In this bulletin:
1. FOOTBALL — Oceania title and final World Cup spot up for grabs at OFC U-16 Men’s Championship
2. RUGBY — Waratahs and Drua set for blockbuster SRW final
3. RUGBY — Former ‘Ikale Tahi star’s advice helps daughter chase Super Rugby title
4. RUGBY LEAGUE— PNG Chiefs closing on Cameron Munster signing
5. FOOTBALL — Vanuatu finish on a high with dominant seventh place victory
6. RUGBY — Rob Valetini and Anne Fernández de Corres take top honours at 2026 Brumbies Awards Night
7. FOOTBALL — Tahiti Captain, Esdras Jamet hat-trick seals fifth place for Tahiti
8. RUGBY — 100 days to go until Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games
9. RUGBY — Evolution over revolution as new Wallabies coach Kiss lays out mantra
10. RUGBY LEAGUE — Origin lessons driving Nikora’s premiership quest
11. RUGBY LEAGUE — Residency rules: Queensland clubs dominate RLWC26 Team of the Week
12. COMMONWEALTH GAMES — Fewer sports, more nations: Commonwealth Games back to Glasgow
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 24 Jul 2026
Oceania title and final World Cup spot up for grabs at OFC U-16 Men’s Championship
PORT MORESBY, 24 JULY 2026 (OFC)—The champions of Oceania will be crowned, and the third and final qualification spot for FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027 will be decided, when the final and third place play-off at OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026 are held at the PNG Football Stadium in Port Moresby this Saturday.
Fiji will play New Zealand in the final at 7:30pm local time, after the Solomon Islands take on tournament hosts Papua New Guinea for the last remaining spot at FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027 in the third place play-off at 4pm.
The coaches of the four nations gathered in Port Moresby to give their thoughts ahead of both matches.
The Final: Fiji v New Zealand
New Zealand will be chasing a record-extending 12th OFC U-16 Men’s Championship title when they face Fiji in the final. The Junior All Whites have won each of the last 10 editions of the tournament consecutively, including a 2-0 victory over New Caledonia in the final last year, and have again been the dominant force in 2026.
Martin Bullock’s side have scored 21 goals at the tournament so far, topping Group B, and booking their tickets to the big dance with a 3-0 win over Papua New Guinea in the semi-finals, helped by two goals from winger Cruz Pietersen.
Fiji will be their challengers and are appearing in the final of the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship for just the third time. They were beaten 3-1 by New Zealand when they last reached this stage of the competition in 2024.
Coached by Sunil Kumar, they are yet to concede a goal at the tournament and required some penalty shoot-out heroics to beat the Solomon Islands in their semi-final.
Both having already secured qualification for FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027 with wins in the last four, either nation now has their eyes firmly fixed on lifting the trophy.
Fiji coach Sunil Kumar said: “The semi-final with the Solomon Islands was very close and could have gone either way. I’m proud of the boys for the character and fighting spirit they showed.”
“We’ve taken it one step at a time. Experiencing a competition like this for the first time has been great for our young players.”
New Zealand coach Martin Bullock said: “It’s been a theme that teams have made it really hard for us throughout the tournament. But as matches have progressed, they’ve opened up a bit, and those are the periods that we’ve planned for.”
“Our squad depth has been a huge advantage for us throughout the tournament. Lots of our staff have also experienced these tournaments before, and know how to prepare these players for these types of conditions.”
The Third Place Play-off: Solomon Islands v Papua New Guinea
OFC’s third and final qualification spot for FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027 in Qatar will be on the line when Melanesian rivals Solomon Islands go head-to-head with OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026 hosts Papua New Guinea in the third place play-off.
The Solomon Islands will be attempting to qualify for the World Cup for the second time, after previously appearing on the world stage in 2019. They finished second in Group B to reach the semi-finals, where they created several good opportunities, but fell to a a heartbreaking shoot-out defeat to Fiji.
Their rivals Papua New Guinea will be hoping to make history by qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the first time. They lost in the third place play-off last year and will be out to make amends on home soil in 2026.
Papua New Guinea did well to keep New Zealand scoreless for 50 minutes in a valiant semi-final defeat on Wednesday evening, but like the Solomon Islands, have everything riding on this bronze medal contest in Port Moresby.
Solomon Islands coach Henry Fa’arodo said:”I’ve seen the team grow with every single game. We’ve learnt a lot from the four games that we’ve played.”
“The semi-final was a learning curve, and we want to remain focused moving forward into the third place play-off.”
Papua New Guinea coach Mathias Apo said: “I’m impressed with how far this team has come in the tournament. I won’t ask much of them for the third place play-off, I’m just grateful to them that they have shown they can compete at this level.”
“We still have a lot to improve on going forward and we’re looking forward to our last match of the tournament. It has been a great learning experience.”
Fixture Details:
Third Place Play-off
Solomon Islands v Papua New Guinea
Saturday 25th July, 4pm local time
PNG Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Final
Fiji v New Zealand
Saturday 25th July, 7:30pm local time
PNG Football Stadium, Port Moresby ….PACENEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 24 Jul 2026
Waratahs and Drua set for blockbuster SRW final
NADI, 24 JULY 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—The Fijian Drua and NSW Waratahs will renew the biggest rivalry in Super Rugby Women’s history when they clash in the competition’s first-ever final to be played in Fiji.
The Drua have turned their season around after opening with a 42-29 loss to the Waratahs in Sydney, winning every game since to finish on top of the table.
The six-time champion Waratahs, meanwhile, recovered from rare defeats to the Western Force and Queensland Reds before beating the Force 33-22 in last week’s semi-final to book another Grand Final berth.
Waratahs winger Desiree Miller, who will earn her 25th cap, says both teams knew they would meet again.
“After round one, a few of the Fijian girls told us, ‘We’ll see you in the final.’ There’s a lot of mutual respect between the two sides. It’s always a great rivalry and a great game.”
Drua coach Mike Legge says his side relishes the challenge of facing the competition’s benchmark team.
“Nothing intimidates this group anymore. They just play what’s in front of them and embrace the opportunity.”
The Drua have named an unchanged starting XV after their 31-5 semi-final win over the Reds, with Karalaini Naisewa set for her 31st appearance for the club.
Captain Kolora Lomani and Atelaite Buna lead a squad packed with sevens stars, while 11 players will experience a Super Rugby Women’s final for the first time.
The Drua will take on the Waratahs at 1pm at 4R Electric Stadium in Ba this Saturday, and you can watch it live and exclusively on FBC Sports.
Legge, says he’s immensely impressed but not surprised ahead of the Super Rugby Women’s final against the Waratahs tomorrow at 4R Stadium Govind Park in Ba.
The Waratahs may have brought back some Wallaroos stars for the final, but it will not change a thing for the Drua.
Coach Legge says this is another normal day in the office for his team.
“With our players, even the young ones that played the Wallaroos and the beginning of the year, in previous times I guess the girls would have been in awe of the opposition, but now for them it’s just another game, it’s whoever is in front of them they’ll attack it how they see it”.
The Waratahs are hunting their seventh Super Rugby Women’s title but will have to overcome the two-time champions Drua in the first-ever Grand Final in Fiji.
Fijian Drua chief executive officer, Jeff Miller, believes this is a game fans shouldn’t miss because they have a chance to be part of history.
“It’s a historic opportunity for Fiji to host such a final, and it’s not only to hopefully get a big crowd of supporters, but it will be seen in Australia and New Zealand and around the world, so it’s a big opportunity”.
The Drua hosts the defending champions at 1.05pm tomorrow…..PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 24 Jul 2026
Former ‘Ikale Tahi star’s advice helps daughter chase Super Rugby title
SYDNEY, 24 JULY 2026 (PMN)—For Paris Lokotui, switching codes has delivered more than a place in a Super Rugby Aupiki final.
The 24-year-old says her move from elite netball to rugby has brought her closer to her father, former ‘Ikale Tahi representative Tukului Lokotui, whose experience in the game has become a guiding hand during her remarkable first season.
Matatū will host defending champions the Blues in Saturday’s Super Rugby Aupiki final, just over a year after Lokotui was preparing to play in an ANZ Premiership netball final with the Mainland Tactix.
Looking back, she says rugby has brought her and her father even closer together, strengthening a bond that was already incredibly tight.
“It’s brought us a lot closer, he’s a quiet man, doesn’t say a lot, but he shows it through his actions and with his love,” Lokotui said.
“In this space where rugby was his everything at one point of his life, to be able to kind of pick his brain a little bit, get his insight has been really close and has kind of formed a deeper connection, which I’m really grateful for.”
The switch surprised many but Lokotui has no doubts she made the right choice.
“This has probably been one of the best decisions in terms of my athletic career,” Lokotui said. “They’ve [Matatū] really taken me into their group, like one of their own.
“Reflecting over the past 12 months, this time last year I was prepping for an ANZ Premiership final and this year I’m prepping for a Super Rugby Aupiki final, so there’s been really cool reflections in terms of that space.
“I’m really proud of the fact that my support group, the girls… proud of myself, to be honest, at where I’ve come from and just trusting and knowing that this is where I’m meant to be.”
Rugby has always been part of the Lokotui family with her father and brother, Cody Lokotui, both having ties to the game.
Paris, meanwhile, built a strong reputation in both netball and basketball before deciding to test herself in rugby.
She made her Matatū debut in round one as the Christchurch-based side beat Chiefs Manawa 52-26 in front of a record crowd at One New Zealand Stadium.
Since then, Matatū have won four of six matches to finish top of the standings and earn the right to host the final.
Lokotui has quickly found her feet in the second row and knows Saturday’s clash with the defending champions Blues will be the biggest challenge of her young career.
“We believe that we’re the best two teams in the competition, we knew that early on that this was going to be the final.
“When you come up against the Blues, one through to 23, they’re stacked all around, and we believe as a collective, we know that we have the goods to come up against that and really play a good brand of footy.”
The two sides have already traded wins this season. Matatū stunned the Blues in round three before the defending champions responded with a 38-29 victory last weekend to book their place in the final…. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 24 Jul 2026
PNG Chiefs closing on Cameron Munster signing
MELBOURNE, 24 JULY 2026 (AAP)—Cameron Munster has been granted permission to negotiate with the PNG Chiefs in a move that could land the expansion side their second NRL premiership-winning playmaker.
Five-eighth Munster earns a seven-figure salary on his Melbourne deal, which expires at the end of next year, and would ordinarily be unable to negotiate with rivals until November.
But AAP have been told the Storm have allowed their longest-serving active player to entertain a move to the Chiefs, who will become the NRL’s 19th team from 2028.
Munster’s management opened dialogue with PNG in recent days and the 31-year-old may fly north to tour Port Moresby with club staff as he nurses a knee injury.
The playmaker could yet re-sign with the Storm, where he has played 251 games since his NRL debut in 2014.
But the door is now open for Munster to form a potent halves combination with Jarome Luai, the four-time premiership-winning former Panther who became the Chiefs’ inaugural signing in April.
The Chiefs’ roster, assembled by journalist-turned-football manager Michael Chammas, is shaping as elite more than 18 months before they play their first game.
Aside from Luai, the Chiefs have already secured the NRL’s greatest-ever tryscorer in Alex Johnston and former NSW utility Connor Watson.
In recent days, they have been linked to cross-code stars Zac Lomax and Joey Manu, who were both top-tier outside backs before moves to rugby union.
Tax-free salaries are helping to entice players to the Federal Government-backed Chiefs, who could be onto their biggest signing yet with Munster.
Munster is Queensland’s captain in State of Origin, won the 2017 and 2020 premierships with the Storm and counts a World Cup win among his 15 caps for Australia.
He has had a mixed 2026 season at the lukewarm Storm but is still considered one of the league’s premier halves, winning Dally M five-eighth of the year three times.
Known for his competitive edge, leadership and ball-playing nous, Munster was linked with a move to the NRL’s previous two expansion sides.
But the Dolphins failed in a bid to lure Munster back to Queensland for their inaugural 2023 season, before he pledged to honour his Storm deal rather than move to Perth for 2027.
Munster’s knee injury will keep him out of Friday’s away trip to face South Sydney, whom the Storm must defeat to remain a realistic finals chance.
He is expected back in the final weeks of the regular season…. PACNEWS
VAN – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 24 Jul 2026
Vanuatu finish on a high with dominant seventh place victory
PORT MORESBY, 24 JULY 2026 (OFC)—Vanuatu have ended their OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026 campaign on a high, defeating Samoa 7-1 in the seventh-place play-off to record their first win of the tournament.
With both sides playing for pride, Vanuatu made a strong start. Just three minutes in, Franso Shem raced down the wing and delivered a low cross for Rohan Masauvakalo to tap home after Samoa goalkeeper Moemanatu Lesatele momentarily believed the ball had gone out of play.
The pair combined again three minutes later, this time with Masauvakalo turning provider as his run down the flank set up Shem to double the advantage. Samoa responded through Mason Aiono, whose effort flashed across the face of goal, but Vanuatu remained firmly in control.
Masauvakalo added his second in the 27th minute before Nelson Tawia produced the goal of the match four minutes later, cutting inside and firing a powerful strike from outside the area.
Samoa found a consolation after Masauvakalo secured his hat-trick, when Eti Matau’s cross was headed home by Te Koha Gabriel Schick in first half stoppage time.
The second half saw Samoa improve defensively, but Vanuatu’s dangerous strike partnership continued to shine. Masauvakalo scored a fourth in the 49th minute, converting another Shem cross, before Shem added his second two minutes later to cap a commanding display.
Vanuatu: 7 (Rohan MASAUVAKALO 3′, 27′, 43′, 49′, Franso SHEM 6′, 51′, Nelson TAWIA 31′)
Samoa: 1 (Te Koha GABRIEL SCHICK 45+3′)
HT: 5-1…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 24 Jul 2026
Rob Valetini and Anne Fernández de Corres take top honours at 2026 Brumbies Awards Night
CANBERRA, 24 JULY 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—The ACT Brumbies recognised the best of the best from the 2026 season at the club’s Annual Awards Night at Hotel Realm on Wednesday night, with Rob Valetini and Anne Fernández de Corres taking out the club’s most prestigious individual awards.
Valetini was named the Brett Robinson Players’ Player of the Year, claiming the prestigious award for the third time (2021, 2024, 2026) — joining an exclusive group of Brumbies greats to win the award multiple times.
The star back-rower was recognised by his teammates for another outstanding season in Brumbies colours, one in which the club leaned on his immense physical presence throughout the 2026 campaign. Valetini played 14 matches, scoring two tries while leading all Super Rugby players with 220 carries. He also ran for 1,205 metres—including more than 500 post-contact—broke 27 tackles and made 156 tackles in another dominant season.
Fernández de Corres claimed the Helen Taylor Award for Women’s Player of the Year following a superb debut season in Brumbies colours, quickly establishing herself as a leader within the club’s young and developing squad. A Spanish international and former Sevens captain, she brought experience, skill and composure to every performance, finishing the season with 13 tackle breaks and 39 tackles while consistently influencing the Brumbies in both attack and defence.
The night also belonged to Ryan Lonergan, who claimed two awards, including the Men’s Best Back Award and the Member’s Choice Award, recognising his stellar season in which he was also named in the Super Rugby team of the year.
The club also celebrated the next generation of Brumbies talent, with 17-year-old Georgie Hayes awarded the Women’s Outstanding Young Talent Award, while Toby Macpherson received the Shawn Mackay Young Talent Award following an impressive breakthrough season.
The 2026 Awards Night recognised players, staff, members, volunteers and contributors who embodied the values and spirit of the Brumbies throughout the season.
ACT Brumbies Chairman Joe Roff said the evening was an opportunity to celebrate the people who continue to make the club special.
“Tonight was about recognising the passion that goes into wearing this jersey and the people who continue to build this club,” Roff said.
“It is about celebrating those who have contributed to our story in 2026 and acknowledging the impact they have had on the Brumbies family.”
“Every one of our award winners has embodied what it means to be a Brumby. Rob and Anne, in particular, have set the standard through their performances, their leadership and the way they represent this club both on and off the field.”
The ACT Brumbies thank all players, coaches, staff, members, partners and supporters for their contribution to the 2026 season.
2026 ACT Brumbies Award Winners
Community Engagement Awards
Lily Bone & Rhys van Nek
Women’s Most Outstanding Young Talent
Georgie Hayes
Shawn Mackay Most Outstanding Young Talent
Toby Macpherson
Graham Gordon Memorial Trophy for the ACT Best and Fairest U20’s Player
Ewald Kruger
Best Back Women’s
Ash Bishop
Best Back Men’s
Ryan Lonergan
Best Forward Women’s
Siokapesi Palu Sekona
Best Forward Men’s
Lachie Shaw
Members Choice
Lily Bone & Ryan Lonergan
Garry Quinlivan Service to Rugby Award
Tony Abel
Christian Leali’ifano Spirit of the Brumbies
Blake Schoupp
Helen Taylor Award, Women’s Player of the Year
Anne Fernández de Corres
Brett Robinson Players’ Player Award
Rob Valetini…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL – AFL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 24 Jul 2026
Tahiti Captain, Esdras Jamet hat-trick seals fifth place for Tahiti
PAPE’ETE, 24 JULY 2026 (OFC)—Tahiti secured fifth place at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over New Caledonia, inspired by a hat-trick from captain Esdras Jamet.
With both sides enduring challenging group stage campaigns, the fifth place play off presented one final opportunity to finish the tournament on a positive note. New Caledonia were chasing their first victory of the competition, while Tahiti looked to build on their earlier win over Vanuatu.
Tahiti struck first in the 12th minute through the in-form Jamet. The captain calmly weaved beyond the New Caledonia defence before his low effort squeezed through the legs of goalkeeper Octave Hautbois to register his fifth goal of the tournament.
New Caledonia responded just before the break. Kevin Hoang’s free kick crashed against the crossbar, but Lisandro Bessieres reacted quickest to tap home the rebound in first-half stoppage time and restore parity.
The celebrations were short-lived as Tahiti regained the lead six minutes after the restart. A corner found Jamet, who cleverly lifted the ball over a defender before volleying into the bottom corner to make it 2-1.
Jamet completed a memorable hat-trick in the 71st minute, rising to meet Raitua Tehio’s pinpoint cross with a close-range header to extend Tahiti’s advantage. Hoang pulled one back late for New Caledonia, firing into the top corner after a clever cross from Bessieres, but Tahiti held firm to claim a deserved victory and fifth place.
New Caledonia: 2 (Lisandro BESSIERES 45+1′, Kevin HOANG 83′)
Tahiti: 3 (Esdras JAMET 12′, 51′, 71′)
HT: 1-1…PACNEWSPACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 24 Jul 2026
Evolution over revolution as new Wallabies coach Kiss lays out mantra
SYDNEY, 24 JULY 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—New Wallabies coach Les Kiss is adding his own Australian-focused touch whilst maintaining consistency in his first days in charge.
Kiss named his first squad on Thursday ahead of the two-Test series against Japan, with Isaac Henry the lone debutant.
The former Reds boss resisted the urge to blood a host of new players, recalling Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Isaac Kailea.
This continues in the captaincy, backing Harry Wilson as his skipper, as Kiss looks to build off the foundations left by the departing Joe Schmidt.
‘I’ve talked about evolution rather than revolution and making sure we keep certain things consistent,” Kiss told reporters.
“I’m happy with Harry and I spoke to him yesterday and he wants to do the job. I’m really happy with what he’s done in his 23 Tests as skipper. I think he’s grown and he wants to grow further.
“…There were a couple of focuses, deepening certain positions but I wanted to also keep consistency around positions like our halves. Largely the group is the same and I feel it’s only right that they get first feel of us.”
It’s a long journey for the former rugby league winger, joining the Springboks coaching staff before serving stints with the NSW Waratahs, Ireland, Ulster and London Irish.
These stops, along with his deep passion for Australia, help shape his ideas for moulding the Wallabies heading into the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
“I think there is an Aussie spirit that comes through in our game,” he explained.
“When you’re kids, you just play what’s in front of you; you’re free from all the things that can get in the way, and we want to make sure we coach at the right level and unleash what we’re good at. We’re a good, innovative type of thinking player and team, so let’s play with our spirit
“The other thing that’s important that comes through when we’re in the backyard or on the beach as kids is we’re competitive. We will go very hard into the contact and fight for every inch.
“We just want those qualities to come through. When it comes out in the 80 minutes, we want the country to be proud of what they see and when they’re on the tryline, these boys will defend it with their lives.”
Kiss has been shadowing departed coach Schmidt ever since the announcement he would take over, almost 450 days ago.
This has included time during last year’s Spring Tour and this month’s Nations Championship alongside new assistants Johnny Fisher and Scott McLeod.
“It’s been interesting observing over the last two or three weeks. I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve seen,” Kiss remarked.
“There’s guys with an appetite to work hard and guys there with an appetite to get better and improve. That gives me a lot of confidence in what I believe about them.
“I’m an optimist, but I’m a realist as well, and I do believe that these players want more and they’re prepared to work hard for it,” he said…. PACNEWS
IRELAND – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 24 Jul 2026
100 days to go until Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games
DUBLIN, 24 JULY 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—In 100 days, rugby’s brightest young prospects gather in Dakar for the start of the fourth Youth Olympic Games – and, for a third time, rugby sevens is one of dozens of sporting disciplines on the schedule.
Some 2,700 athletes are expected to compete in 153 events across 25 competition sports and 10 additional engagement sports at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Beyond the sport, the Games provides an important development, education and cultural platform for athletes.
This year’s Youth Olympic Games in west Africa is the first time an African nation has hosted an Olympic sporting event and it offers many of the brightest teen rugby talents their first chance to shine on an international stage.
The Opening Ceremony is on 31 October and the rugby tournament kicks off at the 8,000-seat Complexe Iba Mar Diop the following day, with medals awarded on 2 and 3 November, respectively.
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “Dakar 2026 is important to World Rugby for two exciting reasons. Firstly, we love the Youth Olympic Games, which is an important platform for future stars in a sporting and personal development context.
“Secondly, Africa is a region on the rise, with a rapidly growing participation and fanbase. We are excited about the platform Dakar will provide for the reach and resonance of rugby in Africa.”
The roll-call of players who made their bows on the Youth Olympic Games’ stage and went on to bigger things includes New Zealand’s Risi Pouri-Lane – now a star in both the sevens and 15s versions of the game – and Mahina Paul, who both made their earliest international sevens rugby marks with gold in at the Youth Olympic Games in 2018. The latter scored the gold medal-winning try, while the former now has HSBC SVNS titles to her name.
Four years earlier in Nanjing, the gold medal-winning Australia side included Dominique du Toit, who went on to win Commonwealth Games gold and silver, went to Tokyo 2020, and was part of Australia’s title-winning Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 squad.
Australia’s flagbearer in Nanjing, Tiana Penitani, meanwhile, had already starred at RWC Sevens 2013 when she arrived at the Youth Olympic Games.
Meanwhile, 2014 silver-medallists Canada boasted a certain Charity Williams among their number, who is still carving up sevens pitches across the planet and has won senior Olympic bronze and silver medals in Rio and Paris; while their 2018 vintage, who finished third, included a young Keyara Wardley – who also claimed silver in Paris, and RWC 2021 semi-finalist Maddy Grant.
Marcos Moneta – who won gold with Argentina in the boys’ tournament at the 2018 games in Buenos Aires – now runs in tries for fun on the main international HSBC SVNS circuit, won World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year award in 2021 and has been nominated twice more.
That year’s champion Argentina boys’ squad also featured a young Lucio Cinti and Ignacio Mendy, who both featured in the 2026 Nations Championship.
Sacha Valleau – who claimed boys’ gold with France in rugby sevens’ 2014 Youth Olympic Games’ debut in China – went on to the Rio Olympics in 2016.
In Argentina in 2018, France picked up silver with a team that included Joachim Trouabal, who scored twice in the final and has since represented the country’s senior sevens squad, as well as Yoram Moefana, now a regular with France’s senior men’s 15s squad.
Kippei Ishida was part of the Japan squad that claimed bronze in 2018. He went on to captain his country at Paris 2024.
Meanwhile, after finishing fourth in Buenos Aires, South Africa’s Christie Grobelaar and Tiaan Pretorius went on to claim bronze at Paris 2024 with the senior sevens squad – the former also won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
France’s girls’ sevens team, silver medallists in Buenos Aires, featured Lou Noel and Alycia Christiaens, both now regular names on teamsheets for Les Bleues’ sevens squad, and who represented their country at the Olympic Games in Paris. Current senior 15s players Axelle Berthoumieu and Charlotte Escudero were also on the squad.
The pathway to senior success via the Youth Olympics is a well-followed one – and these players are just a selection of the future stars who got their international start at the Youth Olympic Games.
As the countdown to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games reaches 100 days, the question is: which of this year’s competitors from the 16 qualified teams – Argentina, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Samoa, host nation Senegal, and South Africa in the boys’ tournament; and Australia, China, Czechia, Kenya, Madagascar, Senegal, Spain, and USA in the girls’ competition – will follow their predecessors down the road to rugby superstardom?…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 24 Jul 2026
Origin lessons driving Nikora’s premiership quest
SYDNEY, 24 JULY 2026 (NRL)—Cronulla forward Briton Nikora has vowed to draw on the experience of a maiden Origin series as he looks to lead the Sharks back to the NRL finals.
The back rower made his Queensland debut in the interstate contest and impressed for the Maroons despite their loss to NSW in a tense Suncorp Stadium decider.
Nikora was handed a rest by Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon before returning for last week’s tight win over the Knights. He will line up in the back-row for Sunday’s clash with Manly at 4 Pines Park as the Sharks look to solidify their place in the top four.
Cronulla have progressed to the preliminary final in the past two seasons but have fallen short of a grand final berth and this season looms as the current squad’s best chance to win a title before a host of players depart.
Having had a taste of the Origin furnace, Nikora is eager to draw on that experience throughout the upcoming finals series.
“It’s exciting to be back with the Sharks after that experience,” Nikora told NRL.com. “There’s a lot there that I can draw upon leading into the finals. The atmosphere, the games, the intensity of the play.
“It’s not just the physical side but mentally preparing myself for those games, it takes a lot to mentally prepare and there is a lot throughout the week leading into the game.
“I’ll take those physical lessons and all the mental lessons with me if I play in those big games with the Sharks.”
A mainstay in the Kiwis forward pack for the past few years, Nikora’s Queensland debut came after eligibility rules were changed earlier this year to allow New Zealand and England players to contest State of Origin.
The forward was 10 when his family moved from New Zealand to the Gold Coast and playing for the Maroons quickly developed into a childhood goal.
After coming off the bench in Game One, the back-rower started in the second and third matches and was among the Maroons’ best throughout the series.
While Queensland ultimately lost in the decider, Nikora said there were plenty of lessons learned from coach Billy Slater and his teammates that will hold him in good stead moving forward.
“It was a dream come true,” Nikora said. “I never thought I’d see the day and I was so grateful for the opportunity that Billy gave me and the faith Billy and the coaching staff had in me to put that jersey on. I don’t take it lightly and it was an honour to do it.
“I learned a lot off Billy and the coaching staff. The detail he shows with his coaching and the focus on the little effort areas. That’s what I’m trying to bring back to the Sharks. I want to come back a better player than I was, I want to lift my game and do what I’ve got to do for the team.”
Nikora was one of three Sharks to feature in the Origin series, with Blayke Brailey and Addin Fonua-Blake playing a key role in the Blues’ victory.
Fonua-Blake has brushed off a pec concern to be named for this week’s clash with the Sea Eagles, while Brailey has hit the ground running since returning from a broken arm midway through the campaign.
The trio are set to play a key role in Cronulla’s run to the finals, with history suggesting Origin experience is a key indicator of premiership success.
It’s an area the club has been lacking in recent years and coach Craig Fitzgibbon can already see the impact upon the group’s return to the Shire.
“I really respect the way Addin, Blayke and Brit have come back and shown how much the club means to them, of wanting to play and play well,” Fitzgibbon said…. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 24 Jul 2026
Residency rules: Queensland clubs dominate RLWC26 Team of the Week
SYDNEY, 24 JULY 2026 (NRL)—New South Wales may have won State of Origin but Queensland could have been the superior team if the series was based on residency, according to polling for the RLWC26 Team of the Week.
Queensland-based players dominated voting for the World Cup Team of the Week, claiming all but two positions after Round 20 NRL matches.
Broncos superstar Reece Walsh beat Maroons pair Kalyn Ponga (New Zealand) and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Samoa) for the fullback spot after polling a remarkable 65 per cent of votes.
Tabuai-Fidow’s Dolphins team-mates Jamayne Isaako (New Zealand) and Herbie Farnworth (England) were also voted into the RLWC26 Team of the Week as winger and centre respectively.
The NRL’s four Queensland clubs – the Broncos, Cowboys, Dolphins and Titans – each have representation.
The Roosters and Panthers provide the only two NSW-based players in winger Mark Nawaqanitawase, who is eligible for Fiji as well as Australia, and 2022 World Cup winning secondrower Liam Martin – both of whom were members of the victorious Blues Origin squad.
Prop Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, who is yet to announce whether he will remain with Australia or play for Samoa, is one of three Titans representatives, along with halfback Jayden Campbell and rookie hooker Ollie Pascoe.
Walsh, lock Pat Carrigan, centre Kotoni Staggs, who were also members of last year’s Ashes winning Australian team and Kiwis forwards Jordan Riki and Xavier Willison are the Broncos players in the RLWC26 Team of the Week.
Cowboys halfback Tom Dearden, who returned against the Dolphins after a long injury lay-off that forced him to miss the Origin series, rounds out the World Cup Team of the Week.
Each week, fans vote for their RLWC2026 Team of the Week from players nominated after the previous weekend’s NRL and Super League matches who are eligible for the 10 nations contesting Rugby League World Cup 2026.
Among the players nominated for the World Cup Team of the Week were:
*Kiwis fullback candidate Kalyn Ponga, playmaker Dylan Brown (both Knights), winger Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins), secondrower Jordan Riki and props Xavier Willison (both Broncos), Naufahu Whyte (Roosters) and Joseph Tapine (Raiders). Titans outside back Jojo Fifita and Storm secondrower Cooper Clarke are also eligible for New Zealand.
*Toa Samoa fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins), winger Brian To’o (Panthers), centres Simi Sasagi (Raiders) and Ali Leiataua, five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita (both Warriors) and secondrower Jeremiah Nanai (Cowboys). Titans captain and prop Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is also eligible for Samoa.
*England centres AJ Brimson (Titans), Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins) and Billy Smith (Roosters), fullback Jack Welsby (St Helens), playmaker Jake Trueman (Wakefield) and props Max King (Bulldogs) and Luke Thompson (Wigan). All are in the 38-man World Cup squad named by new England coach Brian McDermott.
*Tonga wingers Sione Katoa (Sharks) and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Warriors), centre Jojo Fifita (Titans), hooker Soni Luke (Cowboys) and secondrower Kulikefu Fineuiaki (Dolphins). Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs is also eligible for Tonga.
*Fiji wingers Jethro Rinakama (Bulldogs), Jason Qareqare (Castleford) and Mark Nawaqanitawase (Roosters), who new Bati coach Mick Potter has urged to represent his father’s birth nation at RLWC2026.
Lebanon-eligible winger Jason Saab (Sea Eagles) and Papua New Guinea hooker Edwin Ipape (Leigh) were also nominated, while Willison is eligible for Cook Islands…..PACNEWS
UK – COMMONWEALTH GAMES: INSIDE THE GAMES PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 24 Jul 2026
Fewer sports, more nations: Commonwealth Games back to Glasgow
GLASGOW, 24 JULY 2026 (INSIDE THE GAMES)—After 12 years, one of the world’s oldest multi-sport events is returning to Scotland, marking the second time that the country’s largest city has hosted the iconic event, now featuring its most condensed schedule since 1994.
The low number of sports did not affect the number of nations participating in the Games, as theit 23rd edition will see a record 74 Commonwealth Games Associations participate, including Gabon and Togo, who are making their debut.
The decrease in disciplines is mainly due to the fact that Glasgow only agreed to host the Games three years ago after Victoria, Australia’s sole remaining bidder, withdrew its bid at the last moment. The Scottish relied on existing venues and facilities to host the Games, which led to a reduction in the number of sports from 20 to 10.
The following will be included in the programme: 3×3 basketball (including wheelchair 3×3 basketball), artistic gymnastics, athletics (including para-athletics), bowls (and para-bowls), boxing, track cycling (and para-track cycling), judo, netball, swimming (and para swimming), weightlifting (and para-powerlifting).
Despite the many challenges however, Glasgow’s stadiums and venues will host star-studded events, particularly in athletics.
Scottish fans will be cheering on their biggest star, Josh Kerr, who will be competing in his homeland for the first time since breaking the world record in the men’s mile at the London Diamond League event. Meanwhile, England will rely on Paris 2024 bronze medallist Georgia Hunter-Bell, who competed in the women’s 1500 metres, and Zharnel Hughes, the British record holder in two men’s sprint disciplines.
Canada will bring a team full of Olympic champions to Glasgow, including Tokyo 2020 decathlon champion Damian Warner, Tokyo 2020 men’s 200m champion Andre De Grasse, and Paris 2024 hammer throw champions Camryn Rogers and Ethan Katzberg. De Grasse will also lead Canada’s 4x100m quartet of Paris 2024 champions. Shericka Jackson of Jamaica will compete in the mixed relay.
Jessica Hull of Australia, who won a silver medal in the women’s 1500m at Paris 2024, will compete in the mile and 5000m events. The Australian team also includes two superstars in the women’s high jump: Paris 2024 silver medallist Nicola Olyslagers and bronze medallist Eleanor Patterson. Meanwhile, Paris 2024 champion Hamish Kerr will be representing New Zealand in the men’s high jump. Another highly anticipated duel will take place in the men’s javelin throw, with Tokyo 2020 champion Neeraj Chopra of India and Paris 2024 gold medallist Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan competing for the title.
Nigeria’s Kanyinsola Ajayi arrives in Glasgow in superb form, having won the men’s 100 metres at the London Diamond League event in a national record time of 9.84 seconds.
In para-athletics, Australia’s wheelchair racer Angela Ballard is set to make history by becoming the first para athlete to compete in five Commonwealth Games.
The biggest names in women’s track cycling are Paris 2024 champions Emma Finucane (Wales), Sophie Capewell (England) and Ellesse Andrews (New Zealand).
Adam Peaty, not quite as dominant as he was 10 years ago but still one of the world’s best swimmers, will be chasing his fifth Commonwealth gold medal in Scotland. Meanwhile, London 2012 champion and 18-time Commonwealth medallist Chad le Clos of South Africa is set to make history. He needs only one more medal to become the most decorated male athlete in Commonwealth Games history.
The 18-year-old Filip Nowacki, the reigning junior world champion in the 100m breaststroke, could bring Jersey its first Commonwealth Games medal since Auckland in 1990. Meanwhile, Australia’s swimming squad will include five Olympic gold medallists: Mollie O’Callaghan, Cameron McEvoy, Zac Stubblety-Cook, Kyle Chalmers and Lani Pallister.
In para-powerlifting, Paralympic champions Bonnie Bunyau Gustin (Malaysia) and Folashade Oluwafemiayo (Nigeria) will be in action. England’s Emily Campbell will attempt to retain her Commonwealth weightlifting title, competing this time in the women’s superheavyweight category. Another star competing in weightlifting is Australia’s four-time World medallist Eileen Cikamatana.
One of the best judokas in the women’s 70 kg category, Australia’s Aoife Coughlan will be hunting her second Commonwealth Games gold medal.
In gymnastics, Northern Ireland’s Rhys McClenaghan will return to action after winning a gold medal in the pommel horse at the Paris 2024 Olympics, representing the Republic of Ireland. India’s triple world champion boxer, Lovlina Borgohain, will be chasing her first Commonwealth medal after winning an Olympic bronze in Tokyo.
To mark the opening of the Games, a spectacular artwork titled ‘The Glasgow Rose’ has been unveiled, transforming the city’s iconic Finnieston Crane. Created by Glasgow artist Emer Tumilty in collaboration with the creative studio NEWSUBSTANCE, the giant installation suspended high above the River Clyde brings together the city’s industrial heritage and artistic legacy. It offers a contemporary interpretation of the famous roses designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh.
“This is far more than a spectacular artwork. It is the coming together of two of Glasgow’s greatest icons,” said Phil Batty, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2026. “The Finnieston Crane tells the story of the city that built the world. The Mackintosh rose tells the story of the city that inspired the world. Together they create a powerful symbol of the Glasgow we are welcoming people to today – creative, confident, bold and proudly looking to the future.”
The artwork will remain visible throughout the Games as part of the Glasgow 2026 Festival. Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, added that the installation demonstrates the city’s strong reputation for hosting international major events that “seamlessly blend sport and culture”.
Alongside the athletic preparations, the host city has also been making history in environmental conservation. Coinciding with the arrival of the King’s Baton Relay, the Commonwealth ‘Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign’ hit a major milestone just two days before the opening ceremony by removing one million pieces of plastic from waterways worldwide.
Former Team Scotland cyclist and Glasgow 2014 silver medallist Charline Jones led a group of over 50 volunteers in kayaks and paddle boards to conduct a final plastic pick-up on the River Clyde.
“The Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics campaign is a fantastic way to bring the Commonwealth together for a common cause and show the power of people working together to achieve this milestone today,” Jones stated. “It gives the King’s Baton Relay extra meaning and seeing the enthusiasm of the volunteers today really shows the appetite in and around Glasgow to look after our waterways for future generations.”
The year-long initiative, run in partnership with the Royal Commonwealth Society, spanned the globe alongside the King’s Baton Relay, culminating in Glasgow as the city officially opens its doors to the world…..PACNEWS
