In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Hurricanes and Chiefs to host Semi-Final fixtures
2. RUGBY — Ardie Savea: I’m praying there’s a Moana Pasifika next year
3. RUGBY — Vintage year for Australia and South Africa ends in style in Bordeaux
4. RUGBY — Stars of HSBC SVNS 2026 celebrated in Bordeaux
5. FOOTBALL — OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 – Qualifying kicks off in Rarotonga, Cook Islands
6. RUGBY — Ekuasi credits medal to teammates & inspiration of his young family
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — K39m NRL salary cap, PNG Chiefs’ advantage? All tax-free
8. RUGBY LEAGUE — Johnston’s PNG move
9. RUGBY — Waratahs start Super Rugby W title defence with Drua win
10. RUGBY — Brumbies women stun Reds with after-the-siren penalty
PAC – RUGBY: SUPER RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 08 Jun 2026
Hurricanes and Chiefs to host Semi-Final fixtures
WAIKATO/WELLINGTON, 08 JUNE 2026 (SUPER RUGBY)—The Super Rugby Pacific Semi-Final fixtures have been confirmed with the Hurricanes and Chiefs securing home ground advantage courtesy of Qualifying Final victories.
The Semi-Final action kicks off at FMG Stadium Waikato on Friday 12 June with the Chiefs taking on the Crusaders, before the Hurricanes host the Blues at Hnry Stadium on Saturday 13 June.
The defending champion Crusaders have progressed to the Semi-Finals as third seed after besting the Blues, who are granted a second life as the highest-ranked losing team in the Qualifying Finals.
In becoming the competition’s ‘lucky loser’, Vern Cotter’s side are the designated fourth seed and will have to win back-to-back games away from home to claim the title.
Chiefs members will get the first shot at Semi-Final tickets from 10am NZST Sunday, followed by the general public from 2pm NZST Monday.
Tickets for Saturday’s showdown in Wellington will go on sale to Hurricanes members from 10am NZST Sunday, Final Access Pass holders at 10am NZST Monday and the general public from 6pm NZST Monday.
FINALS SERIES WEEK TWO – SEMI-FINALS
FRIDAY 12 JUNE
7.05pm NZST / 5.05pm AEST – Chiefs (2) vs. Crusaders (3) – FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
SATURDAY 13 JUNE
7.05pm NZST / 5.05pm AEST – Hurricanes (1) vs. Blues (4) – Hnry Stadium, Wellington……PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: RUGBY JAPAN PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 08 Jun 2026
Ardie Savea: I’m praying there’s a Moana Pasifika next year
KOBE, 08 JUNE 2026 (RUGBY JAPAN) —Kobe Steelers loose-forward Ardie Savea admits his former club Moana Pasifika are still in his thoughts as uncertainty continues to surround the Super Rugby franchise’s future.
The 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year starts at openside flanker for Dave Rennie’s side who are gracing the League One final for the first time.
Table-topping Kobe, who are led by free-scoring captain Brodie Retallick, will face Bernard Foley and Shaun Stevenson’s Kubota – who have knocked out Richie Mo’unga’s back-to-back champions Toshiba Brave Lupus and inaugural winners Saitama Wild Knights – in the showpiece event at Tokyo’s MUFG Stadium.
While Savea, 32, a leading contender for the All Blacks captaincy, is focused on delivering the club’s first title since their 2018 Top League triumph, he is also hoping the club he captained last season can survive.
“’I’ve still got faith, if there’s 1 percent chance of survival that’s all we need,” Savea told RugbyJP.com.
“I’m hoping and praying there’s a Moana next year. I’m hoping and praying the boys are ok.
“As you can see for them to turn up every Saturday under these circumstances the last few weeks it’s a testament to the characters who are in that team. I’m wishing everyone the best and hopefully it’ll work out.”
Savea played a leading role in Moana Pasifika’s historic 2025 Super Rugby campaign before rejoining Kobe for a League One title tilt alongside All Blacks teammate Anton Lienert-Brown.
He remains deeply connected to the beleaguered Auckland-based franchise who ended their season with a historic 21-19 upset victory against the ACT Brumbies a week ago.
Several rescue plans have been proposed by ex-players and potential sponsors but the club’s future remains in the balance amid concerns of financial viability. The New Zealand Rugby Players Association has been involved in helping to try and source new backers for the club with a final decision on their future expected be made within a matter of weeks. …PACNEWS
FRANCE – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 08 Jun 2026
Vintage year for Australia and South Africa ends in style in Bordeaux
BORDEAUX, 08 JUNE 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—Australia celebrated not one but two titles at Stade Atlantique, as they added the Bordeaux HSBC SVNS World Championship series crown to their Valladolid title – and claimed the overall world title with a dominant victory over great rivals New Zealand in an all-action final.
Co-captain Isabella Nasser was full of praise for her team-mates: “We definitely had our bumps, ups and downs throughout this tournament and to show up like that against a really quality side like New Zealand, I couldn’t be more proud of the girls,” she told Rugbypass moments after the final whistle had blown at the end of the showpiece match.
“We have an amazing squad at home and the squad here, and the depth of our programme is unbelievable – we saved the best to last in regards to our performance.
“To be able to perform when it really matters at crunch time in the World Championship is really important to us. [New Zealand are] a quality side, amazing talent in their team. For us to go that one bit more and to be able to put more tries on, to be able to show up is really important to us and I couldn’t be happier.”
Canada claimed third with a victory over USA, while Spain’s eighth-place finish was enough to see them promoted to next season’s main HSBC SVNS Series, at Great Britain’s expense.
In the men’s competition France came back from the brink of relegation to HSBC SVNS 2 to claim the final title of the season in Bordeaux in emphatic fashion with a roof-raising 14-5 win over New Zealand in the showpiece match, while South Africa’s disappointment at finishing fourth was improved by lifting the overall world title at the end of an impressive campaign.
A pool phase defeat against the All Blacks Sevens on the opening day had left Les Bleus at risk of missing out on the main HSBC SVNS Series next season – but they recovered to launch a charge that ended with a large crowd at Stade Atlantique celebrating as their homegrown heroes raised the trophy at the end of an intense final.
France’s victorious captain Paulin Riva said afterwards: “This championship is very difficult with a lot of big teams like South Africa. [But] we want to be here and we would like to be present.
“Obviously I’m one of the older players [on the squad]. We’re rebuilding the squad, we want to grow every year until the Olympic Games. I think this is the way – it’s been amazing.”
“We work hard every time, every tournament – and tonight it was an amazing game against a big New Zealand team.”
Spain slightly spoiled South Africa’s HSBC SVNS World Championship party by coming from behind to take the third-place play-off 40-14. But, after 37 wins and five tournament titles on the series, there’s no denying the Blitzboks are thoroughly deserving overall champions.
The drama in Bordeaux was not confined to the upper echelons, as USA’s remarkable run to fifth place was enough for them to deny Kenya and claim a spot on next season’s main HSBC SVNS Series, with Great Britain dropping from the main tour to HSBC SVNS 2.
The teams competing on the HSBC SVNS main stage next season will be: South Africa, New Zealand, Spain, Australia, Argentina, Fiji, France and Kenya…..PACNEWS
FRANCE – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 08 Jun 2026
Stars of HSBC SVNS 2026 celebrated in Bordeaux
BORDEAUX, 08 JUNE 2026 (WORLD RUGBYU)—The leading lights of international rugby sevens were honoured at the end of the thrilling finale to the HSBC SVNS World Championship Series in Bordeaux.
New Zealand’s Jorja Miller has been named Women’s SVNS Player of the Year for the second year in a row, while South Africa’s Tristan Leyds has been honoured with the Men’s SVNS Player of the Year award.
Following breakthrough seasons, New Zealand’s Kele Lasaqa and France’s Anaick Konyi claimed the SVNS Rookie of the Year awards.
World Rugby Chief executive Alan Gilpin said: “Congratulations to all of our HSBC SVNS Awards winners and nominees. These awards recognise the outstanding players who have inspired fans around the world with their talent, dedication and performances throughout an exceptional year of rugby sevens.
“The HSBC SVNS 2026 season has once again showcased the speed, skill and excitement that make our sport so special, with memorable moments and outstanding achievements across every event.
“As we conclude another thrilling campaign in Bordeaux, it is fitting that we celebrate the individuals who have consistently set the standard on and off the field and made such a significant contribution to the success of the global series.”
HSBC SVNS Women’s Player of the Year in partnership with HSBC – Jorja Miller
Now two-time HSBC SVNS Women’s Player of the Year and third-time nominee, Miller has been in game-redefining form again, after rejoining New Zealand’s sevens set-up following a successful Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
The 22-year-old cracked the 100-try barrier in Vancouver, reached 50 for the season on day one in Bordeaux, and was a lynchpin in the Black Ferns Sevens’ unbroken run of HSBC SVNS Series titles, which started in Perth and ran unbroken until they lost in the semi-final at the weekend in Valladolid.
Miller said of the award: “[It’s] an absolute honour to be named that once, but to get it for a second time, I’m stoked. But, honestly, all the credit goes to the girls around me. And I know it sounds a cliche, but without these girls, I wouldn’t be here and I wouldn’t be able to succeed on the world stage. So this is a team award and I’m just proud of the team.”
She added that there was no real secret sauce to her success. “Other than KFC, I’d say, I’m just really driven to be better, to be the best in the world. That motivates me every day. Being surrounded by people that want to be the best versions of themselves on and off the field drives that as well. I know I’m nowhere near where I want to be and there’s so much more to go. So I’m excited for what that looks like.”
In claiming her second Player of the Year Award, Miller held off the deserving challenges of Australia’s Maddison Levi and USA’s Ariana Ramsey.
HSBC SVNS Men’s Player of the Year in partnership with HSBC – Tristan Leyds
Playmaker and finisher Leyds has pulled strings, scored vital points, and pried open defences all season, from Dubai to Bordeaux.
He has been arguably the most important figure in South Africa’s march to five titles across the HSBC SVNS Series this season so far, including four in a row between the Perth, in February, and their first-ever Hong Kong title, in the first round of the World Championship Series in April.
On receiving the award, Leyds wanted to recognise the team around him. “Credit to my squad for pushing me week in, week out in camps, even in off season and pre-season.
“When I first started out at the Sevens, I set a goal for me to be the best 10 in our system. It was quite tough to chase with the guys that started before me. But I managed to do that – and, the next season, coach Phillip came to me and said, just before the season started, ‘I hope that your goal for this season isn’t to be the best 10 in the system, but to be the best 10 in the world’.
“In that moment when he was talking to me, I said, ‘Coach, it’s my second year – I don’t know if I can reach those heights.
“Obviously the second year didn’t go the best. Now, I’m in my third year, receiving the Men’s Player of the Year award. The effort the team has put into me and the management, credit to them for creating this amazing player.”
Australia’s Henry Hutchison, and Fiji’s Vuiviawa Naduvalo were also nominated for the prestigious award.
Women’s SVNS Rookie of the Year – Anaick Konyi
France have finished on the podium three times on the road to Bordeaux – in Cape Town, Perth and Hong Kong – and La Rochelle’s New Caledonian teenage flier Anaick Konyi has been a key figure in all of their success, after being called up to the national set-up in time for the HSBC SVNS Series tournament in Singapore. It took her no time to settle and find the tryline. By the end of the tournament in Valladolid, she had crossed no fewer than 18 times.
Men’s SVNS Rookie of the Year – Kele Lasaqa
Modestly, 19-year-old Kele Lasaqa recently told Rugbypass that he ‘just wanted to nail down his role’ in the New Zealand Sevens squad. This was after he had helped the All Blacks Sevens to the Dubai title, following a winless 2024/25 season; after he had scored the late try to beat Argentina in Singapore; after touching down to beat France in Perth. There are more experienced players in the New Zealand squad. But few could have had more impact.
Women’s SVNS Top Try Scorer in Partnership with Gilbert
Maddison Levi won the award after touching down 64 times during the HSBC SVNS Series.
Men’s SVSN Top Try Scorer in Partnership with Gilbert
Marcos Moneta, who broke the 200-try mark in international sevens in Bordeaux was named Top Try Scorer, with 47 touchdowns across the season.
Women’s SVNS Dream Team of the Year in Partnership with HSBC
Jorja Miller (NZL)
Risi Pouri-Lane (NZL)
Maddison Levi (AUS)
Isabella Nasser (AUS)
Ariana Ramsey (USA)
Alycia Christiaens (FRA)
Reapi Ulunisau (FIJ)
Men’s SVNS Dream Team of the Year in Partnership with HSBC
Tristan Leyds (RSA)
Shilton van Wyk (RSA)
Jeremy Trevithick (ESP)
Henry Hutchison (AUS)
Vuiviwa Naduvalo (FIJ)
Terio Veilawa (FIJ)
Luciano Gonzalez (ARG)
The awards bring down the curtain on another captivating season of HSBC SVNS rugby, which has seen some of the greatest athletes on the planet entertain and enthral fans across the world with their exploits on the pitch, and with their vibrant personalities engaging viewers off it….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 08 Jun 2026
OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 – Qualifying kicks off in Rarotonga, Cook Islands
RAROTONGA, 08 JUNE 2026 (OFC)—-Three teams will battle for a place at the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026, with the qualifying tournament kicking off at CIFA Academy in Rarotonga on the weekend.
Hosts Cook Islands, have been joined by Papua New Guinea ad Tonga, as the region’s next generation of footballers aim to secure qualification for this year’s championship.
The winner of the qualifying tournament will join the seven teams already confirmed for the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026, where the two finalists will earn qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027 in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
Cook Islands
The Cook Islands host the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 – Qualifying for the second time and will be aiming to go one better than their runner-up finish in 2024.
Head Coach Ngati Manuela believes home support will provide a major lift for his side throughout the tournament.
“Very rarely do we get the opportunity to host and to have our countrymen and families supporting us right there. This is a big thing, not just as a leader for the team, but for the players individually,” said Manuela.
The occasion is particularly meaningful for several players returning to their heritage for the first time.
“Especially for those, this is the first time they’ve stepped foot on their motherland. In that shared spirit of family and community and country, I think it’s going to really lift our spirits.”
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea are competing in the qualifying tournament for the first time, having previously featured directly in the championship stage. At the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2024, they finished eighth after facing some of the region’s strongest sides.
Head Coach Mathew Witu believes those experiences have helped prepare his side for the challenge ahead in Rarotonga.
“We know we have a challenge out there and we’re prepared to come and play here, not just to come and see the place, but we have competition,” said Witu.
Reflecting on the lessons learned from 2024, Witu said his team has worked hard to address areas for improvement over the past year.
“After learning and working very hard on the challenges that we faced in 2024, I think we have been working on those challenges ahead of us.”
Tonga:
Tonga are making their fourth appearance at the qualifying stage and will be looking to improve on their showing in 2024. The Young Tu’ulalupe finished third in the previous qualifying tournament with four points, including a victory over American Samoa.
Head Coach Lui Muavesi believes the continuity within his squad will put Tonga in a strong position heading into the tournament.
“With the group of boys that have been with us for the past three years, we have moulded them to be part of this team. I do believe that we will give both teams a hard game when we play against them,” said Muavesi.
Tonga have enjoyed success at this level before, winning the qualifying tournament in 2018, and Muavesi hopes his side can produce another memorable campaign.
“We have tasted wins in the past at undr-19 level. I do believe that we can create more history in this tournament,” he said……PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 08 Jun 2026
Ekuasi credits medal to teammates & inspiration of his young family
PERTH, 08 JUNE 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—Western Force back-rower Vaiolini Ekuasi spoke after winning the 2026 Nathan Sharpe medal, the top individual men’s award at the Club.
Vaiolini Ekuasi has paid credit to his teammates and his young family for his outstanding form in the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season that was crowned with the Nathan Sharpe medal.
Ekuasi, 24, won the Western Force’s top men’s individual gong on Friday night with 254 votes, finishing ahead of club captain Jeremy Williams (229) and Carlo Tizzano (191).
“I’m extremely honoured to get this award,” Ekuasi said. “I’m so happy. I just can’t imagine what my family is feeling right now.
“They’re probably super proud and super pumped as well, so this one’s for them.
“To get this award, this prestigious award, it’s an honour.”
The medal capped an outstanding campaign for the Auckland-born back-rower, who had an injury-affected debut season in the west in 2025, before finding his groove in 2026.
Ekuasi played 11 games, scoring three tries, finishing in the top 10 in Super Rugby for in-contact metres (271, sixth overall), carries (143, seventh), dominant carries (43,10th) and pick-and-go metres (121, fourth).
He also was 12th overall for tackles with 162, showcasing his all-round game, which he said shone thanks to his teammates and the inspiration of his young family.
“Like I said earlier, it’s full credit to the boys for just allowing me to play my game and be myself,” Ekuasi said.
“I think that goes a long way. I think if that doesn’t happen, I don’t win this award. I truly believe that.
“Also having my daughter around now is a massive motivator for myself. I hope I can be a role model for her in the future.
“She’s one-and-a-couple of months now. She’s running amok at home now right now, as they do. It’ll be good to get back with them and enjoy this moment.”
Ekuasi grew up in humble beginnings in South Auckland, before earning a scholarship at St Peters School Cambridge in his final year of school, where he was a boarder.
He went on to play for Auckland in the NPC and one cap for the Blues, before landing at the Melbourne Rebels for the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Ekuasi switched to the Force ahead of the 2025 campaign, where he’s made 17 appearances, playing some of his best rugby.
“I’ve enjoyed it. I wouldn’t go to any other club than the Force if I was to stay in Australia,” Ekuasi said. “That’s how much this club means to me.
Vai Ekuasi NS medal1
“There’s a lot of things we can all relate to as players and families. Obviously we’re a long way from everyone else.
“That camaraderie is special. It’s something I’ll take over to France, that’s for sure.”
Indeed, Ekuasi will be leaving the Force following this Super Rugby season having signed a deal with French Top 14 club US Montauban, although he hinted he’d love to return to Perth in the future.
“I guess this next opportunity is not only for myself but my family as well,” he said.
“I’ve got to take it with both hands and hopefully possibly return in the future.”
On how he’ll celebrate the medal, he laughed: “I’ll probably grab some McDonalds on the way home for my family.
“We’re slowly packing up the house, so we’ve got our hands full for the next couple of days.”…PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 08 Jun 2026
K39m NRL salary cap, PNG Chiefs’ advantage? All tax-free
PORT MORESBY, 08 JUNE 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—While PNG Chiefs will be required to follow the same NRL salary cap and player contract rules as every other team, the major difference is a Government-backed tax-free salary incentive for players, coaches and club officials.
For the 2027 season, the NRL has officially confirmed a Top 30 salary cap per club of AUD$12.1 million (K37.91 million).
The 2028 wage category has not been announced, although commentators estimate it could exceed AUD$12.5 million (K39.17 million) when the Chiefs enter the NRL competition. The 2028 figure will likely be determined in the next Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between NRL and the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA).
Despite speculation, the Chiefs will not receive an exemption from the NRL salary cap.
Like every club, all player contracts must be lodged with the NRL and counted under the salary cap system. The cap remains one of the competition’s main tools to ensure fairness and prevent clubs from stockpiling talent.
However, what makes the Chiefs different is that eligible players and staff based in PNG are expected to receive their earnings tax-free under arrangements supported by the PNG and Australian governments.
The Chiefs’ biggest recruitment weapon may not be offering larger contracts. Instead, players could keep significantly more of their earnings compared to players at other NRL clubs because their income would not be reduced by tax in the same way.
Reports indicate that marque signing Jarome Luai’s deal is worth about AUD$1.2 million (K3.76 million) per season, making him one of the highest-profile recruits for the expansion side.
His signing highlights financial appeal the Chiefs can offer while still operating within NRL regulations.
Although the Chiefs have not released official salary figures, NRL roster structures suggest the club will likely follow a similar pay model to other teams:
*MARQUEE stars could earn more than AUD$1 million (US$700,000) per season;
*REPRESENTATIVE and Origin-calibre players are likely to command the highest salaries below marquee level;
*ESTABLISHED first-graders would sit in the middle tier; and
*DEVELOPMENT and emerging players would earn smaller contracts while building their careers.
Actual salaries will depend on individual negotiations and salary-cap management, not on a fixed club pay scale. The tax-free arrangement is not limited to players.
The Chiefs will not be allowed to spend more than rival NRL clubs under the salary cap, but by offering tax-free earnings to eligible players and staff, the franchise could provide a stronger financial outcome than rival clubs.
Despite tax-free earnings have been confirmed by both governments (PNG and Australia) a player’s final financial benefit will depend on residency arrangements, contract structures and applicable tax laws….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 08 Jun 2026
Johnston’s PNG move
PORT MORESBY, 08 JUNE 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—South Sydney Rabbitohs winger and PNG Chiefs’ player 002 Alex Johnston is preparing to bring his family to Port Moresby ahead of their permanent move to the Airways when the Chiefs officially begin their first National Rugby League (NRL) season in 2028.
Johnston met with the PNG sports media team at the Usana Rabbitohs Centre in Sydney after Wednesday’s training session.
He explained that while his partner has visited Port Moresby before, their children have not, making it a priority to give them their first experience of Papua New Guinea.
“During the last Kumuls camp we got to do a bit of culture stuff and see the place, so I’m hoping we’ll do something similar with the family to get them out and about and share some of my family’s history with them,” Johnston said.
He also expressed his desire to visit Sandaun province, working with Sepik governor Allan Bird to arrange a trip.
“It’s always an honour representing them and Papua New Guinea every time I wear a jersey,” he added.
Reflecting on his signing with the Chiefs, Johnston said the decision was guided by family considerations.
“I spoke to the missus and straight away she was all for it. Even the kids are already excited and waiting for 2028 to move over,” he said.
On concerns about safety, Johnston reassured fans: “For Pom and particularly for rugby league players, safety is not a concern at all.”
He noted the pride his extended family feels, including his late grandmother. “My Nan is watching from above with a big smile on her face, super happy and proud of my decision to be the first PNG blood to sign,” Johnston said. Looking ahead, Johnston is focused on recovering from a knee injury while preparing for the World Cup, where he hopes to help the team reach the semifinals. He acknowledged the physical toll of the sport as he gets older, highlighting the importance of both training and recovery.
Johnston also highlighted the strong community connection at South Sydney, recalling his early seasons at Redfern Park and Heffron Park.
“South Sydney does that best in the competition – letting the community be part of the team,” he said…..PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 08 Jun 2026
Waratahs start Super Rugby W title defence with Drua win
SYDNEY, 08 JUNE 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU) —Wallaroos star Desiree Miller has scored two tries as well as producing a perfect performance with the boot to lead the NSW Waratahs to a 42-29 win over Fijian Drua in the Super Rugby Women’s opener at Leichhardt Oval.
The Waratahs blitzed the Drua early, scoring four unanswered tries in the first 28 minutes – including two to outside centre Georgina Friedrichs – to lead 28-3 and set the tone for Saturday’s match.
Miller scored one of those tries in the early blitz with a bustling run down the wing, and she completed her double in the 66th minute to kill off the Drua’s comeback attempt.
It wasn’t just on the try sheet where Miller starred, with the winger converting all six of the Waratahs’ penalties to add the icing on the cake.
The Drua were dominant at scrum time, and denied the Waratahs a winning bonus point in the 78th minute when they stole a line-out and Josivini Naihamu found a gap to score the visitors’ fourth try.
Nevertheless, the win marked an excellent start to the title defence for the six-time champions NSW, who started the season without Wallaroos flyer Maya Stewart (ankle), Waiaria Ellis (knee), Faliki Pohiva (concussion) and Tia Hinds (calf).
That was on top of Arabella McKenzie, Katrina Barker and Tatum Bird all departing at the end of last season.
“I’m really proud of the girls. I think we did a really good job to start fast,” Waratahs captain Emily Chancellor told Stan.
“We know that Drua are a team that you can’t give an inch to. I’m proud of the way we controlled momentum and controlled field position.”
The Drua got the margin back to 11 points after a powerful scrum allowed them to score after the half-time siren.
“We talked about it at the end of the first half – we gave them a sniff,’ Chancellor said.
“They had that mental win from the scrum time on our try line, and we knew they were going to capitalise on that and we were the ones that had to play smarter there,” he said…PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 08 Jun 2026
Brumbies women stun Reds with after-the-siren penalty
BRISBANE, 08 JUNE 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—The ACT Brumbies have posted their first Super Rugby Women’s win since 2024, defeating the Queensland Reds 15-12 courtesy of an after-the-siren penalty.
With scores locked at 12-12 in Sunday’s match at Ballymore Stadium in Brisbane, the Reds gave away an 80th-minute penalty for not rolling away.
Faitala Moleka stepped up to take the 22m penalty from straight in front, and the Brumbies fullback made no mistake with her kick just seconds after the final siren sounded.
Brumbies players celebrated wildly as the penalty sailed through, marking the club’s first win since defeating the Reds 31-14 on March 30, 2024.
The victory snapped a seven-match winless run from the Brumbies, who had posted six losses and a draw since their last win over Queensland.
The home side were dealt a blow before the match when star fullback Lori Cramer was ruled out late due to a quad niggle.
Dominating at the start, the Brumbies had 89 per cent territory in the first 11 minutes.
But it was the Reds who struck first in the 19th, courtesy of a quick pick and go from prop Eva Karpani.
It marked Queensland’s first foray into their attacking 22m, and the Brumbies made sure they hit back hard.
Just two minutes after Reds skipper Jemma Bemrose received a yellow card, the Brumbies unleashed a successful rolling maul to send hooker Tania Naden over.
The visitors made it two tries in five minutes when former Reds star Ivania Wong scored against her old side when she sped down the wing.
Reds outside centre Harmony Vatau levelled things up in the second half, but the ACT pushed hard for the win and gained their reward.
Wong was thrilled to achieve victory on her Brumbies debut and to score a try against her former side.
“It’s super special to get the opportunity the Brumbies gave me and make my debut in front of family,” Wong told Stan after the win.
“This was home for me for eight years, so it was a pretty special moment.”
In the other round-one fixture, the NSW Waratahs kicked off their title defence with a 42-29 win over Fijian Drua on Saturday….PACNEWS
