In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY LEAGUE — Bulikula confident of winning women’s RWLC
2. RUGBY LEAGUE — “Bring the World Cup Home”: PM Urges Toa and Fetu Samoa
3. RUGBY LEAGUE — Government gives $4 million to Toa and Fetu Samoa
4. RUGBY LEAGUE — Why sons of PNG legends were forced to skip World Cup
5. RUGBY LEAGUE — Amone named for Tonga as big halves call looms
6. RUGBY — FRU eyes French coaching options
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — Daniel Tupou announces retirement
8. RUGBY LEAGUE — Black and Whyte situation: No mates once we hit the world stage
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — Sidelined Eel earns Lebanon World Cup call-up
10. RUGBY — World Rugby announces banning of hip drop, knee drop tackle
FIJI – RUGBY LEAGUE: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 08 Oct 2026
Bulikula confident of winning women’s RWLC
SUVA, 08 OCTOBER 2026 (FIJI SUN) —First timers, the Fiji Bulikula has set their sights on winning the Women’s Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) after the Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) announced the 23-member squad in Suva.
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The squad included 22 overseas-based players and a local player, with the World Cup scheduled to be played in Australia, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and New Zealand (NZ).
Speaking during the official squad announcement at the FNRL headquarters, Bulikula head coach Jone Wesele said the players have gained valuable experience in overseas competitions.
“Our current squad has NRLW (National Rugby League Women), NSW (New South Wales) Cup and Queensland Cup players, too, and a lone representative from home, Naomi Tegu from the USP (University of the South Pacific) Raiders team,” the former Fiji Bati forward said.
‘These players have proved their worth when they represented our country in the World Cup qualifiers in Canada.
“With our preparation coming into the World Cup, these girls have been playing throughout the year for their respective clubs and have the experience to perform at this level.”
Wesele who took charge as national head coach for the first time, said unity would be central to the team’s campaign.
‘This is the first time for me to be the national head coach and I’m shouldering it graciously. I humbly accept the challenge to take these girls to another level,” he said.
“Regardless of the pressure, there is unity and that is the ingredient in this journey. It takes the whole group, the whole team, to make it happen, and I believe we are ready for it.”
Bulikula captain Sereana Naitokatoka said she was grateful to have been selected again and backed Wesele and his coaching staff.
“It’s been a blessing to be part of this team. We’ve got a great coach, Johnny Wesele. We’re backing him and supporting him all the way and trusting the plan that he has for us,” Naitokatoka said.
She said the team had focused on building a strong bond.
“Coach always said that we have to knit our hearts together so we can be in unity. Like it says in the Bible, where there is unity, God commands His blessing,” she said.
Naitokatoka said returning home had also reminded the players of why they were representing Fiji.
“I’m so glad and grateful that we chose to come back home because we get to see and remind ourselves why we’re playing in the World Cup and who we’re playing for,” she said.
“The goal is to win this World Cup. That’s the goal. It would be a big thing if the girls bring the Cup back home to Fiji.”
Meanwhile, Fiji Bulikula’s lone local based player Naomi Tegu is relishing her selection to play in their first Women’s Rugby League World Cup (WRLWC).
The USP (University of the South Pacific) Raiders prop was surprised by her selection after receiving the call from the selectors on Sunday.
Speaking to SUNsports following the official team announcement, Tegu said representing Fiji at the World Cup is a major achievement.
“I was not expecting to be selected for the Bulikula squad,”” she said.
“I was at home with my family and I finally got the call from the selectors on Sunday.
“I’m grateful to the selectors for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to represent my country.
“I can only thank God Almighty for guiding me through my rugby league career.
“It’s a massive achievement and I’m ready for the challenge.”
Hailing from Nabukelevu in Kadavu, she made her Bulikula debut last year and was part of the side that won the World Cup qualifiers in Canada under former head coach Joe Rabele.
“This is my first World Cup and it’s another level, and I’m looking forward to it,” she said.
Tegu also encouraged young girls aspiring to pursue a career in women’s rugby league, urging them to remain committed to their goals.
Fiji Bulikula is pool alongside PNG Orchids, NZ Kiwi Ferns and France.
Bulikula squad:Leilani Ahsam (NRL W Cronulla Sharks), Teaghan Hartigan (QRL BMD Burleigh Bears), Ta lei Holmes (NRLW Cronulla Sharks), Tamika Jones (NRLW Canterbury Bulldogs), Ebony Laing (QRL BMD Burleigh Bears), Sienna Laing (QRL Burleigh Bears), Lorren Leli (QRL BMD East Tigers), Losana Lutu (NRLW West Tigers), Tahlia Marshall (QRL BMD East Tigers), Ema Masi (QRL BMD Norths Devils), Rory Muller (NSW Womens Premiership South Sydney Rabbitohs), Sereana Naitokatoka (NRLW Canberra Raiders), Tanina Naividi (NRLW Sydney City Roosters), Elizabeth Naleba (QRL BMD Burleigh Bears), Aliti Namoce (NSW Womens Premiership South Sydney Rabbitohs), Maria Paseka (NRLW St George Illawarra Dragons), Abigayle Sekitoga (QRL BMD Burleigh Bears), Latisha Smythe (NRLW Canterbury Bulldogs), Cassie Staples (NRLW Cronulla Sharks), Naomi Tegu (FNRL USP Raiders), Nanise Vakacavu (NSW Womens Premiership Cronulla Sharks), Isabella Waterman (NRLW Canberra Raiders), Luisa Yaranamu (NSW Womens Premiership South Sydney Rabbitohs)
SAMOA – RUGBY LEAGUE: SAMOA GLOBAL NEWS PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 08 Oct 2026
“Bring the World Cup Home”: PM Urges Toa and Fetu Samoa
APIA, 08 OCTOBER 2026 (SAMOA GLOBAL NEWS)—Samoa Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt has urged Toa Samoa and Fetu Samoa to carry the nation’s faith, pride and unity into the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with a rallying call to bring the trophy home.
Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the FMFM II Government Building on Wednesday, waving Samoa and team flags and cheering for the two national sides at their official send-off and blessing service.
The parade and gathering gave supporters in Apia an opportunity to show their love for the players before their World Cup campaigns.
The Prime Minister told both teams to be courageous, remain humble and remember the families and communities behind them.
“When you put on that Samoan jersey, remember you are not wearing it alone. You are wearing it together with Samoa – as a family, as a people and as a nation.”
He said the players carry the hopes and dreams of their parents, grandparents, villages, churches and Samoan communities worldwide.
“Bring the World Cup home,” he urged.
Recalling Toa Samoa’s historic journey to the 2022 World Cup final, the Prime Minister said Toa’s success united Samoans across the globe in support and prayer.
“Through that journey the world saw our pride, our passion, our faith, culture and strength of unity.”.
Samoa may be small on the map, he said, but its players have shown they can compete alongside the strongest rugby league nations.
He encouraged both teams to take that confidence into the tournament while keeping their faith at the centre of their journey.
“Go with courage, with love, humility and go with Jesus Christ.”
When the physical demands of the tournament begin to take their toll, he urged the players to draw strength from their purpose.
“When your bodies are tired, remember who you are playing for, Samoa.”
President of the Methodist Church, Samoa and Worldwide, Reverend Faulalo Leti Paaga, also encouraged the teams to see their World Cup journey as a duty and service to their country.
Describing the players as the “sons and daughters of Samoa, the stars and warriors of Samoa,” he called on the nation to continue praying for both teams.
The captains and coaches were presented with Samoan flags and encouraged to raise them wherever they go. The Government of Samoa also handed over $4 million tala(US$1.44 million) from its annual budget in support of the Toa and Fetus world Cup preparations.
Toa Samoa coach Ben Gardiner acknowledged the importance of support from home and abroad during his squad announcement. He thanked Samoans worldwide for their prayers, blessings and ongoing support, and encouraged supporters to celebrate safely and positively as they back both teams.
Toa Samoa have unveiled a star-studded Rugby League World Cup squad. Gardiner’s 23-man squad includes captain Junior Paulo, Jarome Luai, Stephen Crichton, Brian To’o and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
Sua Fa’alogo, Clayton Faulalo, Deine Mariner and Greg Marzhew add attacking options, while Spencer Leniu, Francis Molo and Jazz Tevaga are among the experienced forwards.
Toa Samoa open against France on Friday, 16 October. Fetu Samoa face defending champions Australia on the same day.
Toa Samoa’s 23-man squad: Shawn Blore Anae Ulesese, Stephen Crichton, Sua Fa’alogo, Clayton Faulalo, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Benaiah Ioelu, Connelly Lemuelu, Spencer Leniu, Jarome Luai, Francis Manuleleua, Deine Mariner, Ata Mariota, Greg Marzhew, Jermaine McEwen, Francis Molo, Junior Paulo, Pasami Saulo, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Izack Tago, Jazz Tevaga, Brian To’o, Enari Tuala and Ronald Volkman…..PACNEWS
SAMOA – RUGBY LEAGUE: SAMOA OBSERVER PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 08 Oct 2026
Government gives $4 million to Toa and Fetu Samoa
APIA, 08 OCTOBER 2026 (SAMOA OBSERVER)—The Government of Samoa has provided $4 million(US$1.44 million) to support the preparations of Toa Samoa and Fetu Samoa ahead of the Rugby League World Cup.
Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt announced the government’s funding during his remarks in front of the Government Building at Eleele Fou.
According to the Prime Minister, the $4 million has been received by the President of Rugby League Samoa, Fiu Faaolatane Ponifasio Vasa, and Rugby League Samoa to support both teams’ preparations for the World Cup, which kicks off on Oct. 15, 2026.
Both teams are scheduled to depart Samoa on Thursday Oct.8 as they continue preparations for the tournament.
The Prime Minister told the teams that he believes this could be Samoa’s year at the World Cup, urging the players to remain courageous and humble as they represent the country.
“Be humble and come back with the win,” the Prime Minister said.
With support from the Prime Minister, the Methodist Church leadership and supporters across Samoa, Toa Samoa and Fetu Samoa will now head into the World Cup knowing the nation is behind them.
The teams will continue their preparations overseas as Samoa rallies behind them ahead of the tournament…PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 08 Oct 2026
Why sons of PNG legends were forced to skip World Cup
PORT MORESBY, 08 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—A hamstring injury has denied Gold Coast forward Cooper Bai the chance to play for Papua New Guinea at the Rugby League World Cup.
Bai, the son of Kumuls legend Marcus, is one of the major absences from the 23-man PNG squad, along with playmaker Lachlan Lam.
Leigh halfback Lam, the son of Adrian Lam, has been ruled out of the tournament as he has to undergo wrist surgery.
The absences of Lam, Bai and wingers Alex Johnston and Xavier Coates, mean the Kumuls will be fielding a heavily-depleted squad in their tournament opener against Lebanon in Port Moresby on 17 October.
There are several players with NRL experience included in coach Jason Demetriou’s squad, headlined by Parramatta veteran Jack de Belin.
The uncapped duo of Manly centre Josh Feledy and Eels prop Luca Moretti have earned selection along with North Queensland outside backs Zac Laybutt and Robert Derby.
Bailey Biondi-Odo, who played 17 games for Canterbury and has signed with the Warriors for 2027, is also included.
Super League veterans Rhyse Martin and Nene Macdonald are the other familiar names in a squad that is mainly drawn from the English lower divisions and the Queensland Cup.
After facing Lebanon, the Kumuls welcome Samoa to PNG before rounding out their group stage with a trip to Wollongong to take on England.
Papua New Guinea squad: Jack de Belin, Robert Derby, Dudley Dotoi, Josh Feledy, Finley Glare, Liam Horne, Edwin Ipape, Zev John, Epel Kapinias, Bailey Biondi-Odo, Zac Laybutt, Nene Macdonald, Rhyse Martin, Robert Mathias, Morea Morea Jnr, Luca Moretti, Sylvester Namo, Nixon Putt, Rodrick Tai, Valentine Richard, Gairo Voro, Sanny Wabo, Khaiya Waiembi….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 08 Oct 2026
Amone named for Tonga as big halves call looms
SYDNEY, 08 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—The rollercoaster career of playmaker Junior Amone has taken a positive turn after he was named in the Tonga squad for the Rugby League World Cup.
Amone, 24, played the last of his 51 NRL games for St George Illawarra in 2023, but was later deregistered following a conviction for an assault involving a hammer.
He was ordered to serve an intensive correction order before returning to action for Wynnum Manly in the Queensland Cup where he hit top form this season.
NRL clubs have been keeping tabs on his progress while Tonga have also watched his form closely, after the former Dragon was part of their most recent World Cup squad in 2022.
Amone, as long as he receives final eligibility and integrity approval, and West Tigers’ half Latu Fainu are both in the mix to partner Dolphins whiz Isaiya Katoa in the halves.
Fainu had explored playing for Fiji alongside his brothers but was deemed ineligible by the international governing body.
Huddersfield veteran Tuimoala Lolohea, a favourite of Tonga coach Kristian Woolf, is easily the most experienced halves option in the 24-man squad that will be trimmed back to 23 in the coming days.
Tonga have named a squad that looks capable of challenging for the title when the tournament kicks off next week.
Sydney Roosters right centre Robert Toia’s decision to stick with Tonga despite Australia’s interest is a boost, as is the choice by winger Jojo Fifita to align with the Mate Ma’a despite being qualified for also the Kangaroos and New Zealand.
Fifita, who had a strong State of Origin series for Queensland, is yet to play Test football.
Toia joined fellow Roosters premiership winners Siua Wong and Salesi Foketi in the squad.
Tonga legend Jason Taumalolo is also back for one last World Cup campaign after doing so much for the proud nation.
TONGA: Addin Fonua-Blake, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Demitric Vaimauga, Haumole Olakau’atu, Isaiya Katoa, Jason Taumalolo, Jojo Fifita, Junior Amone, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Latu Fainu, Lehi Hopoate, Leka Halasima, Moeaki Fotuaika, Paul Alamoti, Robert Toia, Salesi Foketi, Sione Katoa, Siua Wong, Soni Luke, Stefano Utoikamanu, Taniela Paseka, Tolutau Koula, Tuimoala Lolohea, Tyson Frizell. (one to be omitted)…PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 08 Oct 2026
FRU eyes French coaching options
SUVA, 08 OCTOBER 2026 (FIJI SUN)—A French newspaper report has alleged that the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) is still searching for French coaches to coach the Flying Fijians.
The L’Equipe reported that the search is now centered on Pierre Mignono following his departure from Toulon and Frederic Michalak who is currently the attack coach for NRL (National Rugby League) club Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.
According to The 42 report on October 6 that Mignono had resigned from Toulon after suffer ing a nervous breakdown last season, following a poor start to their campaign.
The L’Equipe questioned whether Mignono will take a restorative break after several nerve-wracking months and his breakdown” from last season? Or will he quickly dive into a new challenge? Anything is still possible.
The L’Equipe claimed that they’ve learned that the FRU is trying to secure his services.
According to L’Equipe sources, Michalak, the current attack coach for the Sharks, an Australian rugby league franchise has also attracted a considerable amount of attention from FRU officials.
“The former international, with 77 caps and now a consultant for L’Equipe, had not, submitted an application. Neither had Pierre Mignoni. But their profiles have been added to those already declared,” claimed the report.
In Fiji, L’ Equipe stated, this is nothing new, as some FRU officials are strongly pushing for the recruitment of a French coach, given the number of Fijian internationals playing in the Top 14 and Pro D2 leagues.
The FRU chief executive officer Koli Sewabu had indicated that there were 31 applicants for the job.
Among the leading contenders is former South Africa head coach Jake White, former Wales head coach Warren Gatland and former France defence coach Shaun Edwards.
The announcement is expected early next week.
In their report L’Equipe stated: “A source close to the matter even told us on Tuesday: ‘It’s possible for Mignoni, discussions are underway.’
”And this is despite his fear of flying? We could know more in the coming days since the name of the new national team coach should, be announced next week.”…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 08 Oct 2026
Daniel Tupou announces retirement
SYDNEY, 08 OCTOBER 2026 (NRL)—Four-time Roosters premiership winner and Tonga’s leading try-scorer Daniel Tupou has announced his retirement from professional rugby league.
The highly decorated winger made the call only days after his side took out the 2026 decider, defeating Newcastle in a tough contest, won by the Roosters 19-18.
His first premiership win came in his first full season in the NRL in 2013, playing a key role by scoring his team’s opening try in the victory over Manly, with further titles to come in 2018 and 2019.
His announcement brings to a close a special career that saw him play 307 games – all for the Roosters – under coach Trent Robinson.
“When you look at what Daniel Tupou has achieved over 15 seasons, he will stand as one of the greats,” Robinson said.
“But those numbers only tell part of the story of Toops and what he means to this club.
“Since he made his debut, he has represented what we want a Rooster to be.
“He has been incredibly consistent, selfless and dependable, and whenever there has been a big moment or a tough moment, he has been present.”
Rooster no.1130, Tupou made his NRL debut against the Canberra Raiders in Round 24 of the 2012 season going on to establish himself as a great for the club across 15 seasons.
His 300th game milestone was special not only for his club and the NRL, but for the Kingdom of Tonga as well – a country he has proudly represented on the international stage.
Tonga’s Princess Latufuipeka Tukuʻaho and the country’s Prime Minister Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua were in attendance to celebrate him scoring a remarkable hat-trick in the Round 19 win over the Eels.
Tupou also represented at the highest level with New South Wales for State of Origin level and also played Tests for Australia.
Faith and family have always been important factors for Tupou who will now be able to devote more time to both.
“My family has been there with me through everything,” Tupou said.
“My parents, Michael and Ofa, made so many sacrifices for me and gave me the opportunity to chase this dream, and I’ll always be grateful to them.
“My wife Kasilita has been by my side since the beginning of this journey and has supported me through all the highs and lows that come with playing footy.
“And now to have our son Michael there and to be able to share the end of my career with him has made it even more special. I hope that one day, when he’s old enough to understand it all, he’ll be proud of what his dad was able to achieve.”
As well as retiring as a four-time premiership winner, he also has three World Club Challenge wins to his name and leaves a further legacy at the club as their all-time leading try-scorer with 198 and the second most-capped player in the club’s history.
“I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and I know the time is right for me to finish playing,” Tupou said.
“It’s hard to put into words what the Roosters have meant to me because this club has been such a big part of my life.
“I feel incredibly blessed. I came here as a young kid just hoping for an opportunity and I could never have imagined the journey that would follow or everything I would be fortunate enough to experience along the way.
“To have played my whole NRL career at one club means a lot to me. The Roosters gave me my opportunity and this has become my home.
“To play more than 300 games, win four premierships and share those moments with so many great teammates is something I’ll always be proud of,” he said…. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 08 Oct 2026
Black and Whyte situation: No mates once we hit the world stage
SYDNEY, 08 OCTOBER 2026 (NRL)—Naufahu Whyte has barely had time to celebrate his first NRL premiership but the Roosters enforcer is already preparing for another shot at international glory.
Little more than a week after producing a remarkable grand final performance, Whyte will swap his Roosters colours for the black jersey when New Zealand opens its World Cup campaign against the Kangaroos.
The 24-year-old played a starring role in the 19-18 victory over Newcastle, running for 189 metres and breaking four tackles as the Roosters fought back from 12-0 down to claim their first title since 2019.
It capped a breakout season for Whyte, who has emerged as one of the game’s middles and was rewarded with Dally M Team of the Year honours.
“I have dreamt my whole life since I was a little kid to be in this position and to be here right now, it still doesn’t feel real,” Whyte said in the winning sheds post-match.
“I knew our boys were going to bounce back. We came into half-time six points down but we still had that confidence and that belief to get the job done.
“I know a lot of people doubted us and wrote us off, thinking we weren’t going to win this. I love proving haters wrong.
“I love that they were talking about the Knights throughout the week. That gave us external motivation to go out there and prove people wrong.”
Now, with a premiership ring on his finger, Whyte has barely had time to soak it all in before turning his attention to the World Cup.
“It’s always special representing my home,” Whyte said.
“It looks like I’m only going to have one day off, then I’m straight into camp.
“It’s always special pulling on that black jersey. For myself, that’s my home, that’s where I grew up, that’s where footy started for me.
“Any opportunity I get to put that black jersey on, I wear it with pride and do what I do best.
“I look forward to this World Cup and hopefully I can get another championship there.”
First up is a blockbuster against the Kangaroos at Allianz Stadium, where Whyte will go toe-to-toe with Roosters teammates James Tedesco and Sam Walker.
“Brothers right now, but once you cross that white line at Allianz, it’s war,” Whyte said.
“That’s what we do as players. You play with each other, then the next week you’re against each other. It’s just what we do, it’s the people that we are.
“We all know how to turn that switch when it’s coming against your brother.
“But at the end of the day, it’s all love. It’ll be a good battle against the brothers, but we’re going to enjoy the celebrations as brothers.”
At just 24, Whyte is already a premiership winner and six-Test Kiwi, but his rise this season has firmly established him among the NRL’s emerging elite forwards.
His next challenge will be to bring that blistering form into the World Cup, where New Zealand boasts an imposing front-row rotation featuring some of the game’s most experienced props.
Whyte will line up alongside the likes of James Fisher-Harris, Joseph Tapine and Moses Leota, players he has looked up to throughout his career.
“All those brothers, they’ll be the brothers I look up to,” he said.
“I’ve always been looking up to them since being in the Kiwis.
“Wherever I can give my input in my game or speaking, whatever that may be, I’ll do that.
“We have a group of all-star leaders in our team that pave the way for us young ones coming through,” he said…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 08 Oct 2026
Sidelined Eel earns Lebanon World Cup call-up
SYDNEY, 08 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—A member of the Alameddine family, who was sidelined by his NRL club for his own safety and that of his teammates, has earned selection in Lebanon’s Rugby League World Cup squad.
Mohamed Alameddine – an outside back signed to Parramatta – has been included in coach Michael Cheika’s squad after missing most of the season.
Alameddine is not accused of any wrongdoing.
Owing to rising tensions in Sydney’s gang wars, the 21-year-old trained away from the Eels’ facility this year and last played NSW Cup in June.
Alameddine is one of a healthy squad of players assembled by Cheika who are on the books of NRL clubs or their feeder sides.
The Cedars, who reached the quarter-finals of the last tournament, will be without two of their most influential players with Wests Tigers playmaker Adam Doueihi injured and Mitchell Moses selected by Australia.
Canterbury winger Jacob Kiraz is likely to play fullback in a side that includes Eels centre Jordan Samrani, Tigers prop Alex Twal and Manly’s Jason Saab.
Winger Saab had to seek an exemption to play for the Cedars given he has no Lebanese ancestry, relying on the roots of his adoptive stepfather to turn out for Lebanon.
There are no players from Lebanon’s domestic competition included in the squad.
Future NSW State of Origin coach Matt King will assist Cheika, who will leave his Sydney Roosters assistant post to return as head coach of Super Rugby Pacific’s NSW Waratahs following Lebanon’s campaign.
The Cedars face Papua New Guinea in their group opener in Port Moresby on 17 October , before taking on Tonga and France.
LEBANON SQUAD: Mohamed Alameddine, Yehya Ayache, Jalal Bazzaz, Alex Conti, Ibrahim El Labban, Tony Francis, Tupou Francis, Michael Gabrael, Mikael Ibrahim, Moustafa Dirani, Jacob Kiraz, Abbas Miski, Brad Morkos, Joseph Nohra, Khaled Rajab, Jaxson Rahme, Khalia Rahme, James Roumanos, Jason Saab, Jordan Samrani, Tony Sukkar, Charbel Tasipale, Alex Twal….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 08 Oct 2026
World Rugby announces banning of hip drop, knee drop tackle
DUBLIN/SYDNEY 08 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—World Rugby has moved quickly to crack down on dangerous tackles towards the lower limbs, banning the “hip drop” and “knee drop” tackles.
The “knee drop” tackle law will take effect immediately, with the “hip drop” law change applying from 01 Novembe1.
The “hip drop” tackle, banned across several sports, involves the tackler using their body weight to pull a player to the ground and drop onto a ball carrier’s legs from behind.
This type of tackle has already caused significant damage to some of Australian Rugby’s brightest stars, amending Law 9.13 to include it as part of dangerous play.
Australia U20 star Treyvon Pritchard is currently recovering from a long-term injury after facing the full brunt of the tackle during the U20 World Championship.
Max Jorgensen is another who has missed multiple months as a result of the tackle last year, with the law coming into play in time for the Nations Championship.
World Rugby has moved quickly to outlaw the tackle, which was broached at February’s Shape of the Game meeting.
Meanwhile, the “knee drop” is deemed to be when a player drops to one or both knees before making a tackle.
It will be policed as a player leaving their feet to get involved in the tackle, already a penalty, coming into effect instantly ahead of the Bledisloe Cup series.
“We’re grateful to unions for raising the issue of these types of tackle with us. My thanks go to the working group and wider World Rugby team for the speed and breadth of their research and analysis. These changes show the commitment across the globe to player welfare in rugby in action,” World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said.
“Once we looked at the evidence, it was clear the hip drop tackles whilst rare, could cause significant leg injuries. It was also clear that knee drop tackles were on the rise.
“Protecting player welfare is at the heart of everything that World Rugby does and once we’d reviewed the analysis we’ve acted quickly to ensure that dangerous tackles of this nature are removed from the game, starting this weekend.”
“Rugby Australia welcomes the move by World Rugby to outlaw hip drop and knee drop tackles. Both techniques pose unacceptable risks to player safety and World Rugby has acted appropriately to classify them as foul play,” RA Director of High Performance Peter Horne added.
“This announcement further reaffirms rugby’s commitment to player welfare and I have no doubt will be well received by teams and players in Australia and around the world,” he said…. PACNEWS
