In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Tuisova returns in exciting Fiji team to face Ireland
2. NETBALL — Fiji A to test local talent at Pacific netball challenge
3. RUGBY LEAGUE — New Zealand double act scoops Golden Boot awards
4. FOOTBALL — Solomon Islands U-16 Men’s Journey to the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027
5. FOOTBALL — Futsal girls gain from historic outing
6. FOOTBALL — OFC Pro League players gain valuable experience through OFC Player Placement Programme
7. RUGBY — Kailea seeks to get win over ‘cousin’ Sione Tuipulotu
8. RUGBY — Blockbuster reunion of RWC contenders launches Nations Championship R5 as USA aim to extend Nations Cup run
9. RUGBY — New trophies unveiled as World Rugby Nations Cup approaches thrilling conclusion
10. ANTIDOPING — Report on child doping refers to “darkest chapter in world sport”
IRELAND – RUGBY: 42 PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 13 Nov 2026
Tuisova returns in exciting Fiji team to face Ireland
DUBLIN, 13 NOVEMBER 2026 (42)—Flying Fijians coach Jake White has welcomed star centre Josua Tuisova back into his team for Saturday’s Nations Championship clash with Ireland.
The Racing 92 powerhouse is among the changes White has made to his starting XV for the clash at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
The experienced Ben Volavola comes into the side at out-half, Frank Lomani of the Fijian Drua starts at scrum-half, and Perpignan back row Peceli Yato is introduced at number eight and will captain the team. Racing openside Lekima Tagitagivalu is another fresh face.
Back rows Nathan Hughes, who made his Fiji debut in last weekend’s loss to France, and Pita Gus Sowakula have been ruled out due to injury, as has Bordeaux fullback Salesi Rayasi, who is replaced by Sale Sharks flyer Ponepati Loganimasi.
There’s a debut at outside centre for 31-year-old Setareki Bituniyata, who plays in the French Pro D2 with Provence, while new Highlanders signing Joseva Tamani is brought into the second row.
Fiji (v Ireland):
15. Ponepati Loganimasi (Sale Sharks)
14. Selestino Ravutaumada (Racing 92)
13. Setareki Bituniyata (Provence)
12. Josua Tuisova (Racing 92)
11. Jiuta Wainiqolo (Lyon)
10. Ben Volavola (Fijian Drua)
9. Frank Lomani (Fijian Drua)
1. Peni Ravai (Fijian Drua)
2. Tevita Ikanivere (Honda Heat)
3. Luke Tagi (Bayonne)
4. Joseva Tamani (Highlanders)
5. Isoa Nasilasila (JR East Green Warriors)
6. Mesake Vocevoce (Fijian Drua)
7. Lekima Tagitagivalu (Racing 92)
8. Peceli Yato (Perpignan) (captain)
Replacements:
16. Zuriel Togiatama (Newcastle)
17. Vilikesa Nairau (Saracens)
18. Inoke Ravuiwasa (Fijian Drua)
19. Kitione Salawa (Fijian Drua)
20. Elia Canakaivata (Sale Sharks)
21. Terio Tamani (Kadavu)
22. Caleb Muntz (Provence)
23. Iosefo Masi (Lyon)
Referee: Angus Gardner [RA].
FIJI – NETBALL: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 13 Nov 2026
Fiji A to test local talent at Pacific netball challenge
SUVA, 13 NOVEMBER 2026 (FIJI SUN) —Fiji A will use the inaugural PacificAus Sports Netball Challenge to test the country’s domestic talent against five Pacific nations.
Fiji’s emerging netball players will get an opportunity to test themselves against regional competition when Fiji A represents the country at the inaugural PacificAus Sports Netball Challenge in Brisbane, Australia, from 23 to 28 November.
The tournament, to be held at Nissan Arena, will feature five Pacific nations: Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands.
The competition is designed to showcase and develop Pacific-based players, providing Fiji’s locally based athletes with international exposure and an opportunity to demonstrate their readiness for higher-level netball.
Netball Fiji Transition Oversight Committee chairperson Vasiti Vugakoto said selecting players from domestic competitions provided an important pathway for athletes to progress towards national team programmes.
She said the PacificAus Sports series would also allow coaches to assess emerging talent and identify players for future regional and international competitions.
The competition will also provide an opportunity to evaluate the depth of Fiji’s domestic netball talent and the effectiveness of development programmes for players, coaches and technical officials.
Fiji A will open its campaign against Papua New Guinea in the first round.
For the Fiji side, the Brisbane campaign will provide valuable international match experience, an opportunity to strengthen team combinations and a chance to demonstrate the standard of players coming through Fiji’s domestic netball system.
The PacificAus Sports Netball Challenge is organised by Netball Australia in partnership with the Australian Government through the PacificAus Sports programme.
The initiative aims to strengthen sporting relationships across the Pacific while creating development opportunities for athletes, coaches, umpires and technical officials.
Fixtures
November 23
Samoa v Cook Islands
November 24
Fiji v Papua New Guinea
November 25
Tonga v Cook Islands
Samoa v Fiji
November 26
No fixture supplied
November 27
Tonga v Fiji
Samoa v Papua New Guinea
Tonga v Samoa
Papua New Guinea v Cook Islands
November 28
Papua New Guinea v Tonga
Cook Islands v Fiji
Finals…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 13 Nov 2026
New Zealand double act scoops Golden Boot awards
SYDNEY, 13 NOVEMBER 2026 (AAP)—Kalyn Ponga has delivered on his allegiance to New Zealand in remarkable fashion, winning the men’s Golden Boot after two breathtaking World Cup displays at fullback.
In a national double act, Kiwi Ferns strike centre Stacey Waaka won the International Rugby League (IRL) women’s Golden Boot with both players on hand to receive their awards on Thursday night at a function held at Suncorp Stadium.
Both the men and women’s teams both performed hakas.
The gong this year has been awarded to the best international male and female player of 2026, obviously not taking into account performances from Sunday’s World Cup finals in Brisbane where New Zealand and Australia clash in both.
Ponga, 28, edged out his Cup final counterpart Reece Walsh, Samoa powerhouse Francis Manuleleua, Tonga centre Robert Toia and Kiwi centre Casey McLean.
Due to the dearth of Test football, Ponga and Waaka have been recognised for their feats in their debut tournaments for their national teams.
After changes in international eligibility rules, Ponga was allowed to represent tier one nation New Zealand and play State of Origin for Queensland.
He had never played for Australia, but wanted to link with the Kiwis to honour his Maori heritage after representing Maori All Stars.
“I definitely made the right choice and I knew that from the moment I made it,” Ponga said after receiving the award from father Andre.
“I am not in this environment to win this award. There is a bigger goal at the end of it, but to do it in these colours, for this country and for my people is special.”
Ponga’s two games for the Kiwis have been nothing short of sensational.
In the World Cup opener, he was on track to be man of the match before breaking his forearm and playing on for a further 20 minutes in the 24-20 loss to Australia. He eventually left the field in the 70th minute.
He returned 23 days later after a miracle recovery to be awarded player of the match in the 34-10 win over Tonga.
“The feeling I had in that first game is special and I feel it every day in camp. I wanted to get back and be part of it and I am thankful to the physios and medical staff,” he said.
Coach and Kiwi great Stacey Jones struggled to find the word to describe his fullback.
“He’s one of those players … you know that he’s really good, but when he’s in your team, he’s … you know?,” Jones grinned on Thursday.
“He’s had a huge impact for us and how he played last week, just unbelievable to come back from a broken arm and slot in like that.”
Waaka is a legend of New Zealand rugby union, whose move to the NRLW has been breathtaking.
The Warriors gun has already has won gold medals in sevens at two Olympic Games, one Commonwealth Games and one World Cup, along with two World Cup titles in the 15-a-side game.
Her nine tries in four matches at this World Cup while playing centre has been a key in the Ferns’ progression to the final.
“I have never been in front of that haka and it hit me. It got me good,” she said after receiving the gong.
“I am not an emotional person, but they nearly got tears out of me. I am super proud to have them by my side.
“This award is a testament to my friends who have supported me throughout this journey and to my amazing teammates who make me look good on the field.
“This is for you sisters. I am honoured and blessed because I know how prestigious this award is.”
The Wheelchair golden boot has been taken out by England’s Rob Hawkins ahead of Friday night’s final in Wollongong between England and France….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 13 Nov 2026
Solomon Islands U-16 Men’s Journey to the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027
HONIARA, 13 NOVEMBER 2026 (OFC)—-Two years after beginning a nationwide search for the next generation of football talent, the Solomon Islands U-16 Men’s National Team have turned that vision into reality, securing their place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027 in Qatar.
The Solomon Islands finished third at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, earning qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027 for just the second time in their history, following their previous appearance in 2019.
This achievement represents the culmination of an extensive development programme through the Solomon Islands National Academy, which has been built around identifying, training and supporting young players from across the country.
FIFA Talent Coach and Assistant Coach Jake Stephenson has been involved in that process from the beginning, working with the Solomon Islands Football Federation through the FIFA Talent Development Scheme to give young players from across the country an opportunity to reach their potential.
“We came in two years ago to try and find talent and train them,” Stephenson says.
The search has taken the programme across the Solomon Islands, with more than 1,000 players assessed across two age groups over an 18-month period.
The talent identification process has continued to evolve, with improved systems, events and data collection, while Youth Development Officers across the provinces have also been supported to better understand what the programme is looking for at each age group.
For many of the players selected, the move into the National Academy has also represented a significant change in their lives.
“We absolutely see it as find, train, play and care,” says Stephenson.
That final element has been central to the programme, with players supported not only through their football development, but also with school, extracurricular activities and opportunities to build relationships as a team.
The football programme itself has provided six training sessions each week, with technical sessions complemented by strength and conditioning work at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sports.
Head coach Henry Fa’arodo says one of the biggest challenges initially was helping players adapt from playing football naturally in their provinces to a more structured training environment.
“Most of them come from the provinces. All they know is just play football,” he says.
The players have since made significant progress through repetition and continuity, with the structure of the programme helping them develop technically, tactically and physically.
For Fa’arodo, who previously represented the Solomon Islands as a player, being able to return home and share his experiences with the next generation has been particularly meaningful.
“I really enjoy being part of here, sharing my experience to the talented ones and hopefully, they can grow with it as well,” he says.
That growth has now delivered one of the biggest achievements of their young careers.
“I think for us, going into the tournament, we know what’s at stake,” Fa’arodo says. “But I think the thing was knowing that we qualified for the FIFA World Cup.”
An 18-month FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign plan is now being developed, with the programme looking to provide more international fixtures, challenging domestic opportunities and exposure to older opposition as the players prepare for Qatar.
“We’re always looking for talent across the entirety of Solomon Islands to give them an opportunity to achieve their potential in the game, but also become better people.” Said Stephenson.
After two years of searching, training and developing talent from across the nation, the next chapter is now waiting on the world stage for the Solomon Islands to show just how much talent exists in their country….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 13 Nov 2026
Futsal girls gain from historic outing
SUVA, 13 NOVEMBER 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—Fiji’s under-17 futsal players return from Dakar with more than three defeats on the scoreboard, having taken their first steps onto an international stage that could shape the future of women’s futsal in the country.
For the U17 girls, the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal was not simply another tournament. It was a historic first appearance for Fiji women’s futsal at the Youth Olympic Games, giving a new generation of players an opportunity to measure themselves against some of the world’s experienced oppositions.
The campaign ended with a 6-0 defeat to Venezuela last Friday, following an 8-1 loss to hosts Senegal and a 5-1 defeat to Ukraine.
However, the results tell only part of the story.
Against Ukraine, Kinisimere Botesulu showed Fiji’s attacking potential when she scored from a counter-attack to bring her side within a goal at 2-1 at halftime. Akanisi Katonitabua had earlier written her name into the team’s history by scoring Fiji’s opening goal against Senegal.
Behind the historic appearance was months of preparation and a nationwide search for talent.
With no active regional U17 girls’ futsal championship available, the coaching staff took their search across Fiji’s Southern, Western and Northern divisions, conducting scouting trials in Suva, Ba and Labasa.
The initial group of 14 players was gradually developed before being reduced to the final 10-member travelling squad.
Captain Salanieta Vosadora previously acknowledged the challenge of securing a place in the team.
“It was tough at first, and it was not easy fighting for our spot. We had many trials and many girls, but 10 of us were so happy to be picked and to represent Fiji in the futsal team,” she said.
Head coach José Gerardo also recognised the significance of the opportunity.
“We are very proud to make history for Fiji women’s futsal,” Gerardo said.
He said competing against stronger international opposition would help the players improve their decision-making, concentration and ability to work together under pressure.
The journey also builds on the progress of Fiji’s senior women’s futsal program, which finished runners-up at the 2024 OFC Women’s Futsal Nations Cup.
While the young side did not progress beyond the group stage in Dakar, its experience provides an important starting point for the next generation.
For these girls, the results may not have gone their way, but they have helped open another door for women’s futsal in Fiji …PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 13 Nov 2026
OFC Pro League players gain valuable experience through OFC Player Placement Programme
AUCKLAND, 13 NOVEMBER 2026 (OFC)—As the OFC Pro League continues to create new opportunities for players across the Pacific, the Oceania Football Confederation’s Player Placement Programme is helping bridge the gap between the regional game and professional football.
Designed to expose talented players and coaches to higher-quality development environments, the programme provides access to professional training, high-intensity competition and world-class mentoring, while building sustainable relationships between OFC Member Associations and professional clubs.
The latest placement, held in October, saw Fijian Bula FC players Maikah Dau, Ryan Naresh and Sterling Vasconcellos, accompanied by assistant coach Marika Rodu, join Solomon Kings captain Philip Mango for two weeks in Auckland, New Zealand.
The group trained with Auckland FC Reserves, Birkenhead United’s U-19 and first teams, and Eastern Suburbs AFC first team. Mango also had the opportunity to train alongside Auckland FC’s A-League squad, providing valuable insight into the demands of a professional football environment.
OFC High Performance Consultant Dave Wright said exposing players to higher-quality development environments was essential to supporting their progression, particularly as the Pro League continues to create opportunities for emerging Pacific talent.
“The OFC Player Placement Programme is now established and a valuable vehicle to provide meaningful training experiences to players across the region,” Wright said.
The participating clubs were selected to expose players to different levels of football, from elite professional environments to high-quality amateur competitions. Auckland FC, in particular, has played an important role in opening doors for Pacific players and staff to experience life inside an A-League club.
Philip Mango and Oli Sail at Auckland FC training.
“Given Auckland FC is an A-League club, we see this as a chance for players and coaches to go behind the scenes and immerse themselves in a professional context. We have to be aspirational, and aim to see more players from around the Pacific become A-League players,” Wright said.
The programme is already demonstrating its potential, with Gordon Iro and Rovu Boyers both securing OFC Pro League contracts following their placement with Auckland FC in 2025.
Wright hopes these experiences can act as a catalyst for players to take the next step in their professional journeys, while also raising the standards of those around them. The benefits also exted to coaches, who can bring new knowledge ad experiences back to their home associations to improve daily training environments.
For Mango, the experience reinforced the importance of commitment and professionalism.
“To play in a more professional environment, you need to be committed. The things that I’ve learned is you need to be committed,” he said.
Bula FC midfielder Ryan Naresh said the group initially felt nervous joining unfamiliar teams but quickly settled into their new surroundings.
“At first we were nervous when we came here to play with new boys. But then during training the boys were really friendly, so we got along together very well,” he said.
With the 2027 OFC Pro League season kicking off in January, the players return home with fresh perspectives, greater confidence and a clearer understanding of the standards required to compete at the next level….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 13 Nov 2026
Kailea seeks to get win over ‘cousin’ Sione Tuipulotu
EDINBURGH, 13 NOVEMBER 2026 (NRL)—Isaac Kailea is relishing the chance to face childhood mate and Scottish skipper Sione Tuipulotu in the second fixture of the Wallabies November Nations Championship campaign in Edinburgh.
Tuipulotu, an Australian born inside back hailing from Melbourne, will be lacing up the boots as captain of Scotland against the nation that raised him.
As tight as “cousins,” Wallabies prop Kailea and Tuipulotu grew up together as part of a tight knit community in Melbourne’s South East.
“Our Dad’s met in Melbourne, they are both of Tongan heritage.” Kailea said, as he reflected on growing up in a close group with several families of the same background.
“There were a lot of rough games in the backyard and he was also the leader out of us kids. The leadership he showed back then is something I can see him doing now with Scotland. Even the way he talks, it’s still the same.
The match up between the two is not just family business; Kailea looking to “get a win over him” after the Wallabies went down 27-13 in their last match up in November 2024, where Kailea played against Tuipulotu for the first time on the international stage.
Reflecting on the first battle between the two, Kailea said “It was pretty cool, I was still soaking up that I was on a Spring Tour. He was throwing a bit of chat, but nothing too crazy. I don’t think he’d get too disrespectful.”
Tuipulotu will likely face up once again against Wallabies utility back Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii with Wallabies centre, Len Ikitau saying there is “no love lost” between the two.
The last time the powerhouses met, Suaalii laid out a massive hit on Tuipulotu which left the Wallaby clutching at his arm, fearing a broken wrist. Tuipulotu added to the hit saying that he “had never been hit that clean in his career.”
Ikitau believes that Suaalii is up for the challenge and is well prepared for the challenge of the illusive Scottish backline.
“Joseph is a warrior, he does all the preparation in the world, in terms of prep he is always ready to play. He’s excited for this match up this week.” Ikitau added.
After a 45-22 loss to England at Twickenham last Monday, Ikitau admitted that “As disappointed as we are, we look forward to going again this week. Against England, our energy levels did not apply enough pressure and playing against Scotland that’s where they come alive”
The Scottish backline, headlined by Tuipulotu and flyhalf Finn Russell, had suffered a loss of their own against the All Blacks last Sunday, going down 43-21 in their own backyard at Murrayfield.
Ikitau, having watched the game, said that Scotland will be wanting to “get the ball to the edge.”
“We know that they love to get the ball to Sione early. Obviously they’re disappointed from their loss against the All Blacks. We’re disappointed as well so I think it’s more of who wants to win, who wants it more and we’re excited,” he added…..PACNEWS
IRELAND – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 13 Nov 2026
Blockbuster reunion of RWC contenders launches Nations Championship R5 as USA aim to extend Nations Cup run
HONIARA, 13 NOVEMBER 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—The all-action Nations Championship and Nations Cup tournaments continue this weekend with round five of the new global competitions taking place.
All 24 teams competing at Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 are involved, starting with Friday’s blockbuster clash between France and world champions South Africa in Paris.
After an explosive start in July, the respective competitions returned with some more fantastic rugby last weekend and there will be eight more mouthwatering matches across the two tournaments this weekend.
Here is a selection of some of the fixtures awaiting us.
France (world ranking 4) v South Africa (1)
Antoine Dupont is back in business for France and threatening South Africa’s 100 per cent record in the Nations Championship.
The former World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year made a try-scoring international return in last weekend’s comfortable win over Fiji and will be fronting France’s bid – from fly-half, with Romain Ntamack joining Matthieu Jalibert on the injured list – to unseat the Southern Hemisphere leaders at the Stade de France.
The Springboks, however, remain one of only two unbeaten sides in the competition and flexed their considerable muscle in a 66-7 win over Italy last weekend. Hooker Malcolm Marx scored two of their nine tries to take his record Test tally for a South Africa forward to 30.
The Springboks knocked hosts France out of RWC 2023 at the quarter-final stage in the same stadium, winning 29-28 in one of the greatest matches in World Cup history.
Key stats: France made the most breaks in the 2026 Six Nations (56), 32 per cent more than their nearest rivals, South Africa have scored the most tries in the Nations Championship (29).
Wales (10) v New Zealand (2)
New Zealand, who like South Africa have four wins out of four, head for Cardiff in buoyant mood after a strong second-half showing took them to victory over Scotland last weekend.
The All Blacks have not lost to Wales for 73 years and have rattled up a half-century of points on each of their last three visits to the Principality Stadium.
The sides have met four times at Rugby World Cups with New Zealand prevailing on each occasion, most recently in the bronze medal match at RWC 2019 in Japan.
Wales will be looking to flanker Jac Morgan, who has made a tournament-high 87 tackles so far, and wing Louis Rees-Zammit, who made five line-breaks in an impressive try-scoring appearance against Japan last weekend, for big individual displays.
Key stats: Wales kicked longer than any of their rivals in the 2026 Six Nations, averaging 29.4m per kick. New Zealand wing Will Jordan tops the Nations Championship try-scoring charts with six.
England (5) v Japan (12)
Eddie Jones returns to Twickenham with his Japan side taking on England at the Allianz Stadium.
Jones, who took charge of 81 England Tests as head coach between 2016 and 2022, guided them to the 2019 World Cup final.
The Brave Blossoms will be outsiders against a home side who posted an impressive win over the Wallabies last weekend. England’s 45-point tally, which included two tries for flanker Henry Pollock – who was pressed into service on the wing after an injury to Manny Feyi-Waboso – was a new high against Australia.
Japan, though, ran Wales close last weekend, succumbing to a narrow 28-21 defeat and, in industrious flanker Ben Gunter, have one of the tournament’s top five tacklers.
England beat Japan 34-12 in a pool match in Nice at RWC 2023.
Key stats: England had the highest lineout success rate of any side in the 2026 Six Nations with 94.9 per cent. Japan had a 100 per cent lineout success against Wales last weekend (14 out of 14)
Ireland (3) v Fiji (9)
Fiji, under former South Africa World Cup-winning coach Jake White, who took charge last month, seek to bounce back from defeat against France with an improved showing in Dublin.
Ireland will be wary of a side with Fiji’s attacking flair – scrum-half Frank Lomani has provided the equal-most try assists in the tournament with four – but will be confident of maintaining their push for a place in the final.
They are one of three sides along with France and England on three wins at the top of the Northern Hemisphere table.
Ireland will be looking to back up last weekend’s emphatic victory over Argentina, in which full-back Hugo Keenan scored a hat-trick.
The two sides could meet in the quarter-final of RWC 2027 in Brisbane | Meeanjin if they both top their pools and come through their respective round of 16 ties.
Key stats: Ireland made the most jackals in the 2026 Six Nations (19). Fiji have made the most offloads in the Nations Championship (60).
Portugal (14) v Samoa (20)
Portugal attempt to keep the pressure on Pool B leaders Georgia as they take on Samoa for the first time at the Estadio do Restelo in Lisbon in the Nations Cup.
Stade Francais wing Raffaele Storti, who scored two tries in Portugal’s victory over Chile last weekend, already has six in four matches in the tournament.
Samoa have their own in-form wing though with Latrell Smiler-Ah Kiong, of the Waratahs, scoring a hat-trick last weekend in Samoa’s win over Zimbabwe.
Portugal are building towards their third appearance at a Men’s Rugby World Cup next year and hopes are high after their exploits at RWC 2023, when Os Lobos beat Georgia and drew with Fiji.
They kick off their tournament against Ireland on 4 October next year in Sydney | Gadigal at Sydney Football Stadium, which will host five matches at RWC 2027.
Key stats: Portugal had a 94 per cent tackle completion rate against Chile last weekend. Samoa made 19 line-breaks against Zimbabwe.
Romania (21) v USA (15)
Pool A leaders USA take their unbeaten Nations Cup record to the Stadionul National Arcul de Triumf in Bucharest on Saturday.
The Eagles, who are looking to go five from five in the competition, won 26-18 in the Romanian capital when the sides last met a year ago.
Goal-kicker Chris Hilsenbeck, who formerly represented Germany, will be looking to repeat last weekend’s heroics against Hong Kong China, when his late touchline conversion gave the Eagles a 28-26 win.
Romania will be able to call on 122kg Ospreys prop Gheorge Gajion, who scored two tries in the narrow defeat by Tonga last weekend.
The match will be a repeat of the RWC 1999 thriller between the two in Dublin, won 27-25 by Romania.
Key stats: USA had a 97 per cent ruck efficiency rate against Hong Kong China. Outside centre Nicolas Onutu made 10 of Romania’s 100 carries against Tonga….PACNEWS
IRELAND – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 13 Nov 2026
New trophies unveiled as World Rugby Nations Cup approaches thrilling conclusion
DUBLIN, 13 NOVEMBER 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—World Rugby has unveiled the new Nations Cup trophies as the inaugural competition prepares for a thrilling conclusion across Europe and Hong Kong on 20-21 November.
The USA head Pool A with 19 points, while Georgia top Pool B with the same total after both teams completed the July window unbeaten and then overcame Hong Kong China and Canada last weekend. Portugal remain firmly in contention, only two points adrift of Georgia, but Samoa, Tonga, Chile, Spain and Romania are not yet out of the picture, ensuring there is still plenty to play for during the final two rounds.
USA will clinch top spot in Pool A with victory over Romania in Bucharest on Saturday, while Georgia will need to beat Tonga and wait for Portugal and Spain’s results to see if they will also be confirmed as World Rugby Nations Cup champions with a round to spare.
Two champions will be crowned at the end of the tournament, one from each pool, marking an historic milestone for a competition created to give emerging rugby nations consistent, meaningful and commercially valuable international fixtures.
A platform for growth
The World Rugby Nations Cup brings together 12 unions from six continents, all qualified for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027. It provides a structured environment in which fast-growing rugby nations can test themselves against comparable opposition, build squad depth, refine their systems and gain valuable experience on the road to Australia 2027.
Designed to meet the strategic needs of unions on and off the field, the competition provides greater certainty around annual test matches, helping unions develop sustainable high-performance programmes, create commercial opportunities and engage new and existing supporters. Many participating nations represent some of rugby’s most exciting growth markets, driven by stronger pathways, increased investment and expanding fan bases, with strong attendances at matches to date further demonstrating the appetite for the competition.
The tournament’s reach across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Pacific reflects World Rugby’s ambition to strengthen the global game and create clearer opportunities for more nations to compete and grow the sport.
New trophies celebrate ambition and movement
The two newly unveiled Nations Cup trophies embody the ambition of aspiring rugby nations reaching for the top of the international game.
Finished in prestigious metallic gold and silver, each trophy stands 51cm tall, weighs 9.6kg and is crafted from aluminium and brass, with coloured elements and pool-inspired ribbons. Two sculpted petals rise around a suspended ball, evoking a player reaching to receive it and combining strength with the grace and dynamism of rugby.
The twisting structure creates an impression of speed, movement and athleticism, while elegant, cupped handles echo the competition’s visual identity. Twelve fine grooves spiral upwards around the petals, representing the tournament’s 12 participating teams and their shared journey towards the summit of the global game.
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “As the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup approaches its conclusion, the stage is set for a formidable spectacle on the pitch, with two historic titles at stake. Beyond the action, this competition is creating an incredible opportunity to grow rugby, engage new audiences and build lasting momentum in some of our sport’s most exciting nations and markets. The new trophies beautifully capture that ambition, celebrating movement, strength and the shared drive of every participating union to reach the top of the international game.”
The Nations Cup is a biennial competition played across the July and November international windows, featuring 12 teams divided into two geographically aligned pools of six:
*Pool A – Americas and Pacific: Canada, Chile, Samoa, Tonga, Uruguay and USA
*Pool B – Europe, Africa and Asia: Georgia, Hong Kong China, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Zimbabwe
Each team plays all six matches against opposition from the other pool, three in July and three in November, with every result contributing to its own pool standings. There is no finals day: the highest-ranked team in each pool is crowned champion.
The format guarantees every union a regular programme of competitive fixtures while creating a compelling year-long narrative. Together with the Nations Championship, it gives the world’s leading 24 men’s teams access to meaningful international competition ahead of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027….PACNEWS
DEU – ANTIDOPING: INSIDE THE GAMES PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 13 Nov 2026
Report on child doping refers to “darkest chapter in world sport”
LAUSANNE, 13 NOVEMBER 2026 (INSIDE THE GAMES)—German public broadcaster ARD announced the release of a documentary based on an investigation led by journalist Hajo Seppelt, suggesting that millions of children and adolescents may have used banned substances to enhance their sporting performance.
The series, entitled ‘Doping Top Secret: Children’, is the culmination of six years of investigations across more than 50 countries and 25 sports, during which the ARD team gathered evidence of coaches, doctors, officials and family members administering banned substances to minors, often driven by the ambition to win medals and secure financial rewards. The six-part production will premiere on the broadcaster’s streaming platform on Friday, before its television broadcast begins on Monday, during the week of World Children’s Day. In comments to Swiss media group Tamedia, Seppelt described the situation as “the darkest chapter in world sport”.
To estimate the number of minors who could be affected by doping, the researchers drew on United Nations figures which, according to German sports website Sportschau, put the number of children aged eight to 17 participating in competitive sport worldwide at between 195 and 260 million. Using a population of approximately 200 million as their starting point, they analysed 44 studies based on anonymous surveys conducted in 15 countries, with the findings showing that, on average, between 5 percent and 6 percent of respondents admitted to using performance-enhancing substances. Extrapolating these percentages produced an estimate of around 10 million minors potentially affected, although those are not cases confirmed through doping tests.
Paulo David, a former secretary of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child and an expert on youth sport, supports the extrapolation, although no worldwide study exists to confirm the figure. The surveys were conducted at different times and used different methodologies, and ARD excluded studies that counted recreational drugs such as cannabis. Furthermore, fear may prevent minors from admitting that they have used banned substances, and the surveys cannot identify cases in which such substances are administered without their knowledge. David believes that “there is a big, massive problem, and nothing is being done about it”.
This last point is particularly troubling because some adults lead children to believe they are taking harmless vitamins or supplements when they are actually being given hormone-based drugs. Speaking to German newspaper Märkische Allgemeine Zeitung, the journalist described pressure fuelled by the pursuit of recognition, financial opportunities and family expectations, which some young athletes feel unable to resist, while others turn to these substances of their own accord, believing they cannot compete on equal terms without them. Seppelt warned that many parents are unaware of what is happening because those responsible force the children to remain silent, explaining that “Many do not even know their children are being doped because those responsible have ordered the children to keep quiet”.
The scale of such practices was illustrated in countries like the Dominican Republic, where investigators documented suspected doping cases involving young baseball prospects whose coaches allegedly hoped to profit from their future professional contracts in the United States. During an undercover operation in the Caribbean country, a dealer who coached young players told reporters that he could supply doping substances even to children aged eight to ten, Seppelt told MAZ. The journalist explained that they had uncovered cases involving children doped at the ages of 11 or 12, although many of those affected were between 13 and 17.
Among the substances used in the child doping cases investigated were anabolic steroids, growth hormone and erythropoietin (EPO), which is used to improve endurance. Seppelt warned of the potential health consequences, ranging from hormonal changes to an increased risk of heart disease, severe depression and cancer, and said his investigation had uncovered deaths potentially linked to doping. The documentary features testimony from Hans-Georg Aschenbach, an Olympic ski jumping champion from East Germany, who attributes the sexual difficulties he says he still experiences to steroids he was given during his adolescence.
The difficulty of establishing the true extent of the problem is reflected in figures from Operation Refuge, a report published by the World Anti-Doping Agency in 2024, which recorded 1,416 minors with adverse analytical findings between 2012 and September 2023, an average of around 118 a year. Comparing these figures with the estimated 10 million potentially affected, ARD calculates that just 0.001 percent of cases would be detected, although comparing a statistical estimate with doping test results cannot establish a reliable detection rate. Speaking to MAZ, Seppelt warned that “Doping tests are carried out much less frequently on children than on adults”, highlighting the limited anti-doping testing of younger athletes.
The small number of cases detected is not, however, the only problem raised by the documentary, which also alleges that when doping is uncovered, the consequences often fall on the minors themselves, even if coaches, doctors or family members were responsible for administering the substances. The investigation highlights the need to establish where responsibility lies among the adults who should be protecting these young athletes, many of whom are not even aware that they are being doped….PACNEWS
