funding would include investment in girls’ and women’s rugby league across the region.
However, Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) boss Peter V’landys has said the new club will not feature in the NRLW until the league is confident it can be competitive.
There are currently 17 NRL clubs, and 12 women’s teams in the NRLW.
Women are doing it tough in PNG
PNG is one of the world’s most dangerous places for women to live.
Domestic violence has been declared a national crisis, with a recent report finding more than 60 percent of women in the country had experienced violence from an intimate partner – more than double the global average.
Protections for women and children are often undermined by weak enforcement, lack of resources and deeply entrenched patriarchal gender norms.
Violence, often targeted at women, regularly accompanies domestic rugby league contests in PNG. The broadcast of high-stakes NRL fixtures have been linked to domestic and social violence, prompting police calls for broadcast bans.
However in recent years, the PNG government and the NRL have developed programs to address the issue.
Since 2013 the League Bilong Laif program – a sport-for-development initiative funded by the Australian and PNG governments and delivered by the NRL – has successfully created opportunities to reshape attitudes towards women and girls.
The NRL’s Voice Against Violence education program, delivered in partnership with PNG’s family and sexual violence action committee, is also helping young women and men take action against domestic violence.
In January, the PNG Rugby Football League announced a gender strategy, marking the first time a national rugby league federation worldwide has adopted such a comprehensive equality framework. It seeks to drive progress for women and girls in four areas: participation (including coaching), leadership, visibility (including media) and safe and respectful environments.
How a women’s team could help
PNG’s national women’s team, the Orchids, made their World Cup debut in 2017. It marked a watershed moment for women’s rugby league in the country and initiated significant shifts in gendered mindsets.
It prompted Marape to say: “ten years ago, it would not have been possible to see parents allowing their girls to play – that stereotype has been broken now”.
Sport won’t end gender-based violence on its own. But it shapes identities and social norms, making it a powerful platform for challenging gender stereotypes and advancing respect and equality.
A PNG NRLW team would place women at the centre of a cultural space traditionally dominated by men, both materially and symbolically. It would elevate their visibility, status and value within one of the nation’s most influential social institutions.
Former PNG men’s rugby league captain David Mead has urged prioritisation of the women’s game: It’s a nation that’s still developing in terms of the way the role of the woman is seen. You get an NRLW team from PNG, that whole perception, the whole cultural shift occurs much faster.
This shift can include women competing in a physically demanding contact sport, challenging stereotypes that women are unsuited to strength, toughness and athletic excellence.
Despite the potential for a PNG NRLW team to amplify these benefits nationwide, no firm commitment nor timeline for a women’s team has been announced.
Time to place women and girls at the centre
As PNG gets ready to co-host the 2026 rugby league World Cup with Australia and New Zealand – a tournament featuring both men’s and women’s teams – the country’s passion for the sport will be on full display.
But in a country grappling with entrenched gender inequality and despicable rates of gender-based violence, the case for women’s rugby league extends far beyond wins and losses on the field.
Much more needs to be done to ensure the agency, leadership and opportunities of women and girls in PNG are placed at the centre of development and nation-building efforts. A team in the NRLW could play a part and must happen sooner rather than later….PACNEWS
Michelle O’Shea, Senior Lecturer, School of Business, Western Sydney University and Rohini Balram, Adjunct Fellow, Humanitarian and Development Research Initiative, Western Sydney University
