In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — 2027 Rugby World Cup on track to set records as Australia marks one year to go before launch
2. RUGBY — Manasa Mataele extends stay with Fijian Drua
3. RUGBY — Petelo warns Pacific pathway could suffer if NZ Rugby cuts a tier
4. RUGBY LEAGUE — The Rooster aiming to fulfil Tongan dad’s dream
5. YOUTH OLYMPICS — Pacific teams gear up for Summer Youth Olympics
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — Prime Minister’s 13 tournament set for Saturday
7. PNG GAMES — PNG Games review likely
8. NETBALL — Diamonds star sticking to guns after Games heartbreak
9. RUGBY — Kiss irked over Paisami suspension, coy on replacement
10. RUGBY — ‘I don’t think Australia is ready’: Cummins, Lucas backs 2027 Rugby World Cup to reach new heights
11. RUGBY — One for the sports lovers: Wallaby greats back 2027 Rugby World Cup to galvanise Australian sports fans
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 02 Oct 2026
2027 Rugby World Cup on track to set records as Australia marks one year to go before launch
SYDNEY, 02 OCTOBER 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU) —Thursday, 1st October officially marks 365 days until rugby’s largest tournament kicks off on Australian shores, and all signs are pointing to the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup being the largest yet.
Festivities to celebrate the one-year milestone took place across the country, with World Rugby revealing demand for the event has been strong, with over 1.3 million tickets of the 2.5 million tickets available already sold.
With fans from more than 164 countries expected in Australia, remaining tickets went on sale Thursday, giving fans another chance to be part of a once-in-a-generation event.
Currently, over 250,000 fans are set to arrive on Australian shores, making the Rugby World Cup Australia’s biggest sporting event since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
Not only that, but the event is also set to bring in over $1.3 billion(US$900 million) into the Australian economy through visitor expenditure and events, putting it in contention to be the most lucrative Rugby World Cup.
“In just 365 days, Australia will welcome the world for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, a landmark tournament that coincides with the competition’s 40th anniversary and promises to be the biggest and most accessible celebration of rugby ever staged,” World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said.
“The expanded format marks the beginning of a new era for our sport. With 24 teams and 52 matches for the first time, alongside the introduction of a round of 16, more nations will have the opportunity to compete, progress and shine on rugby’s biggest stage, supporting the expansion of our global game and bringing even greater drama and excitement to fans around the world.
“Beyond the six weeks of competition, Australia 2027 will leave a lasting legacy for the host nation, the Oceania region and our global membership.
“As rugby’s premier event, Rugby World Cup is a powerful catalyst for growth, inspiring new generations of players, fans and volunteers, while generating revenues that World Rugby reinvests in the game in full.”
With the matches set to take place across the entire country in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Newcastle, Perth and Townsville, the Rugby World Cup will not only showcase the sport across Australia’s wide national footprint, but offer fans from all over the world ample opportunity to see their favourite teams.
“Today marks an important milestone as we enter the final year of preparations for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027,” Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 Managing Director Chris Stanley added.
“Thanks to strong collaboration across governments, Host Cities and tournament partners, the foundations are in place to deliver an extraordinary tournament and a uniquely Australian experience that showcases the country’s world-class venues, rich culture, welcoming communities and proven ability to host major global events.
“With over half of all tickets available already secured by supporters from 164 countries, the excitement building across Australia and around the world is clear. We are particularly excited to see so many younger fans engaging with the tournament, reflecting the unique opportunity Australia 2027 has to inspire the next generation of players and fans.”
“This competition belongs to everyone, from the players who dream of competing on rugby’s biggest stage, to the volunteers, communities, partners and supporters who will help bring it to life. We look forward to uniting fans from around the world next year and encourage supporters everywhere to secure their place and be part of a celebration that will create memories to last a lifetime.”
“This will be the biggest Men’s Rugby World Cup ever staged,” David McCallum, General Manager of Rugby World Cup Experiences, added.
“The scale is extraordinary. Twenty-four teams, 52 matches, seven host cities, and more than 2.5 million tickets make this the largest edition of the tournament ever staged.
“What excites me is that the expanded format creates more rugby, more knockout matches and more opportunities for supporters and businesses to participate. It means the tournament will reach further across Australia and provide more ways for people to be part of it.
“Rugby World Cup 2027 will be Australia’s biggest business opportunity in sport because few events can combine global attention, premium audiences, six weeks of relationship-building and the best of Australia on this scale.
“Those figures demonstrate this is far more than a sporting event.
“It is a major tourism, economic and business opportunity for Australia. Visitors will not simply travel to one city, attend one match and leave. Many will move between host cities, stay for extended periods and build dining, tourism and cultural experiences around the rugby.
“The economic benefits will be felt it at airports, in hotels, restaurants, bars, tourism attractions and business venues across the country.
“For Australian rugby, I hope the tournament reconnects people with the game, inspires a new generation and creates momentum that continues well beyond the Final.
“For everyone involved, I hope we have delivered an event that made Australians proud and gave visitors an experience of the country they will never forget,” he said…. PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJIAN DRUA PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 02 Oct 2026
Manasa Mataele extends stay with Fijian Drua
NADI, 02 OCTOBER 2026 (FIJIAN DRUA)—The Fijian Drua has secured the services of seasoned winger Manasa Mataele for another year, extending his contract ahead of the 2027 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
Mataele’s extension provides further experience and depth to the Drua backline as preparations continue for the upcoming campaign.
Mataele heads into the new season fresh from international duties with the Flying Fijians, having featured in last month’s 2026 Pacific Nations Cup. He took the field against Canada, where he helped create a try for Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, before also featuring against Japan in the final.
Reflecting on his first season with the Drua, Mataele said: “I’m really excited. It’s something I’ve spoken about with my wife, reflecting on my first year here and how much I’ve enjoyed the experience. I also feel there’s still plenty more I can do and give back, so I’m excited to sign on for another year and hopefully help us push for a better season next year.
“Coming back home has been a breath of fresh air. Putting on the Drua jersey and knowing I’m representing not only myself, but my family and the whole of Fiji, has been really special.”
The Vanuavatu, Lau native joined the club ahead of the 2026 season, returning home after an extensive career in New Zealand and Australia which included Super Rugby Pacific stints with the Crusaders, Western Force and Chiefs.
One of his standout performances came in the Drua’s historic 33-28 victory over the Brumbies in Canberra in April. The 29-year-old crossed twice in the first half, including an intercept try, as the Drua secured only their second away victory in Super Rugby Pacific history.
The former Marist Brothers High School student finished the season in spectacular fashion against the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium, scoring a hat-trick in the Drua’s final match of the campaign. Mataele crossed once in the opening half before adding two more tries after the break as the Drua challenged the Reds in Brisbane.
Fijian Drua General Manager Rugby Baden Stephenson said: “We’re really pleased to have Manasa commit to the Drua for another season. He brought a wealth of experience into our group this year and has shown the quality he possesses as a powerful and dangerous outside back. He’s a strong ball carrier, a proven finisher and gives us plenty of attacking threat out wide.
“Manasa has fitted really well into our environment, and we believe there is still plenty more to come from him in a Drua jersey. Having a player of his experience continuing with us is important for the balance of our squad, and we’re excited to see him build on his first season with the Club in 2027.”…PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 02 Oct 2026
Petelo warns Pacific pathway could suffer if NZ Rugby cuts a tier
AUCKLAND, 02 OCTOBER 2026 (PMN)—Former provincial rugby player Patrick Petelo says New Zealand Rugby needs to protect the pathway from grassroots to the All Blacks as it weighs major changes to Super Rugby and the National Provincial Championship (NPC).
NZ Rugby brought about 80 stakeholders together in Wellington on Thursday to discuss options for its men’s elite competitions as it looks to address projected losses of $66 million (US$37 million) between 2027 and 2031.
No decisions were made at the summit with further work now expected on the options.
Speaking on Pacific Huddle, Petelo said removing either Super Rugby or the NPC would take away an important step for players coming through the game.
“Each of those tiers whether it be school rugby, club rugby, NPC, right through to Super Rugby, they have real valid positions and importance in the pathway of our game.”
Petelo says the focus should not only be on where NZ Rugby can save money but on keeping the game attractive from the bottom up.
“We’re looking at the top of the pyramid and maybe we should be protecting the bottom of the pyramid, which is our grassroots.”
He says his own experience playing from school and club level through provincial rugby showed him the importance of having a clear path towards higher honours.
Petelo believes the NPC provides more than a stepping stone for players. It also builds a connection between provincial teams and their communities.
“What you do is you really find a real heart for playing for your colours.”
He says removing that level could leave players facing too big a jump from club rugby into the fully professional Super Rugby environment.
“I think that stepping stone is too big and you’re going to lose a massive part of our pathways, and you’re also going to lose quite a few players.’
With NZ Rugby considering how its competitions could be reshaped, Petelo says a merger could be one option worth examining than simply cutting one competition.
‘I think the merger would probably be something that we’d have to consider and what that merger looks like to make sure.”
He suggests a competition could sit between club rugby and Super Rugby, giving players a more gradual step into the professional game while keeping provincial connections.
NZ Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster says no decision has been made on the future structure of the game following Thursday’s summit with all three options still being considered.
“Over time, over the next several months, one of those options will emerge as the preferred option,” Lancaster said.
He also stressed that the projected $66m (US$37 million) loss is a five-year forecast based on no changes being made.
“And what I can assure you is that we will not do nothing,” he said.
Australian rugby journalist Christy Doran says the future of Super Rugby also needs to be considered from a trans-Tasman perspective than looking at changes within New Zealand.
Doran says one option would be to strengthen the existing competition by increasing the number of games between Australian and New Zealand teams.
“I think the easiest and the best solution would be to increase it to a full home and away tournament.”
Petelo also points to the growing pull of rugby league particularly the way the New Zealand Warriors and Rugby League New Zealand are engaging young players and communities.
He says rugby can learn from that approach especially its focus on children and grassroots participation.
“The marketing strategy that they have has been just really cut through at a community level. And now everyone’s engaging.”
Petelo says the response to rugby’s financial problems needs to go beyond cutting costs.
“I think we need to market and address that marketing aspect.”
He says the priority is getting people excited about rugby again and rebuilding the connection between young players, their communities and the professional game.
“The All Blacks will always be the All Blacks. But I don’t think that us not looking after the bottom tier of rugby player, that’s the youth, that’s the teenage, the club level rugby.
“I think that’s, if we don’t invest our time and energy into that and putting money into that, I think we’re going to find that our sport’s going to go pear-shaped a little bit.”
The challenge now is finding a sustainable model without weakening the pathway that connects grassroots rugby with the professional game…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 02 Oct 2026
The Rooster aiming to fulfil Tongan dad’s dream
SYDNEY, 02 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—Salesi Foketi will play in his first grand final for the Sydney Roosters as he aims to finish the journey his father was unable to undertake.
“This is not only my dream,” Foketi told AAP ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Newcastle at Accor Stadium. “It’s my dad’s dream as well.”
Foketi’s father, Solomone, took the decision to leave his native Tonga for New Zealand in his early twenties with the ambition of making it as a rugby union fullback.
He settled in Auckland where he later transitioned to league, with relatives often relaying his father’s war stories to a younger Foketi.
The Roosters forward believes his dad could have made it to the top of his own accord if not for one small issue.
“He almost had a crack with the Warriors system but he had a language barrier and that ended up falling through,” Foketi explained.
“I was a bit young when he was in his prime. Mum and my grandparents tell me stories about how he played.
“He moved over to New Zealand as a rugby union player and ended up staying, and met my mum while he was working in Warehouse, which is like Big W. She was a customer.
“Tongan is his first language and his English is fine now … his third language is probably swearing.”
Foketi, 22, is one of four children and is Solomone’s only son.
“So right from when I could walk I had a football in my hand, backyard training sessions on five metres of grass,” Foketi said.
“Everything was tackle, everything was footwork. My three sisters would hold the tackle pads.
“Being the only boy I was a bit spoiled and having that connection with my dad was different.”
The Tongans are the Pacific’s great navigators and just as his father took a leap of faith in moving to New Zealand from the islands, Foketi performed a similar move by joining the Roosters as a teenager.
Foketi has a tribal tattoo on his left arm in a nod to his Tongan roots, which includes a bible verse he holds dearly.
“It’s Isaiah 6:8 it says, ‘Here I am, send me,’ it has kind of encompassed my life, to trust God where he sends me,” said Foketi, who is one of several Roosters players who partake in weekly bible study sessions.
The path takes him to this week’s grand final, meaning church may take a back seat in Foketi’s build-up.
“Luckily enough, church isn’t a place, it’s the people,” the back-rower quipped.
“All the boys, we lean on each other at the club and have that community. We all understand why we are here,” he said…. PACNEWS
PAC – YOUTH OLYMPICS: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 02 Oct 2026
Pacific teams gear up for Summer Youth Olympics
SUVA, 02 OCTOBER 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) —Pacific Island contingents to the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, are finalising their preparations ahead of the event.
The Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Tonga have confirmed teams for the meet, which will be held from 31 October to 13 November.
Athletics and swimming are the two major sports most island teams will compete in. Other sports they will representation in include beach handball, 3×3 basketball and boxing.
Fiji has named 29 athletes, while the Cook Islands confirmed 13 will make up three different sports teams for the event.
Two teams in particular will be creating history at the event, becoming the first from their respective countries to be competing at a Summer Youth Olympic Games.
They are Fiji’s Under-19 Girls basketball team and the Cook Islands beach handball team.
Fiji
Head coach Earl Hughes told the Fiji Sun in Suva on Wednesday that the team’s preparation was on track.
“Three of the four girls available in Fiji have been training five times a week since mid-August,” he said.
“We will have the full squad of four girls together from October 5 until departure.”
The team will compete against 11 other nations, with 12 teams in each gender category.
Hughes said the opportunity to play at a top-level international competition would benefit the players and also help the sport back home.
“This is the first Under-18 girls’ youth team to the Olympic Games, and we are very fortunate to have a spot,” he said.
“This will assist in developing these girls and expose them to top-level world age-group competition in the 3×3 format. This opportunity only comes around once in a lifetime, and the team is very grateful for the opportunity to participate.”
Hughes said they want to reach the elimination rounds and challenge for a medal, adding they are heading to the Games ready to compete and push the more developed teams.
The travelling team is made up of Nyssa Daunivalu, Anasofaia Maiwiriwiri, Makaefa Savu and Zara Suka, with two non-travelling reserves in Rusila Komainaiqoro and Atelaite Magnus.
Meanwhile, 14-year-old swimmer Grace Khelan won gold in the 100-metre freestyle at the New Zealand Short Course Age Championships in Christchurch.
The Fiji Times reported that the performance saw Khelan break the one-minute mark as she continues building towards the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
Her final time was 57.92 second, finishing ahead of the pack at the Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre in Christchurch.
Cook Islands
Team Cook Islands chef de mission Michelle Paiti confirmed to Cook Islands News that beach handball, swimming and triathlon would represent the country at the multi-sport event held every four years.
Paiti said 13 athletes are going to Senegal.
“There’s a lot of work going in,” she said.
“It’s great to see we’ve managed to pop in on a number of occasions to the codes just to check in and see how their preparations are going and they are very organised as they prepare to go to the Olympics so it’s great to see.
“I’m very excited because this is a small team that we’re taking away.”
She said Team Cook Islands would travel in two separate groups, with the swimmers and triathletes competing in the first week, while the beach handball team will compete during the second week.
Papua New Guinea
Team chef de mission Dame Iammo Gapi Launa told The National that PNG will have four athletes, two in athletics and two in swimming.
She said the athletes competed at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Under-20 Athletics Championships in the USA.
PNG will be competing at their fourth summer youth games, having also competed at Singapore 2010, Nanjing 2014 and Buenos Aires in 2018.
Solomon Islands
The country will be represented by the Solomon Islands Men’s Under-17 futsal team, known as the Junior Kurukuru.
Solomon Islands Football said the team has been training well in Honiara with 14 players.
A final travelling roster of 10 players will be confirmed ahead of the team’s departure for the Games.
The team, coached by veteran Dickson Kadau, are in Group B alongside Paraguay, Morocco, and Portugal.
Tonga
Tonga has a four-member team for the Games.
Angelina Tupou will compete in the women’s 100-metre hurdles, while Halafihi Fisi’ihoi is named to compete in shot put.
Swimmers Alexander Viliami and Luseane Limoni will compete in the pool….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 02 Oct 2026
Prime Minister’s 13 tournament set for Saturday
PORT MORESBY, 02 OCTOBER 2026 (THE NATIONAL) —Excitement has been building since last week as the National Capital District braces itself to host Australia’s finest rugby league school boys and girls talent, men and women as they line up on Saturday against Papua New Guinea in the annual Prime Minister’s 13 tournament.
Preparations at the Santos National Football Stadium have been ongoing all week, and the PNG junior and senior men and women have been hard at outdoor and indoor (gym) training.
Just across the road past the Boroko market, a lot of planning and discussions have also taken place inside the Boroko police station offices. And, yesterday, the police hierarchy issued a statement on security arrangements for the upcoming PM’s 13 matches.
NCD Metropolitan Commander Supt Warrick Simatab was brief, yet straight to the point: “Police in the National Capital District will be out in full force and on full alert on Saturday during the Papua New Guinea and Australia Prime Minister’s XIII rugby league clashes at the Santos National Football Stadium.
“We will not tolerate anyone who wants to disturb the peace in our city.”
The PNG-Australia matches will feature the schoolboys and schoolgirls, senior women’s and men’s teams. The Australians are scheduled to arrive in Port Moresby today, and would be treated to a welcome reception at the Australian High Commission at around midday.
Not to kill the essence of the games, the metropolitan superintendent was quick to urge all city residents to carry the spirit of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup grand final into Saturday’s matches.
“The city has already shown it knows how to host a big occasion the right way.
“Two weeks ago, this city hosted the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup grand final between the Rabaul Gurias and the Mendi Muruks, and it was trouble-free,” Simatab said. “I commend the residents of Port Moresby, our visitors, and every security officer who made that event a success.
“The maturity this city showed at that grand final proves Port Moresby is on the right track. My appeal to the people of this city is simple: carry that same momentum into Saturday, as we host PNG against Australia.”
The Santos National Football Stadium gates will open at 8am, with the first game between the PNG and Australia junior girls kicking off at 9am. This will be followed by the junior boys at 10.30am and the PM’s XIII women at 12.15pm.
The main highlight for the day between the PNG PM’s XIII and Australia is scheduled to start at 2.05pm.
“Let’s show the world, once again, what a proud and peaceful rugby league nation we are,” he said….PACNEWS
PNG – PNG GAMES: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 02 Oct 2026
PNG Games review likely
PORT MORESBY, 02 OCTOBER 2026 (THE NATIONAL) —Cabinet may reconsider the PNG Games as the Government moves to reduce non-essential spending amid fuel subsidies, El Niño relief and other fiscal pressures, Prime Minister James Marape has said.
He said the Government was considering whether it could afford to proceed with the PNG Games while prioritising essential services and emergency assistance.
Cabinet, he said, could look at adopting the same spending restraint used during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Cabinet may take a call to look at how we live through the attitude and lifestyle we lived in 2020 when Covid-19 descended,” Marape said.
He said the Government had tightened expenditure during the pandemic and was able to manage through the difficult period.
He further called on public servants at all levels to reduce unnecessary spending from today through to December. Agencies were urged to cut back on conferences, travel and other recurrent activities that can be moved to next year.
Priority activities currently administered by the Government included subsidising fuel costs and providing relief to communities affected by El Niño. Essential services, particularly health and education, must continue to be financed, the prime minister said.
“Right now, subsidising and maintaining the composure of the economy through fuel subsidy, assisting our ordinary people through El Niño relief is core priority.”
Marape said other activities could be cut, while some programmes that had not yet started could potentially be pushed into 2027.
He said the Government needed to prioritise expenditure as it managed high global fuel prices and the continuing effects of El Niño.
Marape did not announce a decision to cancel or postpone the PNG Games, but said cabinet could consider the issue as part of the broader spending review.
He called on public servants and citizens to help the Government manage the financial pressures by reducing unnecessary expenditure….PACNEWS
AUST – NETBALL: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 02 Oct 2026
Diamonds star sticking to guns after Games heartbreak
SYDNEY, 02 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—Diamonds attacker Sophie Dwyer is sticking to her guns after the heartbreak of a disappointing Commonwealth Games campaign.
Having moved on from a nightmare semi-final loss to Jamaica in Glasgow, Dwyer and Australia’s best netballers return to the court for this month’s hotly anticipated Constellation Cup series against New Zealand.
The world No.1 side suffered their worst-ever result at a Commonwealth Games after a relentless Jamaica overran Australia for a 46-45 semi-final victory.
Dwyer had a chance to push the semi-final against the Sunshine Girls into overtime, but her after-the-siren shot bounced off the ring and missed.
Australia rallied to cut down England to at least finish on the podium with bronze after a ruthless 68-50 victory, but Dwyer was left unused on the bench.
The Silver Ferns went on to snare their first Games gold medal with a 56-48 victory over Jamaica.
After taking time away for a “Eurosummer”, a refreshed Dwyer said she was itching to get back on the court.
Diamonds teammates have also repeatedly spoken against the spotlight placed on the 24-year-old, with vice-captain Kate Moloney suggesting the focus had unfairly fallen on Dwyer’s shoulders.
Dwyer was speaking in Sydney on Thursday at the Diamonds’ Constellation Cup dress reveal with Asics.
“It just adds more fire to the belly and we know … we’re not that far off,” she told AAP.
“It was one goal in a game that dropped us into that bronze medal match … there was a lot of reflection done.
“There was obviously post-tournament a bit of disappointment that we needed to have that mental refresh.
‘Now I think most of us, me included, just can’t wait to get back out on court.”
The new Asics dress unveiled on Thursday comes after the Diamonds’ Valour uniform in Glasgow drew criticism for the length of the skirt.
Players were seen consistently adjusting the dress at the Commonwealth Games, with Netball Australia backing Valour in a brief statement that was released on behalf of the team.
The Asics dress was developed in collaboration with Diamonds star Jamie-Lee Price, and features artwork by Yorta Yorta woman Alkina Edwards.
“It didn’t really bother us as much as I think everyone else probably thought it did,” Dwyer said of the Valour uniform.
“We just got on with our jobs. It is what it was.
“It wasn’t obviously the most ideal situation with the media, but also any traction sometimes is good traction.
“People talked about us, but … we still felt like we could go out there and perform.”
This year’s four-match Constellation Cup series will be the first time traditional rivals Australia and New Zealand have faced each other on the court this year.
The Constellation Cup begins on 18 October, with the Diamonds travelling to Auckland to take on the new Commonwealth Games champions.
Australia have not won a game in New Zealand in regular time since the 2021 Constellation Cup. …PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 02 Oct 2026
Kiss irked over Paisami suspension, coy on replacement
SYDNEY, 02 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—Les Kiss has bitten his tongue when asked about the hefty Hunter Paisami suspension that has left the Wallabies coach contemplating Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s move back to the centres.
Paisami was banned for a head-clash high tackle which earned him a yellow card in Australia’s chaotic 42-38 win over South Africa.
The centre had hoped to avoid suspension at the first hearing into the incident, but later admitted that an act of foul play had taken place.
That admission meant that what was meant to be a six week ban was downgraded.
“In light of Paisami accepting that he committed an act of foul play, as well as mitigating factors such as his recent disciplinary record, conduct, and remorse, the committee applied a two week/match reduction on the sanction,” the judiciary committee determined.
Kiss still thought the punishment was a bit harsh, but shared a diplomatic response.
“I’ll be careful what I say … I thought it could have been a little bit less than that for sure,” The Wallabies coach said at an event to mark the one year countdown until Rugby World Cup 2027.
Full-back Jock Campbell now comes into the Wallabies squad as the replacement for the Bledisloe series.
Losing Paisami makes the task of beating New Zealand and Australia reclaiming the Bledisloe Cup after 24 agonising years without it, that much tougher for the currently undefeated coach.
Kiss is aware of the “formidable” challenge that awaits as he looks to hand the All Blacks their first loss at Eden Park in 54 Tests.
The teams have very different form lines heading into the matchup, with the Wallabies on a five-game winning streak and their opponents having lost their past three.
‘The last time (the All Blacks) lost four in a row, I don’t know if that’s happened before, but that makes it even more challenging,” Kiss said.
It has happened on three occasions, the most recent time in 1998. All three times there were losses to Australia in those streaks.
As for who would replace Paisami in the number 12 jersey, the coach touted several options, including the dual-code superstar Suaalii.
“That’s the value of having Joseph (Suaalii), he’s done so much work in creating trouble over the last two, three years so that’s an option,” Kiss said.
“We’ve also got fairly handy options with Isaac (Henry), who’s been there as well.
“Lipo (Filipo Daugunu), he covers the midfield and he covers the wing position as well so we have got some better-than-made replacements there.
“(Jordan Petaia) will come into the picture, for sure. Jordan can play 13, wing and 15, and that flexibility is really important for us.”
Fellow centre Len Ikitau picked up an ankle injury in the South Africa match, but Kiss is optimistic he will be good to go, despite what he described as bad bruising in the joint….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 02 Oct 2026
‘I don’t think Australia is ready’: Cummins, Lucas backs 2027 Rugby World Cup to reach new heights
SYDNEY, 02 OCTOBER 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU) —If there are two players who understand the significance of big events, it’s Australia Sevens Olympic gold medalist Alicia Lucas and 15-capped Wallaby Nick Cummins.
As rugby royalty acknowledged one year until the 2027 Rugby World Cup kicks off – marking 40 years and the 11th iteration of the tournament – the two stars believe Australia is set to be left ‘gobsmacked’ as more teams and events will take the tournament to new heights.
Cummins, who enjoyed a strong career at the Western Force and the Wallabies plus winning silver at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi as part of the men’s sevens side, believes the success of the Wallabies in recent times is serving as a taster for what’s to come.
“Mate, it’s coming, it is coming, 365 talking,” Cummins said.
“I don’t think Australia is ready for what’s coming to our shores, the excitement, the infectious energy that gets thrown about.
“Imagine charging through the streets and everyone’s [there] whether you’ve got kilts or they’ve got this and that, they’re singing, they’re chanting, there’s banners, there’s colours, there’s even people you don’t even know what they’re saying, can’t really understand the language but it seems like you do because it’s all about bum taps and high energy.
“It brings everyone together, but not just for Aussie friends and family, the global cultures, countries at large, it brings everyone together.
“But for Australia, we’re going to be the ones who benefit the most. I think Australia needs this injection, the world needs an injection of colour, and you’re going to see that here with all these people, like-minded and looking for a good time.”
Cummins, who was also at the Wallabies victory in Perth on Sunday night, also believes the current Wallabies have what it takes to go deep into the tournament.
“I lost my voice actually after it, it’s just coming good now,” Cummins laughed.
“Mate, seeing the boys out there, they were sharp, I think you can see the confidence coming through there…they weren’t afraid to have a stab, have a shot, have a crack and even being a young mob, the boys are showing good things early.
“We’ve got a big Nations Championship coming up, what a great playground coming into what’s going to be a cracker tournament, a great opportunity to sharpen the sword so when kick-off comes, day one, [they’ll] wheel it out and rip in.”
Lucas,Meanwhile, was part of the now legendary Australian women’s sevens side that won gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, kickstarting a rich vein of form that continues to this day, and believes that the biggest stage will result in the best rugby possible.
“Playing on the biggest stage that’s available to rugby is an incredible opportunity, and it’s such an exciting one that the players a year out will be starting to put their mind towards and be thinking about,” Lucas added.
“I think that comes with a huge amount of weight on it as well, but such anticipation and excitement because you know that the best of the best are going to be involved.
“It’s going to be the biggest Rugby World Cup that we have ever experienced, so I think that we’ll be absolutely buzzing.
“They’re [fans] getting micro-dosed at the minute with the amount of global competitions that are going on around the world too, so I just think there’s such a good buzz around it from the players’ perspective, it’s the one that they really want to benchmark and do their best at.”
With the women’s Rugby World Cup also coming to Australia in 2029, Lucas had the chance to experience the rapidly developing women’s game last year in England – with the atmosphere of that tournament rubbing off on many fans.
“I had the privilege of being over at the Women’s Rugby World Cup last year in England, and I think if we get a micro-dose of that atmosphere down here it’s going to be exceptional,” Lucas added.
“I want the Australian public to experience how global our game is, and you get that little doses of international culture and the ability to engage with different nations and nationalities.
“It’s something that you don’t really experience unless you have a big national tournament, and I think Australia will be gobsmacked at how fun and exciting and lively all of the international fans are.
“Rugby fans know how to have fun, they know how to show up, they know how to support their teams, and they also are really good at getting around other rugby teams and getting on a bandwagon and just creating really good hype around the game.
“It’s going to be really, really fun to be part of,” he said…. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 02 Oct 2026
One for the sports lovers: Wallaby greats back 2027 Rugby World Cup to galvanise Australian sports fans
SUVA, 02 OCTOBER 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU) —As a plethora of rugby royalty descends on Sydney to recognise the one-year milestone until the 2027 Rugby World Cup kicks off, several Wallaby greats believe the current national side and the trajectory of interest for the event will galvanise Australian fans.
Early signs for the World Cup have been impressive, with 1.3 million of the 2.5 million tickets already sold, the remaining tickets being made available for purchase today.
Over a quarter of a million fans from 164 countries are set to converge on Australia for six weeks next year, which is set to inject AU$1.3 billion (US$900 million) into the Australian economy – making the event the biggest Australia has hosted since the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Speaking to the media today, Managing Director of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 Chris Stanley believes the event has the opportunity to kickstart a surge of interest in rugby, both in Australia and globally.
“I think the Rugby World Cup, it’s about sport but it’s also about entertainment,” Stanley said.
“It’s the opportunity to come to a truly global event. We want fans, we want the rugby abbeys, we want people who just like going to great big events, or the festival seekers or families.
“That’s why we’ve got our pricing the way we did, to make it accessible for all people to attend. It really is going to be something special. There are big matches but some of the smaller matches, I always say every Rugby World Cup match is special.”
“I think it’s very exciting to be one year away from the start of the World Cup,” echoed Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh.
“As we’ve seen in previous World Cups, the runway is short, but it’s also a lot of test matches between now and then.
Judging by the progress that the team has made over the last period of time and just how close the top 10 to 12 teams are in the world at the moment, we’re very optimistic about the country getting behind the team and the team responding accordingly.
“It’s going to be an exciting time for rugby with this team and this group, anything is possible.”
The Wallabies have been the talk of the town since their 42-38 victory over the Springboks, and Waugh believes that with the growth in the side, casual sports fans will increasingly look to rugby as a must-watch event.
“I think there’s amazing support for our national teams, and to see the support behind the Wallabies, behind our teams in gold and just the movement [is fantastic],” said Waugh.
“Most pleasingly for us is the way the players are carrying themselves and really embracing the Australian public.
“One of our biggest focuses has been connection and connecting the community to our professional teams, and we’re starting to really see that support coming through.
“With one year to go and so much more rugby to be played here in Australia and abroad, we want to keep growing that supporter base and that real love and passion for the gold jersey.
“This is a game that we’re not focused on just rugby supporters; we want all Australians getting behind rugby in Australia, being the Wallabies, being the Wallaroos, being our sevens programs.
“I’m a sports lover, I follow a whole lot of different sports, and you don’t need to be wedded to one sport. We want all Australians right behind the Wallabies, and we’ve got a group that understands that and wants to deliver that for all Australians.”
The growth of the national side has also not gone unnoticed by Wallaby great Tim Horan, and with the event falling in October and November, he expects the warm Australian spring to play into the hands of the Southern Hemisphere sides.
“I think any team in the top ten can win the Rugby World Cup now,” Horan said.
“Certainly the Wallabies, the way that they’ve got some momentum with Les [Kiss], and I think what Les is doing is the style, the brand of rugby that the Wallabies are tracking pretty well.
“It’s going to be hot. When you look at November 13th [for the final], how hot that’s going to be, and the quarterfinals and semis leading into that, it’ll be tough for them.
“That’s the opportunity of having it down under, teams like New Zealand and South Africa are used to that sort of heat.
“The 2003 semi-final, I think, was like 38 degrees [Celsius], Australia beating New Zealand, so I don’t think the players will worry if they’re at the back end of the competition playing in a semi, they won’t care how hot it is.”
An event like this has given Horan, who was part of both the 1991 and 1999 World Cup-winning sides, a chance to reflect on his own time playing at such an event – and he believes such an event will be just the ticket to elevate the sport to new heights nationally.
“I was quite young at 21 years of age in the 1991 World Cup, where you didn’t understand the enormity of playing in a World Cup, let alone winning it and coming back to Australia and understanding what it means,” Horan said.
“It’s pretty special. To play in it, I think the enormity of playing in it now, players will be seeing what happened in Japan in 2019, what happened in France was incredible in 2023, and it’ll be just as big if not bigger here in a year’s time.
“We just need to get it bigger here in Australia and back to where it was back in 2003, and I think we can do that through the World Cup.
“Not just through the Wallabies playing, it’s through people watching Japan v Romania or these sides, all these other games around the seven other cities in Australia.”….PACNEWS
