PACNEWS SPORTS, 03 NOVEMBER 2026

In this bulletin:

1. RUGBY LEAGUE — Sisters are doing it for themselves… and the entire nation of Fiji
2. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘One of the best games I’ve been a part of’: Taumalolo savours Tonga-Sāmoa classic
3. RUGBY— Flying Fijians head coach White targets tackling technique
4. RUGBY LEAGUE — Weight lifted as Tamika breaks ‘drought’ with dashing double
5. RUGBY — Agreement reached to ensure the continued growth and development of rugby in Samoa
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — Working class men: Reece demands respect for his forwards
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Chiefs zoom in on Bai, two others
8. YOUTH OLYMPICS — Fiji fall to Senegal in Youth Olympic futsal opener
9. BOXING — Usyk’s path to global dominance goes through Gatton
10. RUGBY — World Rugby reveals Women’s 15s Dream Team and Try of the Year winners for 2026

AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 03 Nov 2026

Sisters are doing it for themselves… and the entire nation of Fiji

SYDNEY, 03 NOVEMBER 2026 (NRL)—No two roads to the World Cup are the same and for Fiji’s Taina Naividi it was a dream that almost felt out of reach after she ruptured her ACL for a second time in the days leading up to the 2025 NRLW grand final.

Amid the despair of missing the decider and staring down another long rehab journey, the 25-year-old held the Bulikula close to her heart and used that goal to spur her on.

Through hours of hard work and determination, Naividi got back on the paddock in Round 5 of the NRLW season and is now making history as part of the first Fiji women’s side to progress to the World Cup finals.

“You’re representing a whole country. You’re representing girls that wish they could be here and little kids who wish they could be a part of this,” Naividi said.

“So it’s way bigger than us.”

Having made her Test debut in 2024 and with 31 NRLW games under her belt, Naividi has been asked to take on more of a leadership role with her young Bulikula teammates.

“At the start, it was challenging,” Naividi told NRL.com.

“I think obviously back at clubland I’ve got so many leaders around me and I take in what they say.

“So just being a leader here at the at camp is such a different level of footy for me, but it’s been great.

“I think I’m able to bring what I’ve learned back at clubland and bring it in here.

“It’s been really good. The girls are amazing and they’ve adjusted and adapted well to the coaching style which has been really cool.”

Not content with simply making the semis, Fiji will now look to take the game up to a Jillaroos squad featuring a host of Naividi’s Roosters teammates, including Isabelle Kelly, Jess Sergis and Tarryn Aiken.

“I expect them to be everything that they always are, [which is] to be explosive players,” she said.

“Obviously you’ve got to respect them, they’re unreal in their own game and it’s definitely going to be a challenge but I’m up for it and I’m excited to play against them.”

For the Fijian side, this week will be all about their preparation and looking to replicate their courageous Round 1 showing when they pushed the Kiwi Ferns to the limit in an 18-12 loss.

“Coming into the next week, I hope we can just get our ‘one percenters’ right and do everything that will put our best foot forward for the team,” Naividi said.

“It’s definitely going to be hard but I think that’s just when we have to stick to our game plan and really work on ourselves and hopefully we’ll get the job done.

“I think we’ve all come from different paths, but the girls are unreal and we’ve all just gelled so well together.

“You know the people in our village, girls in our village, boys in our village would love to have this opportunity so this all goes back to them.

“And the sacrifices all our parents made, our grandparents made to get us to where we are today.

“I think it’s going to take me a second to really just adjust and take it all in. But I’m so grateful for everyone and all the support we’ve been receiving,” she said…..PACNEWS

AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 03 Nov 2026

‘One of the best games I’ve been a part of’: Taumalolo savours Tonga-Sāmoa classic

SYDNEY, 03 NOVEMBER 2026 (PMN)—“Probably one of the best games I’ve been a part of.”

That was Jason Taumalolo’s verdict after Tonga XIII survived a frantic finish to beat Toa Sāmoa 20-18 at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium on Sunday and seal top spot in the combined Pool B and C standings of the Rugby League World Cup.

For Pacific fans watching into the early hours of Monday in Aotearoa New Zealand, it was a night that delivered everything this rivalry promised: huge hits, momentum swings, late drama and a packed stadium roaring behind both teams.

But for Taumalolo, it was the feeling around the match that made it so special.

“First and foremost, I’d like to thank the man above for bringing everyone here, not just a celebration of Sāmoa and Tonga but a game of rugby league,” the Tongan captain told Seven after the match.

“Just to see the red flags, the Tonga flags, Sāmoa flags, this is probably one of the best games I’ve been a part of and I’m truly blessed.”

Tonga looked in control at times, only for Sāmoa to keep coming. Robert Toia opened the scoring with a brilliant individual try while Isaiya Katoa’s kicking helped Tonga build an 8-4 half-time lead.

Sāmoa hit back after the break through Brian To’o and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow before Ronald Volkman put them 16-14 ahead with just over 10 minutes remaining.

Then Tonga found another gear. Addin Fonua-Blake crashed through the middle to level the scores before Katoa’s conversion put Tonga back in front 20-18.

Sāmoa had one final chance to steal it after Sualauvi Fa’alogo dived for the corner in the dying minutes but Dallin Watene-Zelezniak did enough to force him into touch.

Taumalolo said Tonga knew exactly what Sāmoa would bring.

“Yeah, we knew tonight was going to be a physical game and it was going to be tough right from the start,” he said.

“We got to ourselves a little lead but Sāmoa being the electrifying team they have been the last two games and come out and really put points and made it a contest right to the last minute.

“A big shout out to the Sāmoan boys for tonight and it’s a bloody tough game.”

The result sends Tonga into a semi-final against New Zealand in Newcastle next weekend while Sāmoa will face defending champions Australia in Sydney.

Taumalolo knows the challenge is about to get even bigger.

“Obviously, the Kiwis were enormous in their first game against Kangaroos and obviously the Kiwis and Australia are the benchmark,” he said.

“Tonight was a tough one, we had a short turnaround and hopefully the boys get some recovery and celebrate tonight, obviously the win, but just the chance to get to celebrate and celebrate all the families and all of our countrymen that came out here to support us.”

Sāmoa captain Junior Paulo said the result was painful but the occasion was bigger than the scoreline.

“Sorry we didn’t get the job done but at the end of the day this is what it’s all about, making both our people, both nations proud,” Paulo told Seven.

“You know, it was one of them games where you were looking forward to before the tournament even started and at the end of the day, you know, big credit to the Tongan boys, they showed up tonight and we knew it was going to be a tough one, but all love and blessings to both nations.”

And for man of the match Toia, the sight of so many Tongan supporters was almost overwhelming.

“It’s pretty humbling playing in front of these fans, especially rocking up from the bus and seeing how much the Tongan people out there came out for us,” he told the post-match interview.

“So it’s pretty special and almost brought a tear to my eye.”

His message to those supporters was simple. “We love you and thank you for the support. Appreciate you always.”

Now both Pacific nations turn their attention to the biggest tests of their World Cup campaigns. Tonga against the Kiwis and Sāmoa against the Kangaroos.

The rivalry may be over for now. But after a night like this, the Pacific has two more reasons to believe….PACNEWS

FRANCEI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 03 Nov 2026

Flying Fijians head coach White targets tackling technique

LYON, 03 NOVEMBER 2026 (FIJI SUN) —Flying Fijians head coach Jake White is focusing on improving his players’ tackling technique as the side prepares for the Nations Championship.

Fiji will face France at Groupama Stadium in Lyon at 8.10am on Sunday. France finished their July campaign with a 2-1 record, losing to New Zealand before defeating Australia and Japan.

“We’re starting to work on the Fijian boys about dropping their body height because they tackle high and clean high,” White said.

The Flying Fijians traditionally enter the field through two poles displaying the Fijian flags during training sessions.

However, White has placed a bandage between the poles, forcing players to lower their bodies as they enter the training field.

“It’s a conscious decision to actually go lower, so this week our theme is ‘ra’, which means under,” he said.

Fiji enters November seeking its first Nations Championship victory after losing all three of its July matches against Wales, England and Scotland.

The Flying Fijians are sixth in the Southern Hemisphere standings with no championship points.

However, their three matches in Europe offer opportunities to improve their position before finals weekend in London.

Meanwhile, Flying Fijians winger Jiuta Wainiqolo continues to impress in France’s Top 14 competition for Lyon, scoring a try in his club’s 48-25 victory over Simione Kuruvoli’s Vannes side.

Members of the squad were at the Top 14 match yesterday (Fiji time).

Wainiqolo is level with teammate Gabin Lorre on seven tries but remains second among the competition’s leading try-scorers for the 2026-27 season.

Flying Fijians centre Iosefo Masi also scored in the match, taking his tally to five tries and placing him sixth among the competition’s leading try-scorers.

Flying Fijians flanker Peter Gus Sowakula scored a try to help Clermont secure a 37-30 victory over Racing 92.

Racing 92’s Fijian wingers Salestino Ravutaumada and Warne Naituvi also scored a try each.

Nations Championship fixtures

• Fiji v France – OL Stadium, Lyon – 08 November

• Fiji v Ireland – Aviva Stadium, Dublin -15 November

• Fiji v Italy – Bluenergy Stadium, Udine – 22 November….PACNEWS

AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 03 Nov 2026

Weight lifted as Tamika breaks ‘drought’ with dashing double

SYDNEY, 03 NOVEMBER 2026 (AAP)—By Tamika Upton’s standards it’s been a lean World Cup as far as tries are concerned with gun No.1 scoring just two of the Jillaroos’ 43 tries across the three pool games.

That’s a far cry from the outrageous strike rate she boasts in the NRLW with 61 tries in her 64 games, including 15 in 14 matches for the Broncos this year.

When it comes to the international stage she is second to Julia Robinson and Jaime Chapman (six each) for the most tries scored in a match by a Jillaroo.

Upton’s five came last February in Las Vegas when Australia took on England.

But in 195 minutes of football during the 2026 World Cup, Upton had not crossed that white line although her 12 try assists meant others had in the wins over Samoa, England and Wales.

However, her two-game drought ended in the 55th minute of the Wales game, when Upton finally unleashed one of her weaving runs to cross for the Jillaroos’ 17th try.

She did it again 13 minutes later following five-eighth Jesse Southwell after she made a break up the middle.

“I honestly don’t think about it when I’m actually playing and looking for options,” Upton told NRL.com after Australia’s record-breaking 124-6 win over Wales.

“I feel like I’m a pass-first player. I’m always looking to see if my winger is open or my centre is open.

“If you look at the players we have in this team, if I can help put someone like Jaime Chapman in a bit of space she’s going to score.

“So I’m definitely not thinking about whether I can score or not, when I’m out there playing.”

Still, the three-time winner of the Dally M Player of the Year has won’t deny it was a nice feeling to ground the ball twice at CommBank Stadium on Sunday.

“Absolutely because I also do pride myself on pushing through, being the support player everyone strives to be,” Upton said.

Some have questioned if the Jillaroos can gauge how well they’re performing because of how they’ve dominated oppositions – against Wales they enjoyed nearly 80 per cent possession.

“Yes we have been able to hold possession but we work very hard during the week at training and do a lot of defence too,” she said.

“We have girls in our team who pride themselves on being that wall. Although we haven’t seen too much of it just yet I can assure you it is a big focus for us each session.”

Upton was diplomatic on the question of who out of the three Jillaroos halves – Jesse Southwell, Jocelyn Kelleher and Tarryn Aiken – she would want to see in next Sunday’s semi-final against Fiji.

Southwell sat out Australia’s opening two games against Samoa and England, but set a Jillaroos points-scoring (44) against Wales with 20 conversions and a try.

Kelleher set the previous record just a week earlier with 26 with two tries and nine goals.

“We work really well together as a spine in all those combinations at training,” Upton said.

“So whoever they want to go with, we will all respect.

“Tarryn is obviously a massive voice out there, but everyone has a role in what shape we play with. We train for all those variations.” ….PACNEWS

SAMOA – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 03 Nov 2026

Agreement reached to ensure the continued growth and development of rugby in Samoa

APIA, 03 OCTOBER 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—World Rugby, the Government of Samoa, Lakapi Samoa and the Samoa National Olympic Committee have agreed a process to ensure Samoa and its players continue competing at the sport’s highest levels during a governance review.

The agreement follows productive meetings in Apia this week led by World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson and Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon. Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt.

The agreed steps address concerns about Lakapi Samoa’s governance and administration raised with World Rugby earlier this year by Prime Minister on behalf of the Government. Those concerns, and those of other rugby stakeholders, prompted immediate dialogue between all parties to resolve the issues and agree a way forward.

All parties agreed that it was imperative that the union’s high-performance programmes remain unaffected, with Samoa’s national teams committed to participating in Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, the World Rugby Nations Cup, WXV Global Series Challenger and sevens programmes.

Following constructive dialogue between all parties, the following interim measures will be implemented with immediate effect:

*The self-suspension of Lakapi Samoa from the World Rugby Council. This self-suspension can only be lifted by a future request to the Executive Board of World Rugby and a subsequent recommendation to the World Rugby Council. In any event, the self-suspension shall remain in place during the review processes referenced below.

*Appointment of a Samoan-led Independent Review Group, the membership of which shall be agreed by Lakapi Samoa and the Government of Samoa, to review all issues pertaining to the governance of Samoan rugby.

*A review of Lakapi Samoa’s compliance with World Rugby’s membership criteria by a World Rugby oversight committee.

*Transfer of control and jurisdiction of all matters relating to the high-performance rugby programme in Samoa to the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC) with joint oversight from an appointed stewardship group.

This group shall be responsible for all matters on and off the field relating to the national teams, including their preparation and participation in global elite competitions such as Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.

All parties agreed that domestic rugby activities taking place in Samoa shall remain unaffected.

The proactive support of SASNOC in working closely with World Rugby to safeguard player high-performance pathways and opportunities is greatly appreciated by all stakeholders….PACNEWS

AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 03 Nov 2026

Working class men: Reece demands respect for his forwards

SYDNEY, 03 NOVEMBER 2026 (NRL)—Superstar fullback Reece Walsh says Australia’s forwards have been “disrespected a lot” during the World Cup.

The green and golds competed the pool rounds on Saturday night with a 66-6 win over Cook Islands – the “scoreline of the beast” on Halloween – but opposition captain KL Iro said New Zealand were his tournament favourites.

Kevin Walters’ side plays Tonga in the second semi-final on Sunday in Sydney.

“That’s the thing – I feel like our forward pack’s been disrespected a lot this tournament,” said Walsh, who continues to return to full capacity from a left ankle injury but has pocketed two player-of-the-match awards in the process.

“There’s a lot of talk about the other teams. They’re great players. They’re awesome players, don’t get me wrong.

“But the way that this pack works their arse off for us, they’re the reason why we’re winning these games and the reason why we’re working so hard.

“The passion they play with and the hard work, the kick chase, the small details.

“It’s something that the fans and you guys [media] probably don’t see but we see and that’s one thing I see with these other teams.

“When they’re looking at us, they know the strengths that we bring.

“All credit to them, they’re awesome packs but I love these boys and how hard they work because those little efforts… we appreciate them so much.”

The 24-year-old, who is locked in a selection battle with James Tedesco for the No.1 jersey, described the Australian jersey as “the pinnacle of our game”.

He spoke about working tireless during September to be fit for selection – not even considering any vacation plans of his own – and paid tribute to Brisbane’s staff for helping him while most of the Broncos players were on holidays.

Having been replaces as goalkicker by Cameron Munster on Saturday night, he conceded: “I was a bit rusty out there.

“A couple of little kicks of the ground and stubbing my foot… it wasn’t ideal but my ankle’s feeling a lot better than what it was.

“The first time I kicked the ball in about 12 weeks was last week so if we can continue to get better… Munners was pretty good at it, I thought.

“They said there was gonna be moments where you’ll get a knock on it and a bit of a niggle but it’s not hurt.

“I was bound to get a bang on it. I didn’t get one I the first game but I got one out there. I feel like it’s a good test of the strength of it. It was a bit sore there at the time.”

Walsh bristled a little when asked to describe the Australians’ form against New Zealand, Fiji and the Kukis – but then made a reference to “hard conversations” internally.

“How many wins?” he said asked in response to the query.

“Yeah, it’s rugby league at the end of the day. It’s never going to be perfect.

“We always strive to be perfect. We always want to be great. Sometimes it’s not that way.

“As long as we keep looking at the tape, getting better at the things we need to get better at, being honest with each other…

“I feel like in that room there’s a lot of honest people and we all want the same thing and we’re not scared to have those hard conversations.

“That’s what being in this environment… the other teams would know it… no-one mucks around, no-one takes the piss.

“Those conversations are going to be had and we’re going to keep having them and strive to be the best footy team we can be,” he said….PACNEWS

PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 03 Nov 2026

PNG Chiefs zoom in on Bai, two others

PORT MORESBY, 03 NOVEMBER 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—The race to build a competitive inaugural squad for the 2028 season is gathering momentum, with the PNG Chiefs potentially targeting three high-profile NRL stars following the official opening of the Nov 1 player transfer market.

Sydney Roosters halfback Sam Walker, Gold Coast Titans forward Cooper Bai and Canberra Raiders back-rower Hudson Young have emerged as three major names linked to the Papua New Guinea franchise.

Walker is one of the biggest names attracting attention following the Roosters’ decision to withdraw their contract extension offer on Oct 26.

The talented halfback remains contracted to the Roosters for next season, but the club has indicated he would not be part of its plans beyond that period.

Walker would be an exciting addition to the Chiefs, bringing excellent game management, kicking ability and attacking creativity.

However, competition for his signature and his personal preference would be important factors.

Bai is another exciting prospect for the Chiefs, with the Titans confirming that the young forward would not extend his contract beyond 2027.

The 19-year-old has reportedly been given permission to negotiate with rival clubs for 2028.

His recent visit to Port Moresby to discuss his future with the Chiefs has further fuelled speculation about a possible move.

With his father, former Kumuls and Melbourne Storm star Marcus Bai, having strong connections to PNG rugby league, Cooper’s potential arrival will carry special significance for the country.

However, Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters are also reportedly interested in securing his services.

Young’s future has also become uncertain after Canberra withdrew its contract extension offer.

The Raiders had reportedly offered the representative back-rower a four-year deal worth A$4.4 million (about K14 million), but negotiations failed to reach an agreement.

Young remains contracted until the end of 2027.

Also, salary-cap valuation remains a major obstacle to any potential agreement.

With the November transfer window now open, attention will turn to the club’s recruitment negotiations.

While no agreements with the three players have been officially confirmed, their potential arrival would significantly boost PNG’s ambitions of making an immediate impact in the NRL from 2028…..PACNEWS

SENEGAL – YOUTH OLYMPICS: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 03 Nov 2026

Fiji fall to Senegal in Youth Olympic futsal opener

DAKAR, 03 NOVEMBER 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—Fiji Footballs Under 17 women’s futsal side suffered a tough start to their Youth Olympic Games campaign, going down 8-1 to hosts Senegal in their opening Group A match in Dakar.

Playing in front of the home crowd at Complexe Iba Mar Diop, Fiji found the going difficult against a Senegalese side that made full use of home advantage to take control of the contest.

Senegal led 4-1 at half-time before adding four more goals after the break to seal a convincing victory.

Akanisi Katonitabua scored Fiji’s only goal in the first half, with Kinisimere Botesulu providing the assist, giving the Fijian side something to build on despite the challenging encounter.

The result leaves Fiji with work to do in Group A as they turn their attention to their next assignment against Ukraine on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Ukraine opened its campaign with a 5-4 extra-time victory over Venezuela in the other Group A match.

Fiji will face Ukraine at 3.30am on Wednesday as they look to bounce back and get their campaign back on track….PACNEWS

AUST – BOXING: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 03 Nov 2026

Usyk’s path to global dominance goes through Gatton

SYDNEY, 03 NOVEMBER 2026 (AAP)–Oleksandr Usyk has earned a tongue-in-cheek invite to resume his cruiserweight career in Gatton after the boxing great’s plan to return to the division set him on a path for David Nyika.

The Ukrainian (25-0) unified the cruiserweight division before wiping the floor of his heavyweight rivals, beating Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois twice in the last five years.

The 39-year-old now wants to return to the cruiserweight ranks and sweep the belts again in one final act, with the vacant IBF title his first target before a date with current WBO and WBA champion David Benavidez (32-0).

Benavidez will fight Michal Cieslak for the WBC belt next month.

Former New Zealand Olympian Nyika, based in the rural Queensland town of Gatton under trainer Noel Thornberry, is the IBF’s No.1-ranked fighter.

A potential title fight has been put on hold until the organisation’s legal dispute with fellow Queensland-based champion Jai Opetaia is resolved.

Opetaia, who brutally knocked out Nyika to retain the IBF and The Ring belts in January last year, had his IBF status stripped when he debuted for rebel league Zuffa Boxing this year.

Usyk’s plans have put a spanner in the works for Opetaia, who is eyeing off a heavyweight cameo against Deontay Wilder next month before a potential unification clash with Benavidez next May.

Opetaia could still win back his IBF strap in the courtroom and earn a date with Usyk he’s coveted since competing at the same 2012 London Olympics when the Australian was barely 17.

But even then Nyika remains the mandatory opponent and would command step-aside money for the Opetaia-Usyk fight to proceed.

“We’d have to sit down and come to an agreement, but we’d enforce his mandatory for sure if we were to stand aside,” Thornberry told AAP on Monday.

Thornberry trained and managed former world champion contender Alex Leapai out of his Gatton boxing shed and has regularly held fight nights at the town’s Shire Hall.

With Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh backing Usyk, Thornberry joked that he could pencil in an upgrade to the venue as part of the fight contract.

“I’ve reached out to Usyk’s management, they know we’re certainly interested,” Thornberry said.

“I’m sure they see David as a good way back in, but it’s a great opportunity for David and he said he’d take it in a heartbeat.

“And, historically, no-one goes well when they come back in weight.”

Oscar De Le Hoya lost to Manny Pacquiao, who went up two classes, when he dropped down in weight for their 2008 clash, while Antonio Tarver got the better of Roy Jones Jnr in a three-fight saga between 2003-2005.

Usyk showed off his slimmed-down physique at Canelo Alvarez’s Saudi Arabia win on the weekend, but Thornberry reckons the jury is out.

“They come back down and go, ‘Oh shit, this is a different algorithm to what I was accustomed to’,” he said.

“So let’s see,” he said…PACNEWS

IRELAND – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 03 Nov 2026

World Rugby reveals Women’s 15s Dream Team and Try of the Year winners for 2026

DUBLIN, 03 NOVEMBER 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—-World Rugby has today unveiled the Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year 2026 and confirmed Pauline Bourdon Sansus (France) as the scorer of the International Rugby Players’ Association (IRPA) Women’s 15s Try of the Year 2026, bringing the women’s awards celebrations and the 2026 international window to a close.

The announcements recognise the exceptional individual performances and memorable moments that have defined another compelling year of international women’s rugby, following this weekend’s presentation of the World Rugby Women’s 15s Player and Breakthrough Player of the Year awards to New Zealand duo Kaipo Olsen-Baker and Elinor-Plum King.

England lead the way in the Dream Team with six selections, followed by New Zealand with five, Canada with three and France with one, reflecting the outstanding talent and performances on display across the international game throughout 2026.

World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year 2026

Selected by an expert panel of Fiona Coghlan (Ireland), Lena Corson (France), Abby Gustaitis (USA), Heather Moyse (Canada), Shannon Parry (Australia), Melodie Robinson (New Zealand) and Danielle Waterman (England), the World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year recognises the standout performers across the international season, celebrating the skill, consistency and impact of the world’s leading players.

England’s strong representation includes forwards Hannah Botterman, Amy Cokayne and Maddie Feaunati, alongside backs Zoe Harrison, Megan Jones and Jess Breach.

New Zealand also features prominently, with Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Sylvia Brunt and Braxton Sorensen-McGee earning selection following impressive performances for the Black Ferns.

Canada’s DaLeaka Menin, Sophie de Goede and Olivia Apps are also recognised, while France’s Léa Champon completes the line-up.

1. Hannah Botterman (England) 2. Amy Cokayne (England) 3. DaLeaka Menin (Canada) 4. Sophie de Goede (Canada) 5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (New Zealand) 6. Maddie Feaunati (England) 7. Léa Champon (France) 8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (New Zealand) 9. Olivia Apps (Canada) 10. Zoe Harrison (England) 11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (New Zealand) 12. Sylvia Brunt (New Zealand) 13. Megan Jones (England) 14. Jess Breach (England) 15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (New Zealand).

International Rugby Players’ Association Women’s 15s Try of the Year 2026

France scrum-half Pauline Bourdon Sansus has been awarded the IRPA Women’s 15s Try of the Year 2026 following a global fan vote.

Bourdon Sansus claimed the award for her outstanding try against England during the Guinness Women’s Six Nations title decider on 17 May, with supporters selecting her effort as their favourite from a shortlist of four memorable tries chosen by the International Rugby Players’ Association.

The French international saw off competition from Olivia Apps (England, v Canada, 19 September), Abi Burton (England, v Australia, 12 September) and team-mate Léa Champon (France, v Scotland, 9 May).

The award celebrates the creativity, attacking flair and individual brilliance that have produced some of the most memorable moments of the 2026 international season.

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “Congratulations to Pauline on winning Try of the Year and to all 15 players selected in the Dream Team. These awards recognise the exceptional skill, creativity, and exceptional performances we have seen throughout 2026, and are a fitting way to celebrate the players who have delivered so many memorable moments on the international stage.

“From established stars to exciting emerging talents, this year’s award winners reflect the incredible depth and ambition of the women’s game. As we bring the 2026 international window to a close, there is much to celebrate, and I congratulate all those recognised for their outstanding contributions to another fantastic year of women’s rugby.”

As the curtain falls on the 2026 women’s international season, the awards provide a fitting celebration of a year defined by outstanding performances, fierce competition and the continued growth of the women’s game around the world. The men’s awards will be announced in the final week of November during the Nations Championship….PACNEWS