In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Queensland Reds flanker Seruu happy to be back home, excited for Drua clash
2. RUGBY LEAGUE — Strengthening cultural ties across the region: PacificAus TV Brings NRL to the Pacific
3. RUGBY LEAGUE — Ride the wave: Why culture is key for Gold Coast’s Pasifika stars
4. FOOTBALL — Bula FC complete stunning comeback for memorable victory
5. FOOTBALL — South Melbourne FC stun Honiara crowd with late equaliser
6. TRIATHLETES — Cook Islands triathletes set for Oceania Development Cup in Palau
7. PNG — PNG Games council urges action to overcome financial hurdles
8. RUGBY — Savea returns and Lam earns first start for Moana Pasifika in Crusaders match
9. RUGBY — Argentina to lead South America bid for Rugby World Cup
10. WADA — WADA postpones debate over unpaid contributions
PAC – RUGBY: FBC PORTS PACNEWS: Fri 20 Mar 2026
Queensland Reds flanker Seruu happy to be back home, excited for Drua clash
NADI, 20 MARCH 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—Queensland Reds flanker Seru Uru says they are expecting nothing short of a battle on Saturday when they take on the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for their Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific match-up.
The side touched down at the Nadi International Airport last night, and Uru is happy to be back home once again.
Uru has been watching the Drua closely this season, and he knows what to expect when he takes on his Fijian brothers.
“It’s good to be home, been looking forward to this game, and we really hope fans will come out in numbers to watch us play.”
He hopes fans will come out and fill the stands just like they did in Ba last weekend, and watch some exciting Super Rugby action.
Meanwhile, the Queensland Reds’ kicking game will be a key focus for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua as they prepare to face the visitors this Saturday in Lautoka
Head coach Glen Jackson acknowledged the Reds’ strength in this area, noting that they currently lead the competition in kicks per game this season. He expects the visitors to use this tactic strategically to disrupt the Drua’s style of play.
Despite anticipating this approach, Jackson emphasized that his side will remain committed to their own brand of rugby, aiming to deliver an exciting performance for their home fans rather than being dictated by the opposition’s tactics.
“The big thing is that we don’t get bored they’re the kicking game, and our back field is really important, and also just play a lot of rugby. They are fantastic team, very well coached,”. he said….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS: Fri 20 Mar 2026
Strengthening cultural ties across the region: PacificAus TV Brings NRL to the Pacific
SYDNEY, 20 MARCH 2026 (NRL)—More than 50 percent of NRL players have Pasifika heritage and now the audiences who have long shaped the game can watch it on their own screens, through their own local broadcasters, for free.
Free TV Australia has announced an agreement for PacificAus TV to deliver NRL matches to its Pacific partner broadcasters, expanding the availability of live and free-to-air coverage of Australia’s most popular football competition to communities across the region.
PacificAus TV currently shares the best of Australian television with 18 free-to-air broadcasters in 12 nations across eight time zones and this agreement brings a powerful new dimension to that reach – audiences in Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Nauru, Tuvalu, Tonga, Cook Islands, Niue and Timor-Leste will have access to two live NRL matches and one delayed match each week through their local free-to-air broadcasters. Fiji and Papua New Guinea have pre-existing broadcast arrangements in place.
Players of Pasifika heritage comprise 52 per cent of all NRL talent, and 29 per cent have at least one parent born in the Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga or other Pacific islands.
The diversity at the elite level is reflected all the way down to grassroots participation, with players from hundreds of nations coming together to play the sport.
According to figures from the 2025 season, more than 13,000 club rugby league players were born in the Pacific.
“Free TV is very proud to deliver the PacificAus TV initiative as a key component of Australia’s Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy, and this agreement for the NRL is a perfect expression of what the initiative is for,” Free TV Australia CEO Bridget Fair said.
“Rugby league is deeply woven into the fabric of Pacific life, and PacificAus TV is uniquely placed to deliver world-class sport through trusted local channels – ensuring communities from the Cook Islands and Niue to Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu and beyond can enjoy this premium programming at no cost.
“We look forward to deepening cultural and community ties with our Pacific partners through the shared language of rugby league.”
PacificAus TV Director Shane Wood said: “In the recent NRL Annual Report 2025, Rugby League again confirmed its position as the biggest sport in Australia and the Pacific – with record audiences, record attendance, and record participation.
“We are proud that fans across the Pacific can now watch the world’s best rugby league live, for free, through their own local broadcasters.”….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS: Fri 20 Mar 2026
Ride the wave: Why culture is key for Gold Coast’s Pasifika stars
GOLDCOAST, 20 MARCH 2026 (NRL)—-Only one game into his NRL career, Cooper Bai got to experience first-hand the pride and passion of Papua New Guinea fans, commanding huge support as he made his international debut.
The boom Titans rookie featured for the home side in Port Moresby firstly in the Prime Minister’s XIII game, before making his PNG Kumuls debut in the Pacific Championships, helping the team retain the Pacific Bowl.
While he carries a famous PNG rugby league last name, the Gold Coast-born forward has been forging his own path in the game, exciting fans with his powerful style of play.
“It felt amazing just to feel the love and support over there and just how much they love you from when you hop off the airplane and then you go through customs and walk out,” Bai said.
“There’s a bunch of people there, they’ve heard that you’re coming and they’re just there waiting for you so just to greet you.
“It’s really good to just to that feeling when you’re there.
“I think rugby league’s really important there just because it brings everyone together.
“With the community and everyone throughout, it’s probably the one thing that brings everyone together even though there’s a lot of dividing factors.
“Rugby league is just so massive … It really brings the country together because they just they just love it.”
The Burleigh Bears junior – who is studying criminology at university – also highlighted the power of rugby league to make a positive difference throughout PNG.
“It’s really big just to bring the community together and it really helps keeps kids at school.
“That’s the most important thing, that they get a good education.
“If we’re able to use rugby league to be a conductor of that, then that’s a massive thing.”
Bai recently re-signed to the Titans, eager to keep learning from Gold Coast skipper and Queensland and international representative forward Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.
Last year featuring for the Kangaroos at the Ashes, Fa’asuamaleaui – who is also eligible for Samoa – said he was proud of the way the Titans acknowledged the diverse cultures of the players and their families during Multicultural Round and beyond.
With three young daughters and another baby on the way with his fiancé Jordan, being able to explore culture was a high priority for Fa’asuamaleaui.
“We’re pretty diverse … we’ve always had a real multicultural club and it’s something to be proud of,” Fa’asuamaleaui said.
“For me, being a Samoan man, I get to look into my culture a bit more and understand it a bit more.
“Then also all the boys around me, all the brothers around me that have other cultures – who they are and who they represent.
“It’s cool to learn their culture and where they’re from and where their family’s from and their heritage.
“Then another big piece is also the Indigenous boys too. The land we live on, it’s a place I get to raise my kids in. It’s beautiful country, so it’s good to see that that side of things too.
“Also (in the region) the Māori people, my kids are Māori, my partner’s Māori, so I get to learn about that too. It’s awesome and it’s something our club do really well.”
The club also hold an annual multicultural evening where players and staff across the NRL and NRLW squads share food, song and dance.
Cultural performances are important to Fa’asuamaleaui, with his eldest Alina attending the King’s Siva Academy (Samoan performing arts school) to learn dances she then shares with her dad.
“They’re learning around their culture, their heritage, and just all the dance moves; not just the dance moves, but what comes with it and the meaning around it and they perform at the end of the year,” Fa’asuamaleaui said.
“She is teaching me, to be honest. Growing up in a country town (Gympie), we didn’t have access to a lot of that, and much as we went to Samoa a lot of times, not living over there (permanently), you don’t get to learn as much.
“It’s good to see my daughter have access to that, and I’m so grateful.”
With this being a Rugby League World Cup year where games will be held across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, a number of Titans players including Fa’asuamaleaui were in contention for international honours.
“It’s really exciting it’s a World Cup year; I’ve been a part of one already and hopefully I can be part of it again,” Fa’asuamaleaui – who previously played a Test for Samoa in 2019 – said of the upcoming tournament.
“I don’t want to look too far ahead, but it will be pretty cool if we see a lot of Titans boys in rep football.
“It’s going to be cool, but don’t look too far ahead, we need to get through the season healthy and then see what happens.”
Bai was one player who was eager to add to his international caps.
“Yes, 100 percent (would like to be part of the Kumuls team) again,” Bai said.
“(For now I am) just trying to play my footy and play as consistent as I can and hopefully get picked.
“But the World Cup would definitely be a dream of mine to play in.”
For this week’s Multicultural Round match, the Titans travel to Townsville do their Round 3 match, with both sides looking for their first win…..PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS: Fri 20 Mar 2026
Bula FC complete stunning comeback for memorable victory
HONIARA, 20 MARCH 2026 (OFC)—Bula FC have recovered from a two-goal deficit to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory over South Island United at the National Stadium in Honiara, and propel themselves into the top four of the OFC Pro League table.
Two goals inside the first half hour had South Island United cruising, but Bula displayed incredible resilience to come from behind – scoring three second-half goals, including the winner from Scott Wara deep into stoppage time.
The result lifts Bula FC above South Island United and into third on the table for the first time this season.
South Island United’s top goal-scorer this season, Ryan Feutz returned to the starting eleven, as Rob Sherman made three changes. Whilst the scorer of both goals for Bula FC in their 2-0 win over Tahiti United on the weekend – Setareki Hughes – was thrust into the starting line-up in one of two changes made by Stephane Auvray.
It was hometown hero and Solomon Islands international Rovu Boyers who again stamped his authority on the match, fresh off scoring the first hat-trick of the OFC Pro League just six days earlier.
He capitalised on a chaotic opening to the match, setting up David Yoo down the right-hand side of the box, who powered a finish into the roof of the net on his right foot to give South Island United the lead.
Boyers then added the second goal ten minutes later in the 26th minute, Yoo flicking the ball on for him to head past Foord at the back post.
Twice Bula FC had been caught in transition and twice they had conceded, as South Island United went to the break with a handy two-goal lead.
A disallowed goal from Roy Krishna for offside at the start of the second-half didn’t deter Bula FC though, who eventually halved the deficit just before the hour mark.
Sterling Vasconcellos found Thomas Dunn with a cut-back off the right flank, and the latter was on hand to head home past Steven Van Dijk, to give the Fijian side hope of a comeback.
Boyers thought he’d added the cherry on top with South Island United’s third goal just after the hour mark, only for VAR to intervene and rule him out for offside, handing Bula FC a decisive lifeline.
It was an opportunity the Fijian side took. Kaile Auvray’s late strike struck the hand of a South Island United defender and won his side a penalty, giving captain Krishna the chance to equalise.
He made no mistake, slotting the ball inside the bottom-left corner to score his second of the season and level the scores with a lengthy period of additional time still to play.
The drama wasn’t over yet though, Scott Wara scoring the winner in the 11th minute of injury-time with a sensational overhead kick from close range.
Home comforts await Bula FC next after today’s terrific high, with Round 5 of the OFC Pro League to be played in Fiji in April. They’ll open up against PNG Hekari FC at home, whilst South Island United are next in action against Vanuatu United FC.
South Island United: 2 (David YOO 16’, Rovu BOYERS 26’)
Bula FC: 3 (Thomas DUNN 56’, Roy KRISHNA (P) 90+1′, Scott WARA 90+11′) …PACNEWS
HT: 2-0…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OF PACNEWS: Fri 20 Mar 2026
South Melbourne FC stun Honiara crowd with late equaliser
HONIARA, 20 MARCH 2026 (OFC)—A dramatic late South Melbourne FC equaliser has stunned a sell-out crowd at the National Stadium in Honiara, securing a 1-1 with Solomon Kings FC to conclude Round 4 of the OFC Pro League.
Backed on by their adoring fans, Javin Wae put the Kings ahead in first-half stoppage time, but as they appeared destined for a famous home win, Charlie Leech struck late in the contest to seal a share of the points.
Having suffered their first defeat of the season last time out, Sinisa Cohadzic made three changes to his South Melbourne side. Ben Cahn followed suit with three changes of his own, including the reintroduction of Raphael Lea’i to the starting eleven.
Fuelled by the electric atmosphere inside the National Stadium, both teams played at pace in a breathless and highly transitional start.
Both Lea’i and Jordan Swibel were the recipients of one-on-one opportunities at either end inside the opening 20 minutes, only to be denied by their respective opposing goalkeepers – Junior Petua for Solomon Kings, and Jake Charlston for South Melbourne.
South Melbourne had won 5-0 when the two sides met 15 days earlier, but backed on by a partisan crowd, the Kings were proving much sterner opposition this time around.
With seconds left on the clock in the first-half, they raised the roof in Honiara. A corner kick delivery to the back post found the head of Javin Wae, who nodded the ball past Charlston to give the Kings the lead, and send the sell-out crowd into a frenzy.
The open nature of the contest continued in the second half – Lea’i and Sota Higashide both unleashing snap shots straight at Charlston.
The home side continued to grow in confidence the longer they stayed ahead, and appeared destined for the three points as the contest entered into 12 minutes of second-half stoppage-time.
Just as in the day’s earlier contest however – late drama struck. Charlie Leech nudged the ball over the goal-line following a melee inside the penalty box, and the goal was awarded after a lengthy VAR review.
Ben Cahn and his coaching staff turned to the crowd in an attempt to lift the Kings for one last push. Despite a second yellow card for South Melbourne midfielder Sebastian Pasquali though, the home side had been left too little time to rescue the situation.
Both teams now look forward to Round 5 of the OFC Pro League in Fiji in April – having put on a spectacle for Oceania football tonight.
Solomon Kings FC: 1 (Javin WAE 45+3’)
South Melbourne FC: 1 (Charlie LEECH 90+6′)
HT: 1-0 ….PACNEWS
COOKS – TRIATHLETES: COOK ISLANDS NEWS PACNEWS: Fri 20 Mar 2026
Cook Islands triathletes set for Oceania Development Cup in Palau
RAROTONGA, 20 MARCH 2026 (COOK ISLANDS NEWS)—Cook Islands triathlon representatives have returned to the international stage this week, travelling to Palau for the second round of the Oceania Development Cup series.
This is Cook Islands Triathlon Association second Oceania Triathlon Development Regional Camp.
Flying the Cook Islands flag are David Robati and Olivia Postrzygacz, who will be competing in her first international event.
The team is accompanied by coach Adrian Hopwood.
The squad departed Rarotonga last Wednesday, enduring a demanding journey of three flights to reach the remote Pacific destination.
Despite the travel fatigue, Hopwood said the team has settled in well.
“We arrived tired but intact. The team has acclimatised well and is now undertaking four days of intense workshops and training before competition starts,” he said.
Hopwood is optimistic about the team’s chances, particularly newcomer Postrzygacz, who has shown strong promise in local competitions.
The athletes have also been taking in the unique surroundings of Palau as they prepare for race day.
This event follows the opening round of the Oceania Development Cup held in Fiji late last year, where the Cook Islands team delivered an outstanding performance, securing one gold medal and three silvers to finish as the most successful and smallest nation at the event….PACNEWS
PNG – PNG: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS: Fri 20 Mar 2026
PNG Games council urges action to overcome financial hurdles
PORT MORESBY, 20 MARCH 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Major preparations are underway for the 8th PNG Games, scheduled to be hosted in Mendi, Southern Highlands, around June or July.
The PNG Unity Games Council has stressed the need to remove financial constraints to ensure work progresses smoothly.
The council, comprising representatives from 22 provinces under the leadership of the PNG Sports Foundation executive director (who also serves as chairman), is tasked with endorsing and managing the games. Its executive committee includes representatives from the four regions, the PNG Games secretariat, and council manager John Boino.
Deputy chairman Boino highlighted the council’s mission to deliver mass participation in sports, aligning with the Government’s vision through the National Sports Policy. The council’s focus spans three key areas:
• SPORTS development and sports for development;
• SPORTS management and governance; and,
• SPORTS implementation and mass participation.
Security remains a major concern, with the games expected to attract nearly 10,000 athletes and officials, making it the largest sporting event in PNG (bigger even than the Pacific Games).
Boino thanked PNG Sports Foundation chief executive officer Micah James and PMNEC safety advisor Jerry Geno for securing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on security arrangements.
He noted that while this framework is promising, time is critical to avoid delays that plagued past events. He urged the committee to support the council and the PNG Sports Foundation in fast-tracking preparations, overcoming financial challenges, and ensuring the games are delivered on schedule….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: MOANA PASIFIKA PACNEWS: Fri 20 Mar 2026
Savea returns and Lam earns first start for Moana Pasifika in Crusaders match
AUCKLAND, 20 MARCH 2026 (MOANA PASIFIKA)—Julian Savea will play his first match of the 2026 season, when Moana Pasifika host the Crusaders at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday night.
It will mark Moana Pasifika’s first match at their fale this year.
The loose forwards department has been shuffled with Niko Jones earning his first start of the season at openside flanker.
Jones has persevered through injury and made his international debut for Manu Samoa last year against Scotland. The humble 25-year-old is a ferocious ball carrier who will be exciting to watch.
Also Joel Lam, a standout of last week’s match against the Blues will earn his first start for Moana Pasifika at halfback.
In 44 minutes of playing time last week, the 23-year-old didn’t miss a single tackle and orchestrated some impressive moments which saw Moana Pasifika’s attacking flair come alive.
The Manu Samoa playmaker has strong connections with the Crusaders, where he made his Super Rugby Pacific debut in 2023. Lam joined their academy out of St Andrew’s College, and worked part-time as a teacher aide at Te Maire St Francis of Assisi Catholic School.
Joining Lam in the backline includes Savea who will start at second five-eighths, with Tevita Latu shifting to right wing.
Head Coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga said: “We’ve got to make sure that we don’t just talk about it, but we’re actually living what we talk about. We’re excited about being home and that’s a huge motivation for us.”
Chris Apoua, Jackson Garden-Bachop and Siaosi Nginingini rejoin the bench.
Starting XV
1. Tito Tuipulotu
2. Millennium Sanerivi
3. Atu Moli
4. Tom Savage
5. Allan Craig
6. Miracle Faiilagi (c)
7. Niko Jones
8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa
9. Joel Lam
10. Patrick Pellegrini
11. Glen Vaihu
12. Julian Savea
13. Lalomilo Lalomilo
14. Tevita Latu
15. William Havili
Impact
16. Mamoru Harada
17. Abraham Pole
18. Chris Apoua
19. Veikoso Poloniati
20. Dominic Ropeti
21. Siaosi Nginingini
22. Jackson Garden-Bachop
23. Tevita Ofa
Unavailable Due To Injury: Lolani Faleiva (shoulder), Jimmy Tupou (calf), Tupou Afungia (neck), Jonathan Taumateine (knee), Melani Matavao (calf), Israel Leota (ankle)….PACNEWS
ARG – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS: Fri 20 Mar 2026
Argentina to lead South America bid for Rugby World Cup
BUENOS AIRES, 20 MARCH 206 (AAP)–Argentina will bid to stage the 2035 World Cup as part of a wider South American tournament that will also include Brazil, Chile and Uruguay.
World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin is visiting the home of the Pumas to assess their feasibility as hosts for the event that will take place after Australia host the 2027 tournament and USA the 2031 RWC.
“The 2035 bid represents a federal objective and a legacy project that transcends our borders,” said Gabriel Travaglini, president of Argentina’s rugby union.
“Welcoming Alan Gilpin to advance this technical analysis is a fundamental step in demonstrating that the region is ready.
“We want a World Cup that reflects the passion and development that rugby has achieved in every corner of our territory.”
Formal applications for hosting rights will be submitted this autumn with a preferred host identified in May 2027 before World Rugby’s council gives final approval the following November.
Argentina would be a popular destination for the 13th edition of the World Cup and worthy hosts given they have reached the semi-finals three times. They are currently positioned fifth in the global rankings, one place above England.
Japan, Spain, Italy and a combined Middle East bid are shaping up to be their rivals to put on the tournament….PACNEWS
CANADA – WADA: INSIDE THE GAMES PACNEWS: Fri 20 Mar 2026
WADA postpones debate over unpaid contributions
MONTREAL, 20 MARCH 2026 (INSIDE THE GAMES)—The World Anti-Doping Agency announced on Tuesday that it is postponing until September the discussion on how to respond to those governments that do not pay their dues, after addressing the issue at its executive committee’s first meeting of 2026.
The decision, taken at a virtual meeting, means that any progress will be deferred to the executive body’s next gathering, scheduled for 10 and 11 September in Belgrade, before the matter goes to the foundation board, the body with the authority to approve more far-reaching changes, which will meet in November.
WADA frames this issue within a debate that has been ongoing for years over the stability of its funding, which is based on shared contributions from governments and the Olympic movement. In its official communication, it stressed that this is an ‘important and complex’ problem that has been under review since 2020 and for which a specific working group was even created in 2022.
WADA Director General Olivier Niggli insisted on the seriousness of the situation, stating that “the withholding of contributions by Governments for political or other voluntary reasons remains a serious topic of concern for all WADA’s stakeholders. Funding instability has a direct effect on the functioning and development of the World Anti-Doping Program. Ultimately, those who are most directly and most negatively impacted are athletes around the world.”
The postponement comes amid growing tension, especially with the United States, the largest individual contributor, which has not made its payments since 2023. Washington has justified this decision on the basis of its disagreement with WADA’s handling of several doping cases involving Chinese swimmers. The episode intensified criticism in the country after it emerged that 23 swimmers tested positive for a banned substance in the weeks before the Tokyo Olympic Games, but were allowed to compete after the agency accepted the explanation of the authorities in the Asian country, who attributed the results to accidental contamination.
The controversy gained greater visibility last week following a report by Associated Press suggesting that the agency was considering sanctions against defaulting governments, including the exclusion of their representatives from sporting events. WADA reacted forcefully, describing that interpretation as ‘entirely misleading’ and denying that these were measures aimed specifically at the United States.
The debate, however, remains open. According to drafts reviewed by the US news agency, a gradual system of sanctions is being considered, although its implementation raises questions about its practical application. The most sensitive issue is whether an international entity could prevent political leaders from attending competitions, especially when they are being held on their own territory.
That hypothesis has been met with scepticism even within the institutional ecosystem itself. Rahul Gupta, who led the Office of National Drug Control Policy during the Biden administration and served on WADA’s Executive Committee, expressed scepticism in remarks reported by AP. “I have never heard of a US$50 million Swiss foundation being able to enforce a rule to, for example, prevent the United States president from going anywhere,” he said.
The former official added that, beyond the logistical challenges, such a measure would send a problematic message to host countries responsible for ensuring the security and organisation of events. Gupta described the proposal as ‘ludicrous’ and questioned how it could be enforced, particularly if the country concerned was also hosting the event.
In addition to the legal questions, WADA has sought to play down the immediate scope of any eventual rule. The organisation said that even if such a rule were approved, it would not affect competitions already awarded. It explained that the rules “would not apply retroactively”, meaning that tournaments such as this year’s football World Cup in North America, the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and the Salt Lake City 2034 Winter Olympic Games “would not be covered.”
Beyond the U.S case, the problem of unpaid contributions also affects other countries, albeit to a lesser extent. According to The Athletic, in a copy of WADA’s 2025 budget published this month, the agency indicates that it received around US$21.1 million (€18.4m) of the US$26.5m (€23.1m) expected from governments, with the United States and Russia being chiefly responsible for the shortfall.
The postponement of the debate reflects the difficulty of striking a balance between the need to guarantee the funding of the anti-doping system and the political tensions affecting some of its main funders. With the discussion pushed back to September, the anti-doping body is buying time, but it is not resolving a dispute that continues to test its governance capacity in an increasingly fragmented environment…PACNEWS