In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Fijian Drua home games set to inject $130m into economy
2. NETBALL — Samoa edge Fiji as Pacific netball World Cup qualifiers intensity
3. FOOTBALL — New Caledonia make history with first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification
4. FOOTBALL — New Zealand march into another continental final and FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™
5. RUGBY — Japan eyes PNC crown
6. NETBALL — From the court to the boardroom, Vasiti Vugakoto leads Fiji netball’s next chapter
7. ATHLETES — Fiji Olympian puts her hand up for the next generation of Pasifika
8. RUGBY — Wallaroos prop endorses rising star before French Test
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — Go after him’: Tongan tearaways target wounded Shark
10. RUGBY LEAGUE — Raiders centre out of World Cup after sparkling season
11. RUGBY — Visa joins Rugby World Cup as Principal Partner for Australia 2027 and 2029
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 17 Sep 2026
Fijian Drua home games set to inject $130m into economy
NADI, 17 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—The Fijian Drua expects its eight home matches next season to bring more money into the local economy.
Fijian Drua General Manager Commercial Shane Hussein says previous home and trial matches have generated up to 108 million dollars a year for Fiji.
He said with one additional home match in 2027, that figure could rise to about $130 million (US$65 million)
“And we expect this $108 million(US$54 million)figure to climb to $130 million(US$65 million) a year with eight home matches now, the increase in home matches. What that means is that it positions the Drua as a key component and a key part of sports tourism in Fiji. We’re already a significant part of the economy. We generate significant revenue for the country.”
Hussein said the extra game will also mean more opportunities for businesses in the towns and cities where the matches are held.
The venues have not been confirmed yet, as the club is still working with Super Rugby Pacific on kick-off times and lighting requirements.
Hussein said the 2027 season will also bring some of the competition’s biggest teams to Fiji.
“This includes the Blues, who we have never beaten before. We’ve beaten every single team except the Blues. This includes the Crusaders, who historically have been favourites for Fijian fans. And of course, the defending champions, the Hurricanes, which will be a blockbuster match on a Friday night. That match will happen in Suva”
With the Rugby World Cup also being held in 2027, the matches will give Fijian players more chances to push for a place in the Flying Fijians squad….PACNEWS
PAC – NETABLL: PACNEWS PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 17 Sept 2026
Samoa edge Fiji as Pacific netball World Cup qualifiers intensify
NUKU’ALOFA, 17 SEPTEMBER 2026 (PACNEWS)— Samoa held off a determined Fiji comeback to beat the Pearls 56-50 in a closely fought Pacific netball World Cup qualifying match at the Tonga High School Indoor Stadium.
Fiji kept the pressure on until the final whistle, but Samoa maintained its composure to secure a six-point victory.
The result came as teams continued their push for a place at the World Cup, with only one day of qualifying remaining after Thursday’s matches.
Today’s programme begin with Tonga facing Fiji at 4pm, followed by Samoa against the Cook Islands at 6.15pm at the Tonga High School Indoor Stadium.
The Cook Islands secured their first win of the week, defeating the PNG Pepes in another hard-fought contest.
The Cook Islands led at halftime and went on to complete a convincing led 31-26 victory over Papua New Guinea.
The match was played on Papua New Guinea’s 51st Independence Day, with the Pepes marking the occasion on court.
Both teams battled throughout the match, with the Cook Islands producing the performance needed to claim their first win of the tournament.
The results add to the intensity of the qualifying campaign as teams fight for their places at the World Cup.
Action continues today, with the Tonga Tala returning from their bye to face the Fiji Pearls in another important match in the qualification race. PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 17 Sep 2026
New Caledonia make history with first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification
HONIARA, 17 SEPTEMBER 2026 (OFC)—New Caledonia have qualified for their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, defeating Fiji 1-0 at the National Stadium in Honiara.
Kinë Hmaen scored the only goal of the second OFC U-16 Women’s Championship semi-final, securing their historic qualification for FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2027 in Morocco next year, and setting up a clash with New Zealand in the continental final on Saturday evening.
It follows New Caledonia’s qualification for their first FIFA women’s event at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™ in Poland earlier this month, marking another significant milestone for the nation’s female pathways.
The lone goal came in just the 10th minute of the contest, Gisèle Hace threading a pinpoint pass in-behind the Fijian defence for Hmaen to score.
They had other opportunities to make the scoreboard look more comfortable though, Heidra Adjouhgniope forcing two good stops from opposing goalkeeper Miliana Maramanikabau when through on goal in the first half.
Substitute Tanya Geiller also struck the top of the crossbar after cutting onto her right foot for a shot from the top of the box midway through the second period.
Fiji fought hard for an equaliser, and were also looking to qualify for their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™. Kinisimere Botesulu fired a shot straight at Bernadette Nyikeine after an impressive solo run with time running out, but the mini Kulas couldn’t find a response.
The night was to belong to New Caledonia instead, sparking wild celebrations at the final whistle, and sending them through to the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship final for the second time, and the first time since 2017.
They now also join 24 of the world’s best as one of OFC’s two representatives at FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2027™ in Morocco.
New Caledonia: 1 (Kinë HMAEN 10’)
Fiji: 0
HT: 1-0 …PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 17 Sep 2026
New Zealand march into another continental final and FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™
HONIARA, 17 SEPTEMBER 2026 (OFC)—New Zealand have qualified for FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2027 and put themselves one win away from an eighth OFC U-16 Women’s Championship title, after defeating Papua New Guinea 3-0 in the first semi-final at the National Stadium in Honiara.
A decade after the two sides last met at the competition in the 2016 final, the Young Football Ferns cruised past Papua New Guinea to book their place at an 11th consecutive global finals.
Ultimately, it took New Zealand 27 minutes to find the opening goal though, the longest they’ve ever had to wait for a goal in a semi-final in OFC U-16 Women’s Championship history. Mila Clark got the breakthrough, nodding the ball past Joses at the back post, following a corner delivery off the left flank from Saunders.
Having been called into the championship as a late replacement, Papua New Guinea’s return to the last four in 2026 had been miraculous, and they fought tooth and nail to frustrate New Zealand for as long as they could.
The second goal finally came in the 62nd minute, Madeleiene Dwyer scoring her second of the tournament after Joyses failed to keep hold of her left-footed effort.
Substitute Ruby Barber then rounded out the win for the Young Football Ferns in the 77th minute, picking out the bottom-left corner after being left unmarked from a Saunders delivery off the right flank into the box.
The result means Alana Gunn and her New Zealand side can now start preparing for FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2027™ in Morocco but first have their OFC U-16 Women’s Championship title to defend in Honiara on Saturday evening.
New Zealand: 3 (Mila CLARK 27’, Madeleine DWYER 62’, Ruby BARBER 77’)
Papua New Guinea: 0
HT: 1-0 …PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 17 Sep 2026
Japan eyes PNC crown
TOKYO, 17 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Hosts Japan rugby team has set their target to beat the Flying Fijians in Saturday’s final so they could hoist the Pacific Nations Cup.
This was revealed by Japan hooker Mamoru Harada after an outstanding performance in their 63-14 thrashing of United States (US) Eagles in the semi-final at Osaka last Saturday night.
“We knew it was going to be a tough match from the beginning, but we executed well,” Harada said.
“Our target now is to beat Fiji and win the championship.”
In a dominant performance, Japan ran in nine tries to record their biggest win over the US.
The Flying Fijians have won the PNC for the last three years-in-a-row. The Tevita Ikanivere captained-side beat Canada 45-29 in the semi-final.
According to Radio NZ, openside flanker Motikiai Murray, who played for North Harbour in the National Provincial Championship (NPC) competition in New Zealand before joining the Fiji camp two weeks ago, showed why he is a person of interest with the Super Rugby Pacific champions Hurricanes with his strong all-round game.
Murray who was named Man of the Match after scoring two tries, said they still need to improve, especially facing Japan in the final.
“We did pretty well, there were a few mistakes, but our mission was to start fast and we did that,” Murray said.
However, Japan head coach Eddie Jones was not carried away with the big win, indicating that they have some areas to work on before Saturday’s final.
“At times we lost a bit of concentration, made some silly errors that then compounded. After USA’s first try, we gave away three penalties in a row, giving away possession. It’s all about building consistency. Good players and good teams have that consistency, and that’s what we’re striving for,” the wily coach stressed.
Meanwhile, former All Blacks centre Seta Tamanivalu has joined the Flying Fijians camp to replace the injured Kalaveti Ravouvou. Tamanivalu is currently playing for Taranaki in the NPC….PACNEWS
FIJI – NETBALL: ABC PACIFIC PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 17 Sep 2026
From the court to the boardroom, Vasiti Vugakoto leads Fiji netball’s next chapter
SUVA, 17 SEPTEMBER 2026 (ABC PACIFIC)—When she was 16, Vasiti Vugakoto walked onto the court wearing the Fiji Pearls dress for the first time.
Still in high school, she was selected to represent her country at the 1987 World Netball Championships, a moment she describes as one of the proudest of her life.
“Being picked amongst thousands of talented Fijian ladies who had all vied for the same position was a proud moment for my family and I,” she said.
But with that honour came pressure.
As a teenager, Vugakoto was suddenly carrying the expectations of her family, teammates and country.
More than two decades later, she’s still carrying that responsibility, but from the other side of the court.
Now chairperson of Netball Fiji’s transition committee, Vugakoto is helping steer the sport through a period of rebuilding as the Pearls prepare for the Oceania World Cup qualifiers in Tonga.
A legacy worth rebuilding
Vugakoto was part of the historic Fiji Pearls side that delivered Fiji’s best-ever World Cup finish, placing sixth at the 1999 tournament.
When she reflects on what made that team special, she doesn’t start with rankings or results.
Instead, she talks about friendship.
“You can have the best coach and the best support behind you, but if the girls and the team cannot work together as a family unit, it is a waste.””
More than 20 years later, many of those players remain close despite living in different countries.
Vugakoto believes that bond remains one of the team’s greatest legacies and something the current Fiji Pearls can learn from.
“I can see the ’99ers through them.”
Calling for change and helping deliver it
Vugakoto’s drive to improve Fiji netball is not new.
Following Fiji’s disappointing 2019 Netball World Cup, she publicly called for the sport to rethink its direction, leadership and long-term strategy.
She also pointed to New Zealand as an example of what can be achieved when a team and organisation are willing to learn, rebuild and change.
She’s no longer calling for change from the outside, having joined the leadership group helping shape Fiji netball’s future.
Her vision is to restore the passion, discipline, technique and unity that characterised Fiji’s successful teams of the past, while embracing the structures and technology required in modern sport.
Leading on and off the court
Vugakoto’s leadership extends well beyond netball. She balances netball with a senior leadership role in the corporate sector as a manager of institutional banking at BRED Bank Fiji.
For Vugakoto, leadership is about far more than a title.
“To be a leader, you don’t have to be a manager or a CEO. It is how you handle yourself and how you converse with others.”
A Fijian woman sits behind a desk in an office in a building high up with a view out through the large bay windows behind her.
Her leadership journey began long before the boardroom.
As the eldest in her family, she was expected to help care for her brothers and sisters and set an example.
After retiring from international netball, she returned to grassroots development, coaching young players and establishing Lomaiviti Netball Club, where she remains president and coach.
The club now has around 250 members, with several players progressing through its pathways to represent Fiji.
“It’s not just about what you can do on the court. It’s also about what you can do after netball.”
Motherhood and resilience
Vugakoto describes being a mother to her five children as her most important role.
After losing her husband more than 15 years ago, she balanced raising her family with building her professional career and maintaining her involvement in netball.
Her children have followed their own sporting journeys.
Son Savenaca has represented Belgium in rugby sevens and 15s, while Tevita has represented Fiji in 3×3 basketball. Daughter Matila has represented Fiji in both basketball and netball.
Their achievements are a source of pride and a reminder of the example Vugakoto wants to set.
“I want them to see that if I can do it, they can also achieve the things I have achieved — or even better.”
She believes women in leadership should demonstrate that it is possible to pursue ambitions, overcome challenges and still be present for family.
The road to Tonga
Past and present are now coming full circle for Vugakoto.
The Fiji Pearls are currently in Tonga for the Oceania World Cup Qualifiers, where they will compete for one of two places at the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney.
Having experienced the pressure of representing Fiji as a teenager, she understands what comes with wearing the Fiji Pearls dress.
Now, she is helping prepare another generation to carry that responsibility….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 17 Sep 2026
Wallaroos prop endorses rising star before French Test
LONDON, 17 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—When prop Eva Karpani runs out on to the international arena, there’s someone beside her who reminds the second-most-capped Wallaroo of her younger self.
Faliki Pohiva made a triumphant return to Australia’s women’s rugby team at the weekend, playing her 12th Test and scoring her first international try against world champions England in their spirited 48-15 loss in Salford on Sunday (AEST).
The five-pointer underlined the 25-year-old’s importance to the Wallaroos’ future as they continue ramping up preparations for their home World Cup in 2029.
Pohiva missed Australia’s horror Test against New Zealand in August because of a calf injury, but with the barnstorming prop now firmly entrenched in the side, her presence has reminded Karpani of just how much she adds.
“We have a really good relationship. We continue to push each other. We’re very similar players,” Karpani said.
“Liki has got so much potential, and she’s such an exciting player, and for me, I almost see my younger self in her.
“She’s come a long way, and she’s going to continue to come a long way.”
Pohiva and Karpani share similar attributes – they are both of Tongan descent and play in the same position.
The pair will aim to demonstrate their glittering one-two punch when Australia take on world No.4 France in their second Test of the WXV Global Series in Aix-en-Provence on Sunday (AEST).
Karpani’s glittering endorsement of her teammate comes as the veteran of 45 Tests inches closer to a historic 50 Wallaroos caps.
She scored her 15th try for Australia against the Red Roses to move to third on the all-time list behind Desiree Miller (18) and Maya Stewart (17).
In their previous outing against France in 2023, the 30-year-old grabbed a hat-trick to help the Australians secure a 29-20 victory.
“(The 2023 win) fills us with confidence. They’ve got some (new) members in their team, but they’re still a really good and physical team,” Karpani said.
“For us, anyone’s beatable, similar to the Red Roses, where we really … gave it to them in the first half.
“We’ve shown ourselves that we can … compete against the top teams in the world. Our comms and messaging have been ‘let’s do it for 80 minutes,” he said…PACNEWS
PAC – ATHLETES: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 17 Sep 2026
Fiji Olympian puts her hand up for the next generation of Pasifika
NAID, 17 SEPTEMBER 2026 (PMN)—For years, Cheyenne Rova’s place in Pacific sports was in the pool.
Now the Fijian Olympian is putting her hand up for leadership and says the confidence to take on bigger roles came from learning alongside other Pacific women.
Rova, who represented Fiji at the Olympics and on the international swimming stage, was nominated as chair of the Athletes Commission for Oceania Aquatics.
She says her experience in the Wahine Toa Oceania leadership programme played a big part in giving her the confidence to step forward.
“I guess one of the biggest things that I’ve taken from the programme that’s helped me in these different roles now is just having the confidence to actually put my hand up for opportunities like that,” she told Pacific Huddle.
“I would say if I hadn’t gone through the Wāhine Toa Oceania programme, I wouldn’t have that confidence to be able to put my hand up and be confident in being able to take on such a big role as that.”
Cheyenne Rova represented Fiji at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, continuing a career that has taken her to the Pacific Games, Commonwealth Games and world championships. Photo/PacificAus Sports
That confidence was also reflected across the first Wāhine Toa Oceania cohort, according to Cook Islands multi-sport athlete Julieanne Westrupp, who spoke on behalf of the participants at their graduation in Fiji in 2025.
“We all agree we have gained increased confidence and competence in leadership behaviours as well as an enhanced self-awareness. We have been blessed and privileged to have had this opportunity,” she said at the programme graduation.
The 2025 cohort brought together 11 female athletes from six Pacific countries, including Rova and Westrupp, along with Matie Stanley of Tuvalu.
Rova said she applied after seeing the programme advertised and said she was looking for a chance to meet other Pacific women and learn from their experiences.
“I’m always looking for opportunities to be able to network, to be able to just improve and gain new skills,” she told Tausinga.
“And so when I saw that, I’m like, this is a great opportunity for me to meet other wāhine in our Oceania region and learn different skills and just grow and develop.”
Rova says the value of the programme goes beyond the roles she has taken on since completing it.
She says it changed how she approached the different spaces she was already part of and gave her a chance to help others coming through.
“Learning from that experience, I would want to use that as an opportunity to create opportunities for other people that, you know, come [after] me or share the same spaces with me.”
That focus is also shaping what success means to her.
Looking 10 years ahead, Rova says she does not measure success by titles or achievements alone.
“If I could motivate at least one other person or inspire one other, you know, that would be success for me.”
She is also keen to keep learning from women across Oceania, saying their different stories and experiences can shape how they lead.
“I would say networking and just being able to hear other people’s stories and other people’s challenges and little successes that make them who they are and contribute to the way that they lead and the way that they do things.”
Rova’s own sporting journey began at school where swimming was part of the curriculum.
Neither of her parents swam. One played field hockey and the other competed in athletics while an older cousin represented Fiji in regional swimming competitions.
But it was her love of the water that kept her going.
“I hate running. I’ve always hated running ever since I was a little kid. So I think having this as an option is, I guess, what made me stay.”
Away from elite competition, Rova has also spent the past seven years teaching at the International School Nadi where she is physical and health education subject lead and oversees the swimming programme.
Her message to young Pacific women looking to follow a similar path is simple: stay open to learning and build strong relationships with other women.
“Just being open, having a teachable spirit is really, really important.”
She says a strong network matters not only for careers but for the support women can give each other.
“Having a strong network of women around you is incredibly valuable.”
For Rova, leadership is now about more than the opportunities she puts her hand up for.
She says it is about using those opportunities to help create space for the women coming behind her…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 17 Sep 2026
Go after him’: Tongan tearaways target wounded Shark
SYDNEY, 17 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—Siua Wong is eager to test out the true strength of Braydon Trindall’s troubled shoulder as the Sydney Roosters right edge lick their lips at the prospect of sending traffic at Cronulla’s injury-plagued playmaker.
Trindall returned for last Saturday’s elimination-final win over North Queensland and emerged unscathed after missing the last month with a dislocated shoulder.
The 27-year-old’s importance to the Sharks’ attacking flair is underlined by the fact he has 31 try assists for the year and does the majority of their kicking.
Trindall has insisted the pain is nothing new to him and back-rower Wong is willing to put that claim to the test as he and centre Rob Toia play off Daly Cherry-Evans.
“It’s obviously a 13 v 13 sport. It’s going to take all 17 of us to beat the Sharks this weekend,” Wong told AAP.
“But I feel like if the cue is there to go after him, then we’ll definitely make sure we take those cues.
“Our right edge, we want to take on the whole edge, I guess there’s always a mentality within the whole league that you want to be better than the opposite number.
“For us as a collective as a right edge, any edge we come against we like to think we will be the one on top.”
Wong and Toia have formed a lethal combination down the right for the Roosters this year and both players have indicated to coach Kristian Woolf they are committed to declining other nation’s advances to play for Tonga at the World Cup.
The Roosters will play Woolf’s Dolphins if they advance past the Sharks to a preliminary final following last week’s narrow loss to Penrith.
“Being able to go toe to toe with the premiership favourites was a big takeaway from that game,” Toia said.
“I think some of the boys from Penrith did mention a few times, ‘we’ll see you in the GF’.
‘I didn’t think of it too much but then if we win our games we’ll meet them in the GF next time if both teams go through.
“It showed how different the finals series is because we got one over them early in the year and the resilience they had to fight back.”
The Sydney Roosters have been forced to make at least one change for their NRL semi-final against Cronulla due to the league’s strict rules around concussion. Trent Robinson named his squad to take on the Sharks on Tuesday afternoon, with halfback Sam Walker still sidelined with an ankle injury.
State of Origin forward Angus Crichton has once again been included on the bench and will be hoping to make his long-awaited return after just missing out last week against the Panthers. But the other big name missing from the team list is experienced forward Egan Butcher.
The 90-game player was elevated to the starting side to take on the Panthers last Sunday, but only lasted 19 minutes. He was taken from the field with a Category 1 concussion, meaning he’s forced to stand down for 11 days under the NRL’s strict rules for head knocks.
Because the Roosters and Sharks game is only six days after his concussion, Butcher isn’t allowed to play the semi-final. And considering the Roosters’ careful approach when players get multiple concussions, we might not see Butcher again this year.
The club is known to take a conservative approach to concussions, with Lindsay Collins missing five weeks in the middle of the year. Butcher has now had a number of concussions this year.
No Sam Walker for Roosters, Warriors cop injury blow
Solesi Foketi has been elevated back into the starting side to take Butcher’s place, although Crichton could come into the run-on 13 if he proves his fitness. The Origin forward hasn’t played in three months due to a foot issue.
Coach Trent Robinson had been optimistic that Walker might return early from syndesmosis surgery, but the halfback wasn’t named on Tuesday. Hugo Savala will once again partner Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 17 Sep 2026
Raiders centre out of World Cup after sparkling season
CANBERRA, 17 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAAP)—Canberra star centre Simi Sasagi has heralded his choice to undergo shoulder surgery as one of the best decisions he’s made, despite it depriving him of achieving a life-long dream.
Sasagi claimed Canberra’s best and fairest award – the Mal Meninga Medal – on Tuesday night after a stellar season where he announced himself as one of the premier NRL centres.
But he collected the award with only one hand, as a big sling on his other arm held together his delicate shoulder.
The 25-year-old made the decision to go under the knife last week, although it wasn’t easy as he was weighing up pushing through his injury to play in a star-studded Samoan side for the World Cup beginning next month.
He previously said featuring in the global showpiece event was his childhood dream, and his hopes of playing in the competition looked alive as he took the field for the Raiders for their final two games.
But the centre ultimately had to put his shoulder first.
“It was a pretty hard (decision) … I wanted to play in the World Cup. It was obviously one of my goals,” he said.
“Just to think how much this club’s done for me, at some point I had to put them first. I wouldn’t be here without them.
“I thought I’d regret my decision to get surgery and hold out for the World Cup, but that’s the best decision I’ve ever made.
“I’m just grateful for this club … I’m just trying to repay that.”
Regardless of his dashed dream, Sasagi has plenty to celebrate after becoming the first player in five years to snare the Mal Meninga Medal from captain Joe Tapine.
Canberra entered the season full of promise following a hoodoo-busting minor premiership run that ended in a straight-sets exit from finals last year.
Although the side underperformed and finished 11th, Sasagi was a shining light as he scored seven tries, made 10 line breaks and posted an average of 175 run metres despite only playing in 16 of a possible 24 matches because of shoulder and hamstring injuries.
The 25-year-old was also emotional after Canberra threw him a career lifeline in 2024 following a stint with Newcastle.
“A couple of years ago, I didn’t even know if I was going to play first grade for the next couple of years,” he said.
“Obviously a lot of people around me, especially Stick (Ricky Stuart), put their confidence and faith in me to showcase what I can do.”
Gun centre Leianne Tufuga took out the club’s NRLW Mal Meninga Medal as she prepares for the Raiders’ first finals game against the Wests Tigers on Friday night, while retired prop Josh Papali’i announced he will take a new role with the club from November…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 17 Sep 2026
Visa joins Rugby World Cup as Principal Partner for Australia 2027 and 2029
DUBLIN, 17 SEPTEMBER 202(WORLD RUGBY) —World Rugby has announced that Visa has joined the Rugby World Cup commercial family as Principal Partner and Official Payment Technology Partner for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 in Australia.
The global partnership reflects the scale, ambition and growth trajectory of Rugby World Cup, while reinforcing Visa’s long-standing support for world-class sport and its role in connecting fans to the moments that matter.
To celebrate the partnership, World Rugby and Visa will give fans around the world access to a dedicated 48-hour priority sale from 12:00 AEST on 28 September until 12:00 AEST 30 September 2026. Open to all eligible Visa cardholders, the live sale will offer the opportunity to purchase tickets for all 52 matches and select seats directly from interactive seat maps, subject to availability[1]. Any remaining tickets following the Visa Priority Sale will be made available from 1 October 2026, exactly one year before the opening match of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.
As Principal Partner, Visa will play a central role in enhancing the fan experience across both tournaments, providing secure payment technologies within tournament official venues, exclusive access and premium experience opportunities as Australia prepares to stage the biggest Men’s Rugby World Cup in history in 2027 and welcome Women’s Rugby World Cup for the first time in 2029, with equal focus on supporting the growth of the men’s and women’s game.
Visa will also become the presenting partner of the Player of the Match award, celebrating the athletes who define the decisive moments of Rugby World Cup and bringing fans closer to the performances that shape each tournament.
World Rugby Chief Revenue Officer Michel Poussau said: “We are delighted to welcome Visa back to the Rugby World Cup family as Principal Partner for the next two editions in 2027 and 2029 in Australia. Visa’s partnership underlines the strength and global appeal of these tournaments, as well as our shared ambition to deliver iconic events shaped by innovation, accessibility and unforgettable fan experiences.
“Its support for both tournaments is a powerful statement of belief in the future of rugby and the equal opportunity ahead for the men’s and women’s game. Through this partnership, eligible Visa cardholders will benefit from exclusive access opportunities, while Visa’s technology and expertise will help us enhance the journey for fans in Australia and around the world.”
Visa Regional President, Asia Pacific Stephen Karpin said: “Some events have their own gravitational pull. Rugby World Cup is one of them. People don’t simply follow it, they travel for it and come together in ways that extend far beyond the match.
“Recent data showed cross-border Visa transactions in host cities of a major sporting event increased nearly 20% year on year. Through Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029, we’re proud to help deliver seamless payment experiences that enable fans to focus on the moments that matter, while supporting the movement of people, commerce and opportunity.”
The partnership further strengthens the commercial platform for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029, two landmark tournaments that will bring the world’s best teams and players to Australia, inspire new audiences and support the continued global growth of rugby, including the women’s game.
About Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027
Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 is rugby union’s pinnacle event contested every four years by the world’s best nations. For six weeks from 1 October to 13 November 2027, Australia will welcome the world to a nationwide festival of rugby, celebrating its rich culture and heritage, and kicking off a new era of rugby that will have a positive impact for Australia, Oceania and the game globally.
With an expanded format contested by the world’s top 24 teams, Men’s Rugby World Cup Australia 2027 will inspire an entire generation and break down barriers by making rugby even more accessible, relevant and inclusive, boosting rugby’s fanbase and participation globally. All revenue generated by Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will be reinvested in the sport, supporting World Rugby’s global growth ambition, its 135+ member unions and six regional associations.
About Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 will be the 11th edition of the tournament and the first to be hosted in Australia. Bringing together the world’s top 16 teams, it will be a six-week celebration of women’s rugby and Australian culture at a defining moment for the sport.
Building on the transformational success of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, the tournament aims to grow the game, unite communities and inspire a new generation of players and fans, while creating lasting social, sporting and economic benefits across Australia and the Pacific region….PACNEWS
