In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — ‘A bridge too far’: Moana Pasifika cut from 2027 Super Rugby
2. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Chiefs funding from Australia to cease in 2035
3. RUGBY — Legge expecting physical challenge against the Reds
4. RUGBY — Ben Volavola signs with Drua
5. FLOORBALL — Solomon Islands player Kumakana makes history with European floorball trial opportunity
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNGRFL Academy vision lauded
7. SPORTS COUNCIL — Solomon Islands academic earns prestigious UNESCO role, NSC hails global recognition
8. RUGBY LEAGUE — Sevens Star Lefau-Fakaosilea Adds Firepower for Reds Women in updated squad
9. FOOTBALL — Oceania leaders connect and inspire at Festival26
10. RUGBY LEAGUE — Cleary’s blunt NRL warning over New Zealand expansion
11. RUGBY — ‘Look to rectify’: Wallabies to atone for horror tour
12. IOC — Olympic athletes (finally) set to cash in on IOC
PAC – RUGBY: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 25 Jun 2026
‘A bridge too far’: Moana Pasifika cut from 2027 Super Rugby
AUCKLAND, 25 JUNE 2026 (PMN)—Moana Pasifika will not return to Super Rugby next season after New Zealand Rugby (NZR) confirmed it would not approve the transfer of the franchise’s licence to any new party.
In a statement on Wednesday, NZR said it had explored every possibility for a long-term solution with several interested parties, including granting multiple extensions to a 15 May deadline, but none could satisfy both the capital and business plan requirements needed to secure the licence. The competition will move to a 10-team format in 2027.
NZR chief financial officer Chris Kinraid said the decision was made in the best interests of the competition and to provide certainty to sponsors, suppliers, other teams, broadcasters and fans.
“A competitive and sustainable team needs commercial revenue of more than NZ$10 million (US$5.66 million, in addition to broadcast revenue; and at least NZ$15 million (US$8.49 million) in committed capital to support its business plan and maintain appropriate cash reserves,” Kinraid said.
NZR said the door remained open beyond 2027.
“We firmly believe a team can be based in the Pacific Islands and that a sustainable long-term solution can be found in the future,” Kinraid said.
He acknowledged the engagement of Foreign Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade “for the recognition of the role rugby can play in the Pacific region.”
Peters, who was involved in talks with Pacific governments and other backers over the franchise’s future, told PMN News he was “very disappointed for Pacific rugby and for the many fans who have supported Moana Pasifika,” and that the team had raised its finances with him too late. “It would have been helpful if Moana Pasifika had come to us earlier about their financial situation,” he said.
He called the three-week timeframe to secure Moana’s 2027 place “a bridge too far,” but said the decision was ‘far from the end of the Moana Pasifika story,” citing private-sector interest in New Zealand, the Pacific and abroad.
He was “very optimistic about a Pacific-focussed team participating in the 2028 competition and onwards into the future.”
Among the parties was a Sāmoa and Tonga-led plan, reported by PMN News earlier this month, that would have returned the club to its founding purpose of feeding the two nations’ rugby pathways.
Speaking on Pacific Mornings on Wednesday ahead of the decision, Lakapi Sāmoa chairman Namulauulu Sami Leota was careful to separate the national union from the rescue effort, saying it lacked the means to run a franchise.
“Moana Pasifika for us is a pathway. But obviously we don’t have the resources, the financial backing to take it over as a franchise from Samoa and Tonga’s perspective,” he said.
Namulauulu said the club had become a key feeder for the national team, with seven or eight players in the Manu Sāmoa squad touring Europe drawn from Moana Pasifika. “I’m praying that hopefully they’ll get more funding to continue that team.”
Asked for his ideal outcome, Namulauulu pointed to the Fijian Drua.
“Ideally, we would like to have our own franchise, to have Lakapi Samoa having its own franchise to feed, that will feed our national team,” he said.
Moana Pasifika was placed into liquidation on 25 May, weeks after owner the Pasifika Medical Association announced in April that the club would not return for the 2027 season.
A first liquidators’ report released this month put the franchise’s debts at an estimated $8.2m (US$4.63 million), with more than 140 known and potential creditors and between 75 and 80 jobs affected.
Labour deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni, also speaking to Pacific Mornings ahead of the decision, said the club’s troubles had been hard to watch. “
For those of us that are Pacific, it’s been a very sad sight seeing the financial woes and struggles of Moana Pasifika,” she said.
Green MP Teanau Tuiono framed the club’s survival as a regional issue.
“We all want it saved, right? Because we’re all Islanders, this is about rugby, it’s a big deal, and that’s for all of us” he said, adding that Pacific rugby carried diplomatic weight, “but the financials have to match up as well.”
Super Rugby Pacific is expected to confirm the 2027 competition format in the coming weeks…PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 25 Jun 2026
PNG Chiefs funding from Australia to cease in 2035
PORT MORESBY, 25 JUNE 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Papua New Guinea will need between K30-and-K40 million annually to sustain the PNG Chiefs after 2035 when Australia’s A$385 million (about K1.17 billion) annual funding ends, says East Sepik Governor Allan Bird.
It is understood that the Chiefs had only received AUD$90 million (K274mil) for the construction of a Centre of Excellence, which includes a 50-bed dormitory for pathway development and training in Port Moresby.
The balance of the AUD$$600-million (K1.82bil) 10-year (2024-34) Pacific rugby league package committed by the Australian government would be used to develop the game in other Pacific Island states including Samoa, Tonga and Fiji.
Watering down Bird’s concern on the Australian tap running dry, chief executive officer of the PNG Chiefs Lorna McPherson told The National yesterday that the 19th NRL franchise is created to sustain itself as a sporting business.
“The Chiefs will be a revenue-generating company; not a State-owned enterprise. It is designed to stand on its own.”
However, the East Sepik governor said: “For me, personally, we’re still funding Air Niugini, PNG Power, Water PNG and Telikom. And I just hope the Chiefs don’t end up being another struggling State entity sometime in the future.”
That warning from the Opposition MP has placed the financial future of the PNG Chiefs under fresh scrutiny, as debate grows over whether the country can successfully manage the long-term business side of entering the NRL competition.
Speaking openly about the commercial realities behind the Chiefs project, Bird compared the 19th NRL expansion side to Brisbane Broncos, which reportedly generates more than AUD$100 million (K313.33 million) annually through sponsorships, memberships and supporters.
“The Brisbane Broncos make in excess of AUD$100 million(US$68 million) a year in revenue and that’s from supporters and sponsors,” Bird said. “That’s how they maintain their team.”
He said PNG must eventually learn to operate in a similar business-driven model once government-backed funding and outside support cease, questioning whether the franchise would be financially independent in the future.
He warned that sustaining a professional NRL club would require consistent annual revenue, strong corporate partnerships and clear ownership structures, areas Papua New Guinea has historically struggled with in some State-owned enterprises.
Providing further clarity, CEO McPherson stressed that the PNG Chiefs is not a State-owned enterprise but a sustainable sporting business designed to stand on its own.
She said the long-term goal is to build a club that generates its own income through strong commercial operations while creating lasting benefits for Papua New Guinea.
“Our objective is to build a commercially sustainable club with strong revenues from sponsorships, memberships, merchandise, events and broadcasting,” McPherson told The National.
She also highlighted the club’s ambition to become profitable and operate independently without the need for ongoing government support….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 25 Jun 2026
Legge expecting physical challenge against the Reds
NADI, 25 JUNE 2026 (FBC SPORTS) — Fijian Drua Women head coach Mike Legge expects a tough and physical contest when his side takes on the Queensland Reds this weekend, with a home semifinal spot on the line.
Legge said the Reds are likely to deliver a similar challenge to what they showed during the preseason, particularly through a powerful forward pack.
“We expect them to be really physical up front. They’ve got a very formidable forward pack, especially with the likes of Eva Kapani and Tanya Kalounivale strengthening them, so we know we’ll be up against some big ball runners.”
The Drua coach added that while the Reds may introduce a few variations, their style is expected to remain direct and physical, similar to what his team has faced in recent weeks.
“We’ve reviewed their footage, and we’re expecting something similar in terms of physicality and a real direct style of play.”
Despite the challenge, Legge remains confident his side has prepared well, saying the focus has been on finding ways to counter the Reds’ strengths while continuing to play to the Drua Women’s style.
The Drua Women will take on the Reds at 4.05pm this Saturday….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 25 Jun 2026
Ben Volavola signs with Drua
SUVA, 25 JUNE 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The Fijian Drua have signed former Flying Fijian fly-half Ben Volavola, adding experience and leadership to their squad ahead of the 2027 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
The 48-test playmaker returns home after a professional career spanning Super Rugby and Europe. Volavola has made 74 professional appearances for the NSW Waratahs, Crusaders, Melbourne Rebels, Queensland Reds, Racing 92 in France and Leicester Tigers in England.
He represented Fiji at the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups and scored 296 Test points, placing him third on the nation’s all-time points-scoring list.
Volavola said he was excited to return home with his family and contribute to the club’s future success.
“I’m really excited to come back home with my family and join everyone at the club and help build a culture that brings even more success to the Drua,” he said.
“I’m also excited to see all the fans, play at home and spend time with them after games during the season.”
Fijian Drua General Manager Rugby Baden Stephenson said Volavola’s experience would be invaluable for the club’s younger players.
“We are delighted to welcome Ben back home to Fiji and into the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua family,” Stephenson said.
“His leadership, game management and professionalism will be invaluable to our young squad both on and off the field.
“Ben has always been passionate about contributing to Fijian rugby, and we believe his experience and mentorship will play an important role in helping us continue to develop the next generation of Drua and Flying Fijians players.”
Volavola’s arrival strengthens the Drua’s flyhalf options as the club continues preparations for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific campaign….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 25 Jun 2026
PNGRFL Academy vision lauded
PORT MORESBY, 25 JUNE 2026 (THE NATIONAL)–The initiative by PNGRFL head of elite pathways Joe Grima to set up academies provinces outside of NCD is one of the most important building blocks for the future of rugby league, says Hunters chief executive officer Scott Barker.
“The systems and pathways being created by Joey over the past few years are beginning to deliver results and, most definitely, will shape the next generation of PNG rugby league stars,” he added.
Speaking on the progress of player development across the country, Barker highlighted the work Grima has done in establishing academy structures in many parts across the country.
Those foundations have now developed into the PNGRFL Academy system, creating clear pathways for young players in different age groups. The academy structure currently includes Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 programmes for both boys and girls, giving young athletes opportunities to develop through organised and structured rugby league systems.
One of the strongest examples, Barker explained, is current SP PNG Hunters squad member Hercules Kondo, who progressed through the academy pathway and represented the Junior Kumuls before earning his place at higher levels.
“We are already starting to see players come through the pathway and Hercules Kondo is the first example of that,” Barker said.
“I can’t wait to see the fruit of Joey’s work really begin to shine and see more players come through that pathway.”
Barker stressed that structured football is critical if PNG wants to continue developing talent and compete consistently at higher levels.
He credited Grima for bringing organisation, planning and long-term thinking into the player development space.
Barker also praised Grima’s personal commitment and energy and described him as someone whose passion for rugby league is unmatched, saying that the energy has helped drive the rapid growth of the academy network across the country.
“His passion and energy are incredible. I’m not sure how he does it, but he’s done a very special job,” Barker added….PACNEWS
SOL – FLOORBALL: ISLAND SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 25 Jun 2026
Solomon Islands player Kumakana makes history with European floorball trial opportunity
HONIARA, 25 JUNE 2026 (ISLAND SUN)—Twenty-one-year-old goalkeeper MacArthur Kumakana has etched his name into Solomon Islands sporting history after becoming the first local floorball player to secure trial opportunities with European clubs.
The milestone follows Kumakana’s impressive performances for the Solomon Islands National Floorball Team during its debut appearance at the International Floorball Federation (IFF) 3v3 Floorball World Championship in Spain earlier this month, where his goalkeeping skills attracted the attention of overseas scouts.
Speaking to Island Sun from Sweden, Kumakana described the opportunity as a proud moment for himself and for the growing sport of floorball in the Solomon Islands.
“I am proud to be the first Solomon Islander to receive this opportunity, and I believe more chances will come for our young floorball players back home if they are willing to work hard and take their opportunities,” Kumakana said.
He said floorball is one of the fastest-growing sports globally and enjoys strong support throughout Europe, particularly in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries.
“Floorball is a major sport here in Europe, especially in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries. It is growing rapidly around the world and is now expanding into Africa. The 3v3 version is also expected to become part of future Olympic Games,” he said.
Kumakana believes the sport has enormous potential in the Solomon Islands and could grow alongside football and futsal.
“I see great potential for floorball to develop alongside football and futsal in our country. We have talented young athletes, and this sport can provide another pathway for them to compete internationally,” he said.
The goalkeeper revealed that floorball has already been introduced into several schools, with plans underway to expand programmes to more schools across Honiara and eventually into the other provinces.
Looking ahead, Kumakana said his immediate goal is to secure a professional contract and gain valuable experience in Europe that can help strengthen the sport back home.
“My goal is to earn a contract with a team and play at a higher level. The experience I gain here will help me improve as a player and contribute to helping Solomon Islands qualify for future World Championships.”
He also encouraged young Solomon Islanders to pursue their sporting dreams through dedication and hard work.
“Work hard, train hard, surround yourself with positive people, and take every opportunity to improve. Use social media to showcase your talents and your training because it can help create opportunities. If you are interested in floorball, come and join early because the sport is growing very fast and could one day lead to Olympic opportunities.”
Kumakana also expressed gratitude to those who have supported his journey.
“I would like to thank the Floorball Federation of Solomon Islands President, Adam Olofsson, my teammates, our captain Ricky Fairamoa, my family, especially my mother, and my uncle who gave me the opportunity to pursue this dream. Without their support, I would not be here today.”
Accompanying Kumakana during his European tour is FFSI President Adam Olofsson, who confirmed that several clubs have already shown interest in the young goalkeeper.
According to Olofsson, five European clubs have expressed interest in Kumakana, including Danish club Hvidovre Attack.
“MacArthur has impressed a number of clubs with his performances, and currently five clubs have shown interest in him, including Hvidovre Attack in Denmark,” Olofsson said.
He said the trial period will continue until September 9, after which discussions regarding contracts, residency permits and work visas could begin if a club decides to sign the Solomon Islands goalkeeper.
“MacArthur will remain in Europe until September 9. If a club decides to offer him a contract, there will then be a paperwork process involving residency and work permit applications. We are hopeful and will continue supporting him throughout that process,” Olofsson explained.
Olofsson said Kumakana’s achievement demonstrates that international opportunities are possible for Solomon Islanders who are willing to work hard and remain committed to their goals.
“Anything is possible if you work hard and are determined to succeed. Floorball is an excellent sport for Solomon Islanders because it is fast-paced, exciting and suits the natural athletic abilities of our people,” he said.
Introduced to the Solomon Islands only in 2022, floorball has experienced remarkable growth in a short period. A successful trial will see Kumakana become the first Solomon Islander to play floorball professionally in Europe, further highlighting the rapid rise of the sport in the country.
For many young athletes, Kumakana’s journey is already serving as proof that dedication, perseverance and belief can open doors far beyond Solomon Islands shores….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 25 Jun 2026
Sevens Star Lefau-Fakaosilea Adds Firepower for Reds Women in updated squad
BRISBANE, 25 JUNE 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—Sevens star Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea is to give the Queensland Reds a bold lift in firepower for the remainder of the Super Rugby Women’s season.
Her timely availability is part of the revised make-up of the Reds squad to cover injury issues.
Elisha Godsiff and Kieran Berry have been elevated to the squad with Wallaroos lock Tiarah Minns (shoulder), lock Deni Ross (shoulder) and French halfback Margaux Duces (knee) all ruled out for the remainder of the rapid-fire season of five rounds and finals.
The Reds will name their team on Wednesday for Saturday afternoon’s must-win game against the Fijian Drua at Ballymore Stadium (2:05pm).
Livewire University of Queensland flanker Berry has been part of the wider Reds training squad this season.
Lock Godsiff, a multiple premiership-winner with Bond University, has been rewarded for her standards at the Bullsharks.
All workrate and consistency, she led the Bullsharks to the Australian Club Championship, as captain, in Sydney to open the season.
Lefau-Fakaosilea has progressively prepared for the transition from sevens to the demands of the 15-a-side game.
She is in form and confident after playing a strong role for the Aussies in their stirring recent run to the World Championship with tournament wins in Spain and France.
It was a fantastic peak for Lefau-Fakaosilea, 25, who had made her comeback from injury for Queensland’s Next Gen 7s side in February.
She is no stranger to all of rugby’s formats. She played nine times for the Reds at 15-a-side in 2018-19 as Red #184.
Even as a 17 and 18-year-old back in those days, she was a dominator with hat-tricks of tries against the Melbourne Rebels in 2018 and 2019.
She was fast-tracked into the Reds side at 17 because of the eye-popping talent she showed at the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens early in 2018.
More than being named Player of the Tournament and scoring the winning golden point try in the final, she produced a clattering front-on tackle that many remember to this day.
“Alysia has made a wonderful comeback this year. We saw how diligent she was with her final rehab when we shared the gym at Ballymore with here,” Reds Head Coach Andrew Fraser said.
“The plan has always been for her to become available for us. She is now and that’s great news.
“It’s unfortunate for the three injured players. The Super Rugby Women’s season is a sprint and there’s not the opportunity for them to return.
“What it does do is create some opportunities for good players who have been on the fringes.
“Kieran was part of the Reds team that played in Narrabri last September at the Santos Festival of Rugby.
“Elisha is highly respected for her contributions with Bond in the Founders Cup over a number of years,” he said….PACNEWS
SOL – SPORTS COUNCIL: ISLAND SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 25 Jun 2026
Solomon Islands academic earns prestigious UNESCO role, NSC hails global recognition
HONIARA, 25 JUNE 2026 (ISLAND SUN)—Solomon Islands National Sports Council (NSC) has congratulated Dr Clyde Puilingi on his appointment to the UNESCO Global Task Force of Experts 2026–2027 on Traditional Pharmacopoeia in the Context of Sport Values, Ethics and Integrity.
Dr Puilingi is the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).
“His appointment places him among a group of international experts working with UNESCO under the International Convention against Doping in Sport,” the NSC statement said over the weekend.
The Task Force will study how traditional knowledge systems can be linked with modern anti-doping efforts. It will also focus on athlete protection, integrity, and ethical practices in sport around the world.
NSC described the appointment as a proud achievement for Dr Puilingi and the Solomon Islands.
“This appointment reflects the depth of expertise within our national institutions, particularly SINU, and highlights the important role our scholars and researchers continue to play in global sporting discourse,” NSC said.
NSC said the appointment shows that Solomon Islands experts can contribute to important international discussions on sport and research.
The statement highlighted that Dr Puilingi’s involvement will help strengthen the Solomon Islands’ voice in global discussions on clean sport and create opportunities for collaboration with international researchers and policy experts.
NSC said that it is confident that Dr Puilingi will make a valuable contribution to UNESCO’s work and the promotion of ethical standards in sport….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 25 Jun 2026
Oceania leaders connect and inspire at Festival26
SYDNEY, 25 JUNE 2026 (OFC)—Two women’s development officers from Oceania recently joined a cohort of emerging female leaders from across the Pacific, Asia and Middle East, to explore how football can create positive social change and strengthen communities.
Cook Islands Football Association’s Teretia Teinaki and Tonga Football Association’s Madison Tenifa represented Oceania in Sydney, Australia at Festival26.
Hosted by Creating Chances, the week provided opportunities from football for good programmes across Sydney through workshops, school visits and peer-to-peer exchanges.
Teretia Teinaki featured on a panel discussion during the festival’s Connect, Lead, Transform Networking Event, sharing experiences from OFC programmes such as This Is How We Football and Just Play.
“For me, it was pretty interesting and I really enjoyed it,” Teinaki said. “There were some similarities, and then also hearing what other people are going through.”
One of the experiences that resonated most for Teinaki was seeing how football was used to support refugee communities.
“They went into schools where some of the kids were refugees, seeing how they use sports, like football, as a vehicle to bring them together,” Teinaki explained. “I think that’s pretty cool how they try to communicate across to those that don’t understand English, how they use football as a tool to connect.”
Joining with Tonga Football Association’s Madison Tenifa as the two representatives from the blue continent, Teinaki expressed her gratitude for collaboration.
“I think she was the best person to go with,” Teinaki expressed. “It was our first time meeting but we spoke as if we’ve know each other before. She’s doing some great work in her federation.”
OFC Inclusive Oceania Manager Tom Gamage said the opportunity for the pair to connect with other emerging leaders is an important connection.
“Festival26 is a perfect example of the impactful legacy of major sporting events,” said Gamage. “The ability to share, educate and connect with female leaders from across the world is something we truly value,”
“We are looking forward to more opportunities across Oceania to grow football in the region.”
Reflecting on the experience, Teinaki expressed her appreciation towards the cohort, facilitators and OFC’s support. Teinaki encouraged other young leaders in football to step forward into opportunities like these.
“There is opportunity there, but it’s up to you whether you take it or not. Take that step, and go for it,” he said…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 25 Jun 2026
Cleary’s blunt NRL warning over New Zealand expansion
SYDNEY, 25 JUNE 2026 (AAP)— Ivan Cleary has warned the NRL against rushing into placing its 20th team in New Zealand, fearing the addition of a new club in the country could cannibalise the progress of the Warriors.
With the Perth Bears set to join the competition next year and the PNG Chiefs in 2028, talk has turned to when and where the game is best suited to move to a 20-team league.
Cleary knows the New Zealand market better than most, having played in the Warriors’ first grand final in 2002 and coaching them to their second in 2011.
The Kiwi side has yet to win a competition but there is a fair argument that in 2026 under Cleary protege Andrew Webster, the Warriors shape as Penrith’s closest challengers.
But Cleary, who has also worked as an assistant coach with the New Zealand national team, is concerned a second side in the country could negatively impact the Warriors.
“I’ve got to be careful what I say here, with all my friends in New Zealand – I definitely think we need to make sure the Warriors continue to get the support they need,” Cleary said.
“They’re definitely a club on the rise and that’s been a long time coming.
“I think it’s really important that the game needs to foster that (and) be careful to (not) split that.”
Talk of expansion in New Zealand comes at a time when the Warriors have enjoyed regular sellout crowds in the years since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The construction of Te Kaha stadium in Christchurch, which hosted the Warriors’ 38-20 win over North Queensland last Sunday, has meant the NRL could start a side in the South Island without having to invest in infrastructure.
“How good was that stadium?” Cleary said.
“There are a lot of good players coming out of Christchurch, I know that, and there’s more and more the Warriors are getting from down there.
“It’s definitely good signs. I don’t even know when the 20th team’s coming in, so it could be the right time, I don’t know,” he said….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 25 Jun 2026
‘Look to rectify’: Wallabies to atone for horror tour
SYDNEY, 25 JUNE 2026 (AAP)—Still smarting seven months on, the Wallabies are intent on wiping the slate clean and starting the year with a bang in a sellout blockbuster against Ireland in Sydney.
Former captain Allan Alaalatoa is among the Wallabies stalwarts who endured the first four-Test winless tour of Europe since 1959 with successive losses to England, Italy, Ireland and France last November.
Alaalatoa remembers the gloomy tour like it was yesterday and admits the motivation to atone on July 4 and set the Wallabies back on the path to World Cup contention on home soil next year is driving the squad.
Allan Alaalatoa says the Wallabies can be World Cup contenders.
“We’ll definitely look to rectify that, and that all starts with the way we prepare and carrying that through into the game,” the veteran prop said on Wednesday.
“With the first game being a sellout, it shows that there’s a lot of passion for rugby here in Australia, and it definitely motivates the boys to make sure we do everything we can to put ourselves in the best shape possible to go out there and play with confidence.
‘Coming off that spring tour, there’s a lot of disappointment within the group.”
Coach Joe Schmidt has already wiped the slate clean, recalling some old faces such as loosehead James Slipper, who had retired after the tour, and giving others such as Queensland Reds utility back Jock Campbell a second chance.
Campbell hasn’t played a Test since 2022, but impressed Schmidt and his soon-to-be successor Les Kiss during Queensland’s 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
Adding a yard of pace after finally ridding a nagging hamstring injury, the 31-year-old fullback has been a shining light under Kiss at the Reds and is chuffed to be back in the Wallabies set-up.
“It’s definitely a sort of first-day-of-school type of vibe,” Campbell said after arriving in camp.
‘Just excited to rip in. My focus this year was just to play well for the Reds and go better as a team, and now I’m just happy to be here.”
Now that he is, Campbell says he isn’t around to make up the numbers and has set his sights on edging out Brumbies star Tom Wright and starting in Australia’s opening Nations Championship Test at Allianz Stadium.
“I’d love to start,” he said.
Jock Campbell’s extra pace led to a return to the Wallabies’ set-up.
“I think everyone here wants to start. If you don’t have that mindset, it’s the wrong mindset.”
Campbell has even emerged as an X-factor flyhalf option after revealing Schmidt had reached out about wanting him to play there more often.
“Over the past couple of years, he’s sort of wanted me to explore that a little bit, and Les has given me that opportunity,” he said.
“So he’s just trying to add extra strings to your bow, and I’m comfortable playing there. At the Reds I’ve done a fair bit, especially when the boys have been away, so I really like playing there.”
After Ireland, the Wallabies face France and Italy in further Nations Championship Tests on July 11 and 18, before Kiss officially takes over for the Rugby Championship.
“There’s a short window from when Joe finishes to when he (Kiss) starts,” Alaalatoa said.
“So I think that’ll be smart for him to come in for the last couple of weeks (of Schmidt’s tenure) and just see the way the team’s been functioning and the way we’ve been doing things with Joe, so hopefully that transition is smooth.” …. PACNEWS
SWITZ – IOC: INSIDE THE GAMES PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 25 Jun 2026
Olympic athletes (finally) set to cash in on IOC
LAUSANNE, 25 JUNE 2026 (INSIDE THE GAMES)—The International Olympic Committee has announced a new financial initiative to provide every eligible competitor with a US$10,000 (€ 8,800) grant. The funding aims to support athletic careers and professional transitions following the Games.
Unveiled during the 146th IOC Session in Lausanne, Switzerland, the ‘Fit for the Future Olympian Grant’ will retroactively debut at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. An estimated fund of US$140,000,000 (€ 123,342,800) per Olympiad has been allocated for the programme, which is expected to benefit approximately 14,000 athletes per Olympic cycle.
The USD4140 million fund is drawn entirely from the IOC’s own Olympic Foundation and will not impact or reduce the existing financial distributions allocated to National Olympic Committees or International Federations.
The initiative forms part of the ‘Fit for the Future’ strategic framework, designed to offer complementary support for long-term sporting endeavours. The grant will be distributed through existing National Olympic Committee structures. Importantly, it will not decrease or detract from current financial assistance provided to NOCs, International Sports Federations, or Olympic Solidarity.
High-earning professional superstars, such as NBA or NHL players, remain fully eligible to apply to ensure universal recognition, though they can choose to leave their allocation in the central fund to directly benefit future lower-income Olympians.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry explained that the $ 10,000 (€ 8,800) figure was chosen based on two practical benchmarks: it mirrors the traditional US$5,000 (€ 4,400) needed for each of the two major World Championships in a quadrennial cycle, or acts as universal ‘seed money’ to start a business, a figure derived from the IOC’s career transition work with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus.
Pau Gasol, chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission and a five-time Olympian for Spain, presented the initiative to the membership, emphasising its inclusive nature.
“This grant will be available to every Olympian. Not just medal winners. Not just athletes from certain countries. Every Olympian,” Gasol stated. “Because, while every athlete’s journey is different, every Olympian has made sacrifices to reach the Olympic stage. Years of dedication. Years of hard work. Years of believing in a dream.”
Gasol was quick to distinguish the grant from performance-based rewards. “Let it be clear, this is not prize money,” he added.
“This is about recognising the journey and the commitment that it takes to become an Olympian. It is about honouring that every Olympian is part of our Olympic community. Those who have come before and paved the way so that current and future generations of Olympians can benefit. I know this initiative will make a real difference in the life of many Olympians around the world.”
Coventry welcomed the official launch of the fund, highlighting its long-term significance.
“It has been a topic of conversation for many years, and I am extremely proud that we are now able to do this,” she said.
To qualify for the grant, athletes must hold an ‘Aa’ accreditation and compete at the Games, starting from Milano Cortina 2026. Participants in the Youth Olympic Games are not eligible for the programme. While the IOC Athletes’ Commission continues to collaborate with the International Paralympic Committee and explore synergies, it was explicitly confirmed that this specific grant applies strictly to Olympic competitors.
Furthermore, all applicants must maintain a clean disciplinary record; athletes who have committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation or breached the IOC Code of Ethics, the Conditions of Participation, or the Olympic Charter will be excluded.
The IOC is currently finalising the application and delivery mechanisms. Athletes will typically apply via the Athlete 365 platform within a six-month window around the Games. The funds will flow through the NOC structures, requiring formal verification and proof of payout from both the committees and the athletes to ensure direct delivery. The application process for the Milano Cortina 2026 Games is scheduled to open at the end of the year, with the first payments exp
