In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Fijian Drua unveil development squad for 2027
2. RUGBY LEAGUE — Fiji Bulikula changing perceptions of women in sport, says Wesele
3. RUGBY LEAGUE— ‘Our little nations should be compensated fairly’: Spencer Leniu challenges rugby league
4. RUGBY — FRU targets stronger rugby links in Europe
5. RUGBY LEAGUE — Chiefs address roster issue by adding PNG international
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘So beatable’: Kiwi Ferns have history on side
7. RUGBY LEAGUE— ‘We won’: Kangaroo shoots down claims of Kiwi dominance
8.RUGBY LEAGUE — League’s great entertainers primed for World Cup show
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — Kangaroos team for Rugby League World Cup 2026 Final
10. RUGBY— Nominations confirmed for World Rugby Executive Board positions
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 11 Nov 2026
Fijian Drua unveil development squad for 2027
NADI, 11 NOVEMBER 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—The Fijian Drua has named a 20-member Development and Next Gen squad for 2027, providing some of Fiji’s most promising young rugby players with a direct pathway towards professional rugby.
Among the players selected in the Development Squad are Skipper Cup standouts Joeli Baleilevuka of Nadroga and Tevita Ledua of Malolo, both of whom are now one step closer to earning a place in the Drua’s Super Rugby Pacific environment.
Drua Director of Pathways Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani says the squad reflects the strength of Fiji’s player development system, with every player progressing through schools rugby, provincial competitions, age-grade programmes or national pathways.
The 13-member Development Squad includes two capped Flying Fijians, several emerging provincial stars and five returning players from last year’s programme.
Baleilevuka earned selection after a standout season with Nadroga, including a player-of-the-match performance in the Skipper Cup final where he scored 19 points to help secure the title.
Ledua, a former Ratu Kadavulevu School student from Taveuni, also earned recognition after impressing for Malolo and Fiji Under-20.
Joining them are notable talents such as recent Flying Fijians representative Kavekini Boselawa, former Fiji Under-20 players Luke Tuvalu and Marika Koroi, and Skipper Select captain Sakiusa Vosayaco.
The programme will be overseen by former Flying Fijian and Drua star Kini Murimurivalu and former Lautoka Rugby coach Kiniviliame Bavadra, who have been tasked with guiding the next generation of professional players.
The Drua also unveiled seven Next Gen players, including Viliame Daurua, who scored a hat-trick for Suva Grammar School in the Vodafone Super Deans final, and promising Queen Victoria School flyhalf Jone Raibevu.
The selected players will train alongside the Drua’s senior squad, gaining exposure to professional coaching, strength and conditioning programmes, and high-performance standards as they continue their development journey….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY LEAGUE: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 11 Nov 2026
Fiji Bulikula changing perceptions of women in sport, says Wesele
SUVA, 11 NOVEMBER 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—Fiji Bulikula’s historic Rugby League World Cup campaign is helping break down outdated stereotypes about women in sport, according to head coach Jone Wesele.
Following Fiji’s run to the semi-finals in its first-ever Women’s Rugby League World Cup appearance, Wesele said female athletes have often faced negative comments and limited expectations, but the Bulikula’s achievements have helped change that narrative.
“I vividly remember back at home when they play, they get comments like, ‘you’re only good for dishwashing’ or ‘you’re only good for caring for kids’ and all those kinds of comments.”
However, Wesele believes the team’s performances on the world stage have shown young girls that they can aspire to much more.
“Time has changed and what these girls have done today will truly inspire our next generation of girls and women who are going to want to represent Fiji because of their performances.”
The coach said watching the Bulikula compete against the world’s best has demonstrated the growing opportunities available to women through sport.
“To watch these girls play is so mesmerising, knowing that our daughters, not just here in Fiji but all around the world, will be gearing up to represent Fiji, and that’s the whole purpose.”
Wesele also called for continued support and investment in women’s sport, saying greater exposure and recognition will help create more opportunities for future generations.
Despite their semi-final defeat to Australia, the Bulikula’s World Cup campaign has been widely hailed as a breakthrough moment for women’s rugby league in Fiji and a source of inspiration for aspiring female athletes across the country….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 11 Nov 2026
‘Our little nations should be compensated fairly’: Spencer Leniu challenges rugby league
SYDNEY, 11 NOVEMBER 2026 (PMN)—Toa Sāmoa player Spencer Leniu has taken to social media demanding fairer pay for players, following the global attention Tonga and Sāmoa generated during the Rugby League World Cup.
With both nations reaching the semi-finals, Leniu published an Instagram post highlighting the importance of fair compensation for their contribution to the game.
Part of the post reads: “There’s no secret that they’ve used our people to sell games. Look no further than Sāmoa vs Tonga. Arguably the most hyped up and anticipated game of the tournament.
“They make it a triple header because our people turn up in numbers, fill the stadiums and create an atmosphere with pride and passion.”
The social media post has generated more than 100,000 likes and gained support from fellow Tongan and Sāmoan players, reigniting questions around fair compensation for Pacific nations.
The discussion follows scrutiny of player payments, with RNZ Pacific reporting Australian players received a flat payment of NZ$49,000(US$27,000) each, while players representing Sāmoa, Tonga and other nations receive around NZ$1,000 (US$560) per game.
Australia’s payments are not funded through the Rugby League World Cup but through an agreement between the Australian federation and the players’ association, determined during previous negotiations.
With the 2030 Rugby League World Cup set to be staged in the United States, Leniu believes the tournament’s destination reflects the growth and influence Pacific communities have brought to the game.
Leniu’s post goes on to say with the next WC in the US, specifically to Utah and Hawaii where there is a big Polynesian community, shows the importance of our people in growing our game.
“So I believe if they are going to use that as a tool to generate money, our little nations should be compensated fairly for it.”
The 26-year-old’s comments come as the International Rugby League (IRL) outlines plans for the next World Cup, including movingTonga and Sāmoa up a tier.
The decision was confirmed by IRL chairman Troy Grant during a media conference.
“The board voted unanimously to engage with Tonga and Sāmoa on elevating them from Tier 2 to Tier 1 status. I have been in contact with both nations to advise them of the Board’s decision.
“We will be working with them over the next couple of months to ensure there are no unintended consequences from that potential elevation to Tier one.”
Grant says the decision recognises the significant contributions both nations have made to the sport, on and off the field.
“This is out of respect and acknowledgement of their achievements on two fronts; obviously their performances on the field are without question the equivalent of current three Tier One nations.
“And secondly these two nations have taken gigantic leaps forward regarding their governance and what they are doing domestically.”
Grant says detailed discussions have begun with both nations to ensure there are no unintended consequences should they be promoted….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 11 Nov 2026
FRU targets stronger rugby links in Europe
SUVA, 11 NOVEMBER 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The Fiji Rugby Union’s(FRU)long term plan is to have more engagements in Europe.
This was revealed to SUNsports by FRU board chairman John Sanday during an interview on the upcoming Fijian Latui’s two-match tour to Ireland.
“The future of rugby is in Europe and given that we have almost 500 Fijian players in that market, we have to look at all options on how we can better utilise and monetise this asset pool,” Sanday said.
He also pointed out that the FRU is making a big investment on the Fijian Latui for the tour to go ahead as it would benefit our players and coaches in many ways.
Sanday said the financial returns on this tour is projected to break even.
“The commercial terms for the planned matches especially against Ireland A, have been discussed and agreement has been reached on how this will look like. We are trying to finalise sponsorship as well. It is the first tour so we are projecting a break even financial outcome.
“The real return is the exposure and expansion of player depth from which the Flying Fijians will be selected from for Rugby World Cup 2027 plus the learnings for the Skipper Cup players and coaches.”
The Fijian Latui travels to Dublin to take on top Irish club Munster on Saturday (14 November) and face Ireland A on Friday, 20 November.
Sanday said one of the immediate gains is to add depth to the pool of players who are available for Flying Fijians selection.
“The central point of the Fijian Latui is that it will have capping status,” the former Flying Fijians No.8 said.
“In other words once you play for the Fijian Latui you become capped for Fiji and therefore secures the pool of players that are available for Flying Fijians selection. We plan to cap our youngsters playing overseas plus provide a development pathway for Skipper Cup players to get exposure in a high performance environment.”
Sanday said in this way they are supporting Flying Fijians head coach Jake White’s intention to find the best 33 players to represent the country at next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
“In that sense we are growing the pool of players that the head coach (Jake White) can select from. We are playing our part in investing in the right places to build depth and competition for positions.”
Sanday also indicated that in addition they are using the Fijian Latui to give high performance exposure to our local coaches.
“Without this investment they would never get an opportunity to be part of a coaching team in a high-performance environment. They will bring these learnings back to our Skipper Cup and clubs so the whole standard of Fiji rugby lifts toward the global best standards.
Fiji Latui squad
Loosehead prop: Emosi Tumania (Bayonne), Sylvester Vakauliafa (Vannes); Hooker: Sesoni Tamani (Castres), Osea Dasalusalu (Naitasiri), Joseva Baleiloa (Kadavu); Tighthead prop: Johnny Muller (Naitasiri), Mesake Doge (Drua), Samuela Tawake (NZ), Kaliova Bulai (Angouleme); Locks: Peni Naruma (Nadi), Petero Mailulu (Stade Franc;ais), Watisoni Waqanisaravi (La Rochelle), Meli Turagaca (Lock Chambery), Isaia Lotawa (Ba), Francis Peters (Bordeaux); Loose forwards: Apisalome Kuruisaqila (Beziers), Mosese Tabuakoto (Stade Franc;ais), Isoa Koronawai (Suva), Joshua Thomson (Grenoble), Veresa Ramototabua (Castre); Halfback: Cameron Kelemeti (Doncaster), Leone Nawai (Nadi), Iliesa Baravilala (Vannes);
Flyhalf: Joeli Baleilevuka (Nadroga); Centre/Wings: Warne Naituvi (Racing), Apete Narogo (Toulon), Sireli Masiwini (Provence); Jope Naseara (Dax), Alipate Waidilo (Naitasiri), Mosese Naura (Nadi), Peniasi Dakuwaqa (Stade Francais), Semi Lagivala (La Rochelle), Kaminieli Rasaku (Angouleme), Avakuki Niusalelekitoga (Angouleme), Josaia Ralulu (Racing Espoir);
Fullback: Rupeni Junior Caucaunibuca (Montpellier), Setareki Tuicuvu (Toulon)…. PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 11 Nov 2026
Chiefs address roster issue by adding PNG international
PORT MORESBY, 11 NOVEMBER 2026 (AAP)—The PNG Chiefs have landed their youngest player to date, signing Papua New Guinea international Zac Laybutt from the North Queensland Cowboys.
An eight-time Kumuls representative, Queensland-born Laybutt becomes the eighth member of coach Willie Peters’ squad for the Chiefs’ inaugural NRL season in 2028.
The 24-year-old, who will be 26 when the Chiefs play their first game in 18 months’ time, is also the youngest as he joins a roster that includes Jarome Luai, Joey Manu, Zac Lomax and Brian To’o.
“We are delighted to have signed Zac, and his signing is particularly meaningful for us as we build a club that proudly represents PNG,” said PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson.
“Having Papua New Guinean players like Zac representing the PNG Chiefs will be incredibly important to our identity, and he can help inspire the next generation of rugby league talent in this country by showing what is possible to achieve in the NRL.”
After South Sydney winger Alex Johnston, Laybutt is the second Papua New Guinean international to join the Chiefs squad for their maiden season.
The Chiefs have signed three homegrown Papua New Guineans on development deals and are in talks with Canberra’s Hudson Young and St Helens halfback Sean O’Sullivan. …PACNEWS
AUS – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 11 Nov 2026
‘So beatable’: Kiwi Ferns have history on side
SYDNEY, 11 NOVEMBER 2026 (AAP)—-The Kiwi Ferns are adamant they have the tools to pry open the Jillaroos’ “cracks and flaws” when they meet in the World Cup final.
The hosts will start favourites in Sunday’s decider in Brisbane, having won 12 of their last 14 encounters in the last 11 years.
Things were different in the 20 years before that, with New Zealand winning all but three of their 18 contests.
It leaves them ahead 17-15 in women’s rugby league’s biggest rivalry, but Kiwi captain Georgia Hale isn’t leaning on that.
“We’re right where we want to be, but the Jillaroos are the best and we want to beat the best,” she said on Tuesday.
“The pack we have, the flair and speed we have … absolutely they are so beatable.
“Every team has cracks and flaws.
“We’ve beaten them before, and I remember that feeling and it’s one we want to grasp on Sunday.””
Jillaroos skipper Isabelle Kelly expects a forensic examination of her side after they were pushed by an impressive Fiji in a 30-14 semi-final win.
“It was a good match-up; we needed a physical game and the Fijian girls, a lot aren’t contracted in NRLW that will now be pushing for spots,” she said.
“They’ve watched all our games and there’s always little things every team can find.
“It’s preparing for everything and we’ve done that well, changing our plan and against the Kiwis we might play a different style as well,” she said…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 11 Nov 2026
‘We won’: Kangaroo shoots down claims of Kiwi dominance
SYDNEY, 11 NOVEMBER 2026 (AAP)—Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has rubbished the suggestion Australia lost the forward battle to New Zealand in the World Cup opener, accusing critics of being disrespectful.
Sunday’s World Cup final between the Kangaroos and Kiwis looms as a tasty rematch, after last month’s tournament opener was one of the best Tests this century.
New Zealand dominated territory as their forward pack ran more metres, with three long-range tries helping Australia to a 24-22 win.
But Fa’asuamaleaui claimed it was wrong for anyone to suggest the Kangaroos’ forwards had lost the battle but won the war.
“You win the battle, you win the whole game,” the front-rower said.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for (New Zealand), and I’m not saying it in a bad way. People can talk and whatever. But at the end of the day, we won the game.
“We definitely discussed (after the game) that we needed to be better.
“But we won the game. We were really proud of our effort, our scramble defence and making things happen.”
Australia’s pack has been one of the key talking points of the World Cup, with four-time premiership winning coach Trent Robinson claiming in the Seven Network’s coverage they had been out-muscled by New Zealand and Fiji.
Luke Keary had also warned that the Kangaroos’ pack risked being steamrolled by Samoa or Tonga, after their 36-22 group-stage win over the Bati.
Australia bounced back with their most complete match of the tournament against Samoa in Sunday’s semi-final, dominating every aspect of the 44-12 win.
But New Zealand’s pack is arguably the best in the world, with James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota, Joe Tapine and Naufahu Whyte up front.
Fa’asuamaleaui said he expected a high standard to be set for the Kangaroos, but believed some comments of their performance against the Kiwis had been over the top.
“A lot of people probably have disrespected us, probably overshadowed the fact that we did win,” Fa’asuamaleaui said.
“We want to be judged harsh, but in a respectful way. I think a lot of people have been disrespectful.
“But we do expect to be judged harsh, because we are a pinnacle. We’ve won the most World Cups.”
Fa’asuamaleaui, meanwhile, revealed he had been in tears during both national anthems against Samoa on Sunday.
The Queensland front-rower had toyed with the idea of representing Samoa to honour his late father’s heritage, before deciding to again wear green and gold.
He was then face-to-face with Brian To’o during Samoa’s pre-match Siva Tau, with the pair’s heads making contact as Samoa marched towards the Kangaroos.
“I was real pumped up and have a lot of respect for them boys. Bizza started the movement for the Samoan boys,” Fa’asuamaleaui said.
“To see what they’ve done, a lot of respect, and it definitely pumped me up, but I was just admiring it too.
“I had a lot of emotions actually, I had a few tears during the national anthem, both of them, Aussie and the Samoan one,” he said…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 11 Nov 2026
League’s great entertainers primed for World Cup show
SUVA, 11 NOVEMBER 2026 (AAP)—Rugby league’s great entertainers have pledged to deliver again in the sport’s showpiece, Kalyn Ponga admitting more Reece Walsh brilliance is inevitable in the World Cup final.
New Zealand fullback Ponga returned from a broken arm in 23 days to lead his side into Sunday’s Brisbane decider against an Australian team powered by electric No.1 Reece Walsh.
Walsh scored a hat-trick in Sunday’s win over Samoa and the pair went toe-to-toe in an enthralling contest to open the tournament last month the hosts won 24-22.
“It’s always all love off the field and then when we get on the field, we aren’t friends,” Ponga, who broke his arm in that clash with Australia, said of his Queensland State of Origin teammate.
“We can both … make Sunday night entertaining, but hopefully not too much for him.
“There’s always going to be moments of individual brilliance.”
Kangaroos hooker Harry Grant tipped his cap to his Origin teammate before hinting they’d spend most of this week planning to silence him.
“Both incredible players, unique to our game and we should celebrate that at all costs,” Grant said, before joking that Ponga had told him his arm was “not 100 per cent” after his return.
“They bring their own style to the game; it’s enjoyable to play alongside, play against and I’m sure the fans love that.
“They’re in sweet spots with their games at the moment; we can try and maximise the opportunities we give Reece and nullify Kalyn’s.
“There is some game plan going into that (to) bring our game to life and understand their strengths.”
Both fullbacks, as well as Grant, are contenders to win International Rugby League’s Golden Boot on Thursday.
But Ponga, in his first campaign with the Kiwis, has all eyes on Suncorp Stadium days later.
“It’d be a proud moment for myself, obviously, but my family,” he said.
“The way my international availability has unfolded over the years, my want to play for this jersey, this this country, my people, waiting for that opportunity, not knowing if it was even going to happen, but knowing that it was the right decision.
“But I’m not a part of this team to win the (award), I’m part of this team to win the World Cup.
“I should thank my forwards if I do get to win it, but yeah, obviously there’s a bigger goal than that for me,” he said…. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 11 Nov 2026
Kangaroos team for Rugby League World Cup 2026 Final
SYDNEY, 11 NOVEMBER 2026 (NRL)—Australian Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters has named his team to play New Zealand in the Rugby League World Cup 2026 Final at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday.
Walters has stuck to his winning formula for the World Cup decider naming the same team that ran out 44-12 winners over Samoa in the semi-final in Sydney last weekend.
“We’ve been building with our performances throughout the tournament and we’re in a World Cup Final. This is where you want to be playing at your best and everything in our preparation has focused on getting the best performance on the biggest stage,” said Walters.
“Making a World Cup Final is hard, and winning a World Cup is even harder. It’s a great challenge against New Zealand, and the players are excited for the opportunity to earn a piece of their own history in the Kangaroos jersey.”
The Rugby League World Cup 2026 Final will be broadcast live and exclusive in Australia on Seven and 7plus, on Sky Sport in New Zealand and Digicel in Papua New Guinea.
The blockbuster double-header at Suncorp Stadium will see the Australian Jillaroos take on New Zealand in the Women’s Final before the Kangaroos face the Kiwis with a 6:35pm AEST kick off.
Kangaroos team to play New Zealand
1.Reece Walsh
2. Jack Bostock
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Bradman Best
5. Tom Trbojevic
6. Cameron Munster
7. Tom Dearden
8. Patrick Carrigan
9. Harry Grant
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11. Jacob Preston
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo ©
14. Ethan Strange
15. Keaon Koloamatangi
16. Cameron Murray
17. Reuben Cotter
18. Latrell Mitchell
19. Sam Walker
20. Blayke Brailey
21. Lindsay Smith
22. James Tedesco
23. David Fifita…PACNEWS
IRELAND – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 11 Nov 2026
Nominations confirmed for World Rugby Executive Board positions
DUBLIN, 11 NOVEMBER 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—World Rugby has confirmed that three nominations have been received for the two Rugby Southern Hemisphere High Performance Union Executive Board positions to be elected at the Council meeting in Dublin on 19 November.
The nominations are:
*Greg Barclay (New Zealand Rugby), nominated by New Zealand Rugby and Seconded by South African Rugby Union
*John Eales (Rugby Australia), nominated by Rugby Australia and Seconded by New Zealand Rugby
*Agustín Pichot (Unión Argentina De Rugby), nominated by Unión Argentina De Rugby and seconded by South African Rugby Union.
The electoral process, timelines and eligibility for the two World Rugby Executive Board positions are set out in Bye-Law 9.8 and Bye-Law 9.9 of the World Rugby Bye-Laws.
Under governance reforms adopted in 2024 to broaden representation, the Executive Board comprises two members from northern hemisphere high-performance unions, two from southern hemisphere high-performance unions, one performance representative, one regional representative, two independent player representatives, four independent directors, the World Rugby Chair and the CEO.
Eligible candidates must be Council representatives from Australia, Argentina, South Africa and New Zealand. In accordance with the World Rugby Bye-Laws, Unions and Regions are invited to submit nominations for the positions with nominees confirmed by the end of October, following a comprehensive vetting process. The election will be conducted by ballot.
The elected members will succeed SA Rugby President Mark Alexander and New Zealand representative Bart Campbell on the World Rugby Executive Board, who are retiring from their positions. The World Rugby Council will elect their successors at its meeting in Dublin on 19 November.
Alexander will step down after serving the maximum cumulative term of eight years, while Campbell is stepping down after six years of service following the conclusion of his mandate on the World Rugby Council as a New Zealand Rugby representative. Both will step down following the November Executive Board meeting ahead of Council.
Together, within the Board, they have helped shape game on and off the field, overseeing record-breaking men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups, the introduction of new international competitions and the development of a bold new World Rugby strategy to drive the sport’s sustainable growth….PACNEWS
