In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — The end of a short but sweet era for Moana Pasifika
2. RUGBY — Moana Pasifika ‘tragedy’ inspires ex-Wallabies captain to consider NRL defection with PNG Chiefs
3. RUGBY — Tuitubou set for Fijian Drua debut, Lomani returns
4. RUGBY — Fiji Drua wrote their own history: Mayanavanua
5. RUGBY — Samoa beats Tonga in Oceania Women’s Rugby
6. FOOTBALL — Puaikura FC make winning start to OFC Women’s Champions League 2026 – Qualifying
7. FOOTBALL — Match Schedule confirmed for OFC Pro League Round 6
8. RUGBY LEAGUE — School rugby league kicks off in Kundiawa
9. FOOTBALL — American Samoa biggest mover on in latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking
10. RUGBY — ‘Pivotal shift’: Rugby Australia pushing for sustained profitability after record surplus
PAC – RUGBY: NEWSROOM PACNEWS: Thu 23 Apr 2026
The end of a short but sweet era for Moana Pasifika
AUCKLAND, 23 APRIL 2026 (NEWSROOM)—It was a team built on pride, power and Pacific identity, but now Moana Pasifika is facing a fight far bigger than anything on the field.
The franchise is set to exit Super Rugby Pacific at the end of this season – a prospect that has sent shockwaves through the rugby community and raised serious questions about the future of Pasifika representation in the professional game.
“Whatever money they are paying the people who made this decision, it’s too much,” says rugby commentator and Pasifika leader Ken Laban, who is also the Mayor of Lower Hutt.
“In my view, it’s a short-sighted, bad decision from Super Rugby, New Zealand Rugby, World Rugby – whoever the organisations are involved in this. Five years is nowhere near long enough for them to determine whether or not this franchise would be successful.”
Today, The Detail looks at the demise of Moana Pasifika, whose journey began unofficially six years ago, with an exhibition match against the Māori All Blacks.
A year later, the Moana Pasifika Charitable Trust was established, and by 2022, the franchise officially entered Super Rugby Pacific, marking a historic moment for Pacific rugby, with players from Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau lining up together, carrying the hopes of their different nations and cultures.
And from the first kick-off, Moana Pasifika showcased a fearless, unpredictable and unapologetically different style, with big hits and moments of sheer brilliance.
“The admission of Moana Pasifika to the competition five years ago and the narrative around that was to create opportunities and pathways for players … and also it would solidify in the hearts and minds of Pasifika families all around the world that this was a team that they could support and this was a team that they could follow,” Laban tells The Detail.
“Unfortunately, now, none of this is going to come to fruition.
“It’s a terrible setback for the game, it’s a terrible setback for Moana Pasifika … unfortunately, it’s a decision they have no control over, and I think the administrators of the game could have done a better job of securing their future.”
But behind the passion, the haka, and the beautiful post-game singing in the changing sheds, problems have been festering.
The team have faced persistent challenges – from financial pressure and on-field inconsistency to the brutal reality of competing in a trans-Tasman competition stacked with established powerhouses.
Even the inclusion of All Black Ardie Savea last season wasn’t enough to keep the team alive.
Rugby writer Jamie Wall tells The Detail that the decision to exit the team from the competition is “massively significant and not in a good way”, and believes the team was effectively set up to fail from the beginning, with funding issues and delayed contract negotiations, meaning they couldn’t “splash the cash”.
He says they felt “homeless” after being given a base at Mount Smart, which is home to the Warriors.
“This is a team that was under scrutiny before day one,” Wall says. “[It’s] a team that has faced a lot of challenges across its brief history, but also created some really, really important and special rugby moments, including affecting the career trajectory of the potential All Blacks captain this year.
“They will go out as probably a lot more than just a footnote in New Zealand rugby. But it also raises some serious questions about finances, about governance, and about just how you can treat the Pasifika community who have given so much to rugby.”
He says Moana Pasifika has been more than a jersey – it’s been a pathway, a platform, and a point of pride. If the team disappears, so too does a vital bridge between grassroots Pasifika rugby and the professional stage.
He is confident, though, that top players will either pick up contracts with other New Zealand teams or with international clubs.
“Who I feel for are the people who are running this team, who would have been in for the long haul, who would have gone through this last season, thinking ‘Man, we did it, we have got there, we have proved so many people wrong’, and now that dream is over.”
Both he and Laban are hopeful that a financial saviour will swoop in and save the team, “with tens of millions needed, realistically”.
“I’m not ruling it out, because anything is possible, there may be some benefactor out there,” says Wall, who pointed out Sir Fay Richwhite invested $5 million (US$2.95 million) into Manu Samoa Rugby Limited in 1995.
“But people nowadays are going to be looking for the bottom line, and it’s a lot more expensive business now.
“Also, one of the reasons we have heard that is scaring off potential investors is the level of debt that has been incurred, which has to be taken on as well.”
Laban adds: “I am well aware that collectively Super Rugby, New Zealand Rugby and World Rugby have got the resources between them to have been able to keep this team in the competition until they were able to be sustained independently with commercial support.
“That’s what I find disappointing, that they basically walked away from this without even putting up a fight.
“I am hopeful [for a financial saviour], and I have heard a few rumours that some people might arrive at the 11th hour, but for the time being, they are done as a franchise,” he said….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Moana Pasifika ‘tragedy’ inspires ex-Wallabies captain to consider NRL defection with PNG Chiefs
TOKYO, 23 APRIL 2026 (AAP)–Former Wallabies captain and proud Papua New Guinean Will Genia is open to working with the PNG Chiefs — in any capacity — as he plots his next move after almost a decade in Japan.
After retiring last year, Genia will also finish up as skills coach with the Kintetsu Liners at the end of the Japanese season.
The 38-year-old is initially returning home to Brisbane and, while he hopes to continue forging a coaching career, says he’d relish helping out the NRL’s new start-up venture ahead of their entry in 2028.
A dual citizen, the 110-Test great’s father Kilroy served as a PNG cabinet minister, while Genia remains an ambassador for the Kokoda Track Foundation.
His 11-year-old daughter is also schooled in PNG, where Genia retains deep connections and hopes to spend much of his post-playing life.
“If the Chiefs needed me for anything, for sure I’d love to get involved,” Genia told AAP from Japan.
“I’d love to be in like a mentoring space or a talent-scout or talent-ID role, or just be a part of what they’re trying to build.
“I think the challenging thing for them will be establishing pathways and infrastructure, a professional competition. They’ll need as many people as they can.
“So if there was an opportunity, that’d be great because there’s a hell of a lot that I could offer as a player in professional environments, high-performance environments and things of that nature.
“And it’d be an opportunity for me to get back home.”
Genia pointed to the plight of Moana Pasifika, who are being cut from Super Rugby Pacific after just five seasons in the competition, as a challenge the Chiefs might also encounter.
“It is a tragedy. I do feel for them,” he said.
“It’s obviously similar to the experience a lot of guys at the Melbourne Rebels had, when they were cut, and what it does to the talent pathway and the Pacific opportunities, not to have a pathway.
“So it’s quite disheartening.”
Genia is on the lookout for a new gig after helping his old Wallabies and Queensland Reds teammate Quade Cooper pilot Kintetsu to the top of Japan’s division two.
“I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to get into coaching. I’ve learned,” he said.
“Just learning about the game from a different perspective. When we played, I could just do things without having to know a lot about the particular details or understand the roles of different people.
“So the best part about it, the guys here just like how the game’s being played and looking at ways you can innovate.
“I want to stay in coaching if I can. I’d love to stay in it and learn as much as I can to build on a lot of the experience that I’ve had and the knowledge that I already have, to see if I can help grow the game and be a part of an organisation,” he said …PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Tuitubou set for Fijian Drua debut, Lomani returns
NADI, 23 APRIL 2026 (FBC SPORTS) —Maika Tuitubou is set to make his Swire Shipping Fijian Drua debut this Saturday when the side takes on competition leaders the Chiefs in the Super Round at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch.
Head coach Glen Jackson has named the former Swami Vivekananda College student at outside centre, marking a major milestone in the young player’s rugby journey. Tuitubou comes through the Drua development pathway, having represented Nadi Under-19, Fiji Under-20, and the Fiji Warriors, while also gaining overseas experience with Norths Rugby Club in Queensland.
The Lakeba, Lau native, who also has maternal links to Moala and Nadi, featured for the national under-20 side during their New Zealand tour and at the 2023 World Rugby Championship.
Meanwhile, co-captain Frank Lomani returns from injury to strengthen the squad, alongside Taniela Rakuro, Haereiti Hetet, and Peni Ravai.
Hetet will earn his 47th appearance at loosehead prop, joining Zuriel Togiatama at hooker and Mesake Doge at tighthead. In the second row, Mesake Vocevoce partners with co-captain Temo Mayanavanua, while the back row features Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, and Isoa Tuwai.
Lomani will start at halfback, combining with Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula in the halves. The backline sees Virimi Vakatawa at inside centre with Tuitubou outside him, while Ilaisa Droasese slots in at fullback. Wingers Manasa Mataele and Taniela Rakuro complete the starting back three.
On the bench, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Emosi Tuqiri, and Peni Ravai provide front row cover, while Isoa Nasilasila and Elia Canakaivata offer forward depth. Simione Kuruvoli, Kemu Valetini, and Inia Tabuavou round out the matchday 23.
The Drua will be looking to make a statement in the Super Round as they take on the ladder leaders in what shapes up as a crucial encounter in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Fiji Drua wrote their own history: Mayanavanua
NADI, 23 APRIL 2026 (FBC NEWS)—Fijian Drua captain Temo Mayanavanua says their historic win over the Brumbies was built on a collective effort that extended beyond those who took the field.
The Drua secured a memorable victory on Saturday, marking a significant milestone for the club as they continue to grow in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season. The result not only boosted their campaign but also reflected the unity and hard work within the wider squad.
Mayanavanua revealed the team had spoken about creating their own legacy leading into the match.
“We talked about creating history… writing our name to mean something.”
He emphasised that the foundation for the win was laid well before kick-off, with contributions from players and staff working behind the scenes.
“It didn’t only start from the game… it started from the boys at home, the physios, the SNCs… everyone working hard in the background.”
The captain said that preparation and support allowed the team to play with freedom and confidence on the field.
“It allowed us to go out there, be free and play our game… because we were all hungry to achieve something.”
Mayanavanua also highlighted the emotional connection within the team, saying the belief was evident even before the match began.
“I just felt it straight after that hymn… we were on.”
Meanwhile, Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson says his side has quickly shifted focus despite their impressive 33-28 win over the Brumbies as attention turns to the next challenge in the Super Rugby Pacific season.
The victory marked a significant milestone for the Drua, securing a rare away win and lifting confidence within the squad.
However, Jackson insists there has been little time to dwell on the achievement.
“Yeah, it was a massive boost for the team… not only the team but the staff as well.”
Jackson acknowledged the hard work behind the result, crediting both players and staff for their efforts in preparing for a tough away fixture.
“We put a lot of work in our staff to try and get an away win… and it was great we did it.”
Despite the celebrations surrounding the win, the Drua coach said staying grounded has not been an issue, with a busy schedule forcing the team to move on quickly.
“To keep the feet on the ground was pretty easy… we bused straight to Sydney after the game, so that sort of killed any excitement.”
With a major clash looming in Super Round, Jackson says the focus is now firmly on preparation as the Drua look to build on their momentum.
The Drua will take on the Chiefs this Saturday…PACNEWS
SAMOA – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Samoa beats Tonga in Oceania Women’s Rugby
LAUTOKA, 23 APRIL 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—It will be a winner-takes-all on Saturday when Manu Sina Samoa take on the Fijiana 15s in the last round of the Oceania Women’s Rugby Championship in Ba this weekend.
This is after Samoa thrashed Tonga 50-5 in its first match in the Sugar City.
Samoa and the Fijiana now have a win each.
Tonga did well in the first spell as the Samoans led 10-5.
However, Samoa turned up the heat in the second half with six unanswered tries.
Samoa flanker and captain, Utumalama Atonio, says Tonga closed them out in the first half.
However, she adds, they were told to play their own game that they are known for after the break.
She says the Fijiana will be tough at home on Saturday.
The Fijiana defeated Tonga in round one last weekend, 85-5….PACNEWS
PNG – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Puaikura FC make winning start to OFC Women’s Champions League 2026 – Qualifying
RAROTONGA, 23 APRIL 2026 (OFC)–Puaikura FC of the Cook Islands made home advantage count with an opening day victory over Tonga’s Nukuhetulu FC at the OFC Women’s Champions League 2026 – Qualifying in Rarotonga.
The home side were on top for the majority of the contest but did have to contend with a Nukuhetulu side who looked dangerous on the counter, with the open nature of the contest leaving plenty of opportunities at either end.
Despite Puaikura’s dominance, it was Nukuhetulu who had the clearer chances early on, first through Vika Mafi’s effort that dragged wide, before Sophiana Moala forced Rianna Pepe into a smart save at her near post.
The home side made their territorial dominance count however, as they took the lead on the half hour mark. Tearoa Rouru latching onto a perfectly-weighted pass from Victoria Fatiaki and slotting past Carollyne Fotu with aplomb.
Fatiaki had a great chance to double the lead shortly after but skewed her effort wide when given a clear sight on goal.
Puaikura started the second-half the way they ended the first and were awarded a penalty just seven minutes after the restart. Ngamata Moekaa brought down in the box and Primrose Savage confidently slotting the resulting spot-kick past Fotu to double their advantage.
To their credit, Nukuhetulu worked hard to find a way back into the match, despite the hot and humid conditions having a sapping effect on energy levels.
Substitute Lupe Vaea went close as the match headed into stoppage-time, but her effort from range was always rising, narrowly flashing over the bar.
Puaikura held on to secure a crucial opening day win and will now look ahead to securing qualification for the OFC Women’s Champions League, if they can overcome PanSa later this week.
Puaikura FC: 2 (Tearoa ROURU 30′, Primrose SAVAGE (P) 52′)
Nukuhetulu FC: 0
HT: 1-0…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Match Schedule confirmed for OFC Pro League Round 6
AUCKLAND, 23 APRIL 2026 (OFC)—The match schedule for Round 6 of the OFC Pro League has been confirmed, as the Leaders and Challengers Groups kick off in Auckland next month.
Following five action-packed rounds during the regular season, the league splits, with the race for semi-final places heating up.
Go Media Stadium will host the opening fixtures in the Leaders Group, with Bula FC taking on South Island United, before league leaders Auckland FC face South Melbourne FC.
The following day, Challengers Group action kicks off at Eden Park, as Solomon Kings FC take on Tahiti United, followed by Vanuatu United FC and PNG Hekari FC facing off…..PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS: Thu 23 Apr 2026
School rugby league kicks off in Kundiawa
PORT MORESBY, 23 APRIL 2026 (THE NATIONAL)–The Chimbu Academic School Rugby League kicked off on Friday at Kundiawa’s Dickson Oval.
Governor Noah Kool, alongside members of the Simbu provincial rugby league development (SPRLD) board, launched the programme in what is seen as a major step forward for youth development in Chimbu.
The initiative will involve both boys and girls, promoting inclusivity while nurturing young talent across Chimbu.
The provincial education division has formally endorsed the programme, allowing schools to participate in this key pathway.
Importantly, the school rugby league programme is a requirement for re-entry into the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup, making it a vital part of the province’s sporting ambitions.
The launch has already sparked strong interest from schools eager to join, signalling a promising future for rugby league in Chimbu….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS: Thu 23 Apr 2026
American Samoa biggest mover on in latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking
ZURICH, 23 APRIL 2026 (OFC)—-American Samoa have been the biggest mover in the April 2026 update to the FIFA/Coca Cola Women’s World Rankings™, moving up 17 places to #120 – their highest ranking since 2018.
It comes off the back of their incredible run to the Semi-finals of the recently completed FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ Oceania Qualifiers, which included their first win in a senior international women’s fixture, and victories over Tonga, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, and Samoa.
Since the August 2025 rankings, American Samoa have risen 33 places overall from #153, lifting themselves above Tahiti off the bottom of the OFC confederation rankings.
Elsewhere, New Zealand have lifted two places to #33 on the rankings, after punching their ticket to FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ in Brazil earlier this month. The team who they defeated in the Oceania Qualifiers final – Papua New Guinea – have also risen three places to #57.
Meanwhile, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu both dropped 12 places after exits during Round 2 of the Oceania Qualifiers process.
FIFA/Coca Cola Women’s World Rankings (OFC Member Associations)
New Zealand #33 | Climbed 2 places
Papua New Guinea #57 | Climbed 3 places
Fiji #79 | Dropped 1 place
Samoa #86 | Climbed 1 place
Solomon Islands #89 | Dropped 12 places
New Caledonia #104 | Dropped 4 places
Vanuatu #111 | Dropped 12 places
Tonga #116 | No change
American Samoa #120 | Climbed 17 places
Tahiti #122 | Climbed 1 place
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS: Thu 23 Apr 2026
‘Pivotal shift’: Rugby Australia pushing for sustained profitability after record surplus
SYDNEY, 23 APRIL 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—After a record surplus, Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh has stressed the importance of avoiding the same mistakes as 2003 as he looks to set the game up for the future.
The $70.6 million (US$50.11 million) is the largest ever surplus announced by the organisation, almost double the next best amount.
It comes off the back of higher-than-projected sales for non-Lions tour matches and hospitality revenue, leaving the code with over $30 million (US$21 million) in cash reserves.
The announcement is a stark contrast from five years ago, where then Chairman Hamish McLennan said the game had to consider the potential of amateurism amid COVID disruptions.
During that period, RA took out a debt facility instead of opting for private equity, a move which has literally paid itself off earlier than expected.
“It’s been a pivotal shift, really,” Waugh said.
“I think that if you go back to the process we went through in terms of the private equity conversations and then in parallel taking out or exploring the debt facility…the decision that the board made along with the executive to go down the debt path and then the overperformance in 2025 to exit the debt facility on the 29th of August, which is at least 12 months before we projected to exit the debt facility, is really pleasing.
“So by no means are we out of the woods. I think that what we’ve been talking about for a long time is around a sustainable model, and we need to ensure that we’re setting up that sustainable model until the end of our next broadcast cycle, and we’re on the path of doing that.”
Rugby Australia has been in a similar position before, with revenue from the 2003 Rugby World Cup as the previous record.
However, a lack of clarity around direction led to disappointing returns, leaving Waugh and the organisation placing heavy emphasis on not only safeguarding but growing the code’s future.
“We’ve been quite deliberate in talking about the investment fund and ensuring that we establish a similar concept to what funds or a third of the Olympic team’s performance funding through the establishment of the Australian Olympic Foundation in 2000, and that’s certainly a great example of what we’d like to get to post-2027,” he believes.
“I think that not just in Australia, but I think globally national unions have got into the habit of spending money before they have it, and ultimately then big events pay down that money.
“It’s really deliberate for us will be quarantining the revenues from the Rugby World Cup to ensure that the game’s set up in perpetuity.”
Whilst Waugh concedes a small deficit is expected for 2026, he was confident the new Nations Championship will help boost the game’s earning capacity,
“I think just the concept will be additive in terms of value, in terms of July and November no longer being friendlies, it’ll be for a joint championship, so that will assist with resonating with fans,” he said.
“As we have a broader joint venture with Six Nations and our SANZAAR partners on the competition itself, and as you then get broadcast coming through and you can sell the competition as a package, we’re very optimistic around the revenue upside on the back of that.
Women’s Rugby remains a key focus ahead of the 2029 Rugby World Cup, as Waugh projects significant investment on the road to further professionalism.
“We’re in the top three to four countries in the world in terms of our women’s 15s investment…We’re in market for a technical director and we’re well advanced as to what that structure looks like but certainly our intent to have a full-time Wallaroos program as we prepare through to 2029,” Waugh added.
“We’re really conscious that we’ve got a very successful women’s sevens program that essentially led women’s professional sport in Australia when they were established in 2014, a centralised program, and through to 2016 won the gold medal.
“We need to have that same aspiration with our Wallaroos in the fact that we bring them together, a centralised program, better cohesion, continuity, and then the performances increase from there and in addition to that, the teams that are doing the best in women’s 15s around the world, the teams that are integrating their sevens players with their 15s players and getting the best athletes for critical events
“We don’t shy away from the fact that we’ve got a world-leading sevens program in the women’s space but what we haven’t done is integrated into the women’s 15s space like others have and that’s certainly something we’re exploring at the moment.”….PACNEWS
