In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Drua run rampant over Reds, seal Super finals spot
2. RUGBY — NZ Rugby Players Association rejects claims over Moana Pasifika bid process
3. FOOTBALL — Ba ends 16-year FACT drought
4. FOOTBALL — Hekari Women FC and Tafea FC open Group A with entertaining draw
5. RUGBY LEAGUE — NRL congratulates Jason Taumalolo
6. RUGBY — FRU tightens overseas clearances to protect players
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘Ice man’ Isaako with point to prove in final Phins season
8. SPORTS COUNCIL — Vakalalabure, Senibulu sacked as board now runs FSC
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — Expansion sides battling to build competitive squads
10. RUGBY — South Africa, Argentina and Australia enjoy statement wins on day one in Georgia
11. RUGBY LEAGUE — Bostock to debut, To’o axed as Blues make six changes for decider
12. FOOTBALL — All Whites eliminated while Cape Verde make historic progression
PAC – RUGBY: AAP/FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 29 Jun 2026
Drua run rampant over Reds, seal Super finals spot
BRISBANE, 29 JUNE 2026 (AAP/FBC SPORTS) —Varanisese Qoro has steered Fijiana Drua to a fifth consecutive Super Rugby Women’s finals berth by thumping cellar dwellers Queensland 50-17.
Knowing that a win at Ballymore Stadium on Saturday would seal a top-four finish, the Drua charged out of the blocks and never looked back.
Flyhalf Qoro was at the centre of it, scoring a try, assisting two more and flexing her blistering speed to move the Drua 12 points clear of the fifth-placed Reds (two) with one round remaining.
Victory also boosts their hopes of claiming a first minor premiership since 2022, although the second-placed defending premiers NSW (nine) are hot on their heels and have a game in hand.
“We knew they were a physical team, and leading into this week, our first focus was our first 20 minutes,” Drua captain Kolora Lomani told Stan Sport.
“We knew that the Reds were going to bring it to us, but big up to the girls for holding up.”
Queensland are still without a win this season and their chances of making the top four are now on life support as they must win against the Waratahs next Sunday.
However, Wallaroos star Eva Karpani produced a try of the year contender when she shook off a flurry of defenders and slammed the ball down centimetres from the sideline in the first half.
The visitors drew first blood when young gun Josivini Naihamu tore through the middle of the Reds’ defence and stormed over before Qoro capitalised on her own charge down.
Prop Tiana Robanakadavu and winger Aqela Raitubu crashed over, but a barnstorming Karpani scored to give her side a glimmer of hope.
On the stroke of halftime, back-rower Sulita Waisega scooped up a loose ball and crossed to extend the Drua’s advantage to 33-5 at the break.
Qoro employed some fancy footwork before handing it off to Litiana Vueti, who scored, before substitute Verenaisi Ditavutu rolled over in the 68th minute.
But the home side kept up the fight and scored the final two tries through winger Piper Flynn and interchange Mary Tuaana.
Meanwhile, Fijian Drua Women’s coach Mike Legge believes there is still room for improvement despite his side’s 50-17 victory over the Queensland Reds, warning that the team cannot afford to ease off heading into the Super Rugby Women’s semi-finals.
The dominant win at Ballymore Stadium secured the Drua a home semi-final, but Legge said there were valuable lessons to take from a performance that was impressive for long periods but not without its flaws.
“We took the foot off the throat a couple of times and let them score a few soft tries, but overall I’m bloody ecstatic.”
The Drua were clinical from the outset, producing one of their strongest starts of the season after placing a major focus on improving their opening exchanges and sustaining pressure over the past three weeks.
“We’ve been working quite a lot over the last two to three weeks on our starts and then continuing to build pressure and keep the pressure on. I thought we did that today.”
Defensively, the visitors laid the platform for the convincing win, repeatedly shutting down the Reds with aggressive line speed, dominant tackles and disciplined defensive organisation.
“That’s something we’ve worked really hard on. The girls defended really well today. Our line speed, tackle technique and physicality were really good. We still let in a few soft tries, but overall they were immense.”
Legge also paid tribute to the strong contingent of Fijian supporters who turned Ballymore into a sea of blue over the weekend, saying the team was delighted to reward them with a performance worthy of a semi-final berth.
“Our Fijian community really came out in numbers today, and we’re really happy about that. We’re happy we put on a show for them, and now we’re going to the semis.”
In another development, it was more than just a rugby match in Brisbane.
It was a performance built on heart, unity and grief as the Fijian Drua Women powered to a 50–17 victory over the Queensland Reds.
Behind the scoreline, there was a heavy emotional weight carried by the Fijian side who played in honour of teammate Atelaite Buna and her younger brother, who sadly passed away on Thursday.
From the moment the news broke, messages of condolence and support flooded Buna’s social media, and within the Drua camp, the focus shifted far beyond rugby.
For the players, the match became something bigger, a promise to stand together for one of their own.
Captain Kolora Lomani says the victory was dedicated fully to Buna and her grieving family, with the team determined to honour the bond they share both on and off the field.
The loss was felt deeply within the squad, especially as Buna’s brother was known to many of the players as more than just a family member.
He had become part of their extended rugby family, often calling after matches to congratulate them or offer words of encouragement.
In the end, the Drua responded in the best way they knew how, with passion, pride, and purpose, turning emotion into performance on the field.
There were emotional scenes at full time, with tears, hugs and heartfelt embraces as the Drua Women celebrated a victory dedicated to Buna’s family.
Her brother will be laid to rest this week.
The journey home is now a quieter one for the Drua Women who return not just as winners on the scoreboard but as a team standing firmly beside one of their own in a time of deep sorrow.
The Drua Women will be on a bye this week after four rounds in the regular season.
With a home semi-final now awaiting, the Drua will look to eliminate the defensive lapses while carrying the confidence and momentum of one of their most commanding performances of the season….PACNEWS
FIJI – FOOTBALL: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 29 Jun 2026
Ba ends 16-year FACT drought
LABASA, 29 JUNE 2029 (FIJI SUN)—Ba has ended their 16-year BiC Fiji FACT drought at Subrail Park, Labasa when they defeated Navua, 3-1, in the final.
They last won a Fiji FACT title in 2010.
The went into a penalty shootout after they were tied nil-all at full time. No goals were also scored at extra time.
Ba goalie Isikeli Sevanaia made two crucial saves and only conceded a goal as Peniame Drova’s attempt went over the goal mouth.
The men in black last lifted a title at Subrail Park 51 years ago.
They walked away with $17k(US$8,500) while Navua won $5k (US$2,500)…..PACNES
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 29 Jun 2026
Hekari Women FC and Tafea FC open Group A with entertaining draw
HONIARA, 29 JUNE 2026 (OFC)—Hekari Women FC and Tafea FC have shared the points in an entertaining 2-2 draw to open up Group A at OFC Women’s Champions League 2026.
In a match filled with numerous twists and turns in momentum, Tafea were pegged back by two goals after taking an early lead, before scoring a stunning second half equaliser to steal a point at the National Stadium in Honiara.
Runners-up in each of the previous three editions of the OFC Women’s Champions League, Hekari Women FC entered the contest as favourites, but were stunned by a fast start from Tafea FC. Liyo Eramol gave the Vanuatu representatives a shock lead inside the first three minutes, picking out the bottom-right corner from a one-on-one position after being played in-behind the Hekari defence.
It’s the earliest goal Hekari Women have conceded at the OFC Women’s Champions League since their very first match in the tournament back in 2023, and they struggled to keep hold of possession as Tafea pressed them into errors early on.
Eramol should have scored a scored second too, when blazing over the crossbar from point-blank range after captain Leimata Simon had stolen possession inside the final third.
Hekari coach Eric Komeng had started with star attacker Nenny Elipas on the bench but was forced to play his cards early to swing momentum, and brought her into the action on the half-hour mark.
It proved a masterstroke when Elipas had a hand in the equalizer, setting up Seruwaia Laulaba, who had her initial shot palmed away by Amelia Reddy, but was on hand to tuck the rebound into the roof of the net in the 35th minute.
The goal allowed Hekari to settle, and they turned the contest on its head when they came from behind to hit the front in first half stoppage-time. Tafea failed to clear their lines from a delivery into the box, and Reddy failed to keep out Phylis Pala’s close-range effort, giving the Papua New Guinea representatives the lead at the break.
Komeng used the interval to make two more changes, further bolstering the Hekari line-up by bringing Ramona Padio and Francisca Mani into the action.
Rather it was Tafea coach Robert Calvo’s alterations which provided the next twist in the contest though, substitute Augustine Mansale scoring an early contender for the goal of the tournament in the 76th minute, after turning and finding the top-left corner of the net from long range to level the contest at two goals apiece.
After a previously slow start to the second half, the match ignited into life again. Padio had an effort saved by Reddy, before Elipas drove a low effort into the side-netting, but Hekari Women couldn’t find a late winner.
Both teams are back in action in Group A on Wednesday, when Hekari Women FC face Ba Women FC, and Tafea FC take on host club Henderson Eels FC.
Hekari Women FC: 2 (Seruwaia LAULABA 35′, Phylis PALA 45+4′)
Tafea FC: 2 (Liyo ERAMOL 3′, Augustine MANSALE 76′)
HT: 2-1…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 29 Jun 2026
NRL congratulates Jason Taumalolo
TOWNSVILLE, 29 JUNE 2026 (NRL)—National Rugby League (NRL) CEO Andrew Abdo has congratulated North Queensland Cowboys prop Jason Taumalolo, who played his 300th NRL match on Saturday.
Taumalolo became the 56th player to join the 300-game club when the North Queensland Cowboys face the Penrith Panthers on Saturday night.
Abdo presented Taumalolo with the 300-game match ball following the game at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville.
“Jason has had an exceptional career, spanning almost 16 years with the North Queensland Cowboys. As a one-club player, he has shown incredible dedication and established himself as one of the most powerful ball runners in the NRL,” Mr Abdo said.
“He’s also represented New Zealand and Tonga with real pride, and his impact goes beyond the NRL — he’s been an important figure for the international game as well.
“To be the first Cowboy to reach 300 games all for the club says everything about his durability and professionalism. It’s a milestone that reflects not just talent, but discipline and commitment over time.
“On behalf of the Rugby League community, I congratulate Jason and wish him the very best for the remainder of his career.”
Taumalolo has won the Cowboys Player of the Year award six times, including five in a row from 2016-20. He was awarded the Dally M Medal in 2016 jointly with Cooper Cronk and won the Dally M Lock of the Year in 2015, 2016 and 2018….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 29 Jun 2026
FRU tightens overseas clearances to protect players
SUVA, 29 JUNE 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) will not issue players clearance for overseas contract unless the Fiji Rugby Players Association (FRPA) gives the green light.
FRU chief executive officer Koli Sewabu said the FRPA has put on certain measures to address players’ welfare issues.
This was one of the discussions at last Saturday’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lami.
“They are producing new regulations, which we will confirm once it’s endorsed by the board over the next couple of weeks,” Sewabu said.
“We’ve already started communicating to global partners and member unions, in terms of this, is how we are going forward when it comes to player movement. So for now we put a certain measure in place.
“The role now is to analyse the contracts of the players, make sure that all the player welfare issues are well- covered in there, before they give us the green light to do so.”
Sewabu said several key things are taken into considerations before releasing a player including costs, which would be invested into FRU to develop teams from provinces and right to schools.
He said that the players’ database, which would be active soon would be crucial for it.
Sewabu added discussions were also held around a new life after rugby programme.
FRU signed an agreement with Australia Pacific Management Training (APMT) and would work with them over the next couple of weeks to develop some curriculum. This will address some of the educational gaps and issues according to the current FRU has.
“There’s a huge amount of our young people living school at Year 9, 10, and 11. From current data that we did, it’s around 49,000. What can rugby do to address some of those?
“We put it together some of those costs, which will then roll out to not only to schools, to clubs, to provinces, where it gives our rugby players an opportunity, whether they want to go formal education, or they want to go through trade skills.
“APMT is working hard behind the scenes, and also with other institutions on how we’re going to put them in place. It’s also an element where former rugby players can come back and get trained, you train as tutors, as ambassadors, so that they can continue to pass on the skills and the knowledge to upcoming players.”….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 29 Jun 2026
‘Ice man’ Isaako with point to prove in final Phins season
BRISBANE, 29 JUNE 2029 (NRL)—Dolphins sharpshooter Jamayne Isaako prides himself on having never missed a game for his team, knowing how important he and his kicking remains for the fortunes of his side.
The Kiwis winger achieved another milestone as the Dolphins secured a last-gasp 26-24 win over the second-placed Warriors, with his individual haul of 14 points seeing him become the first player to score 12 or more points in nine successive games.
This season, he sits at the top of the points scorers table with 194 points scored with 69 goals and 14 tries. He has now also tallied up more than 1500 points overall in his career.
As well as two tries in their Round 17 win, he also slotted the match-winning conversion from the sideline to see the Dolphins rack up their eighth straight victory and settle them into third place on the ladder.
“Firstly, not to miss it,” Isaako said with a laugh when asked what goes through his mind in those pressure moments.
“I’m obviously thinking to kick the ball over.
“In that situation, I know how important it is … the game’s on the line.
“So, I try and go back to what I do in training and try and block out the noise.
“(But) it was hard to sort of block out the outside noise in the Warriors (fan) corner there.
“I was getting peppered pretty loudly. It was hard to not pay attention to it, but there were a few funny comments that were thrown at me.
“I was telling the boys in (the sheds), there was one bloke who yelled out, ‘if you’re a true Kiwi, you’ll shank the kick’.
“Obviously, when it went over, I had to laugh about it, because I heard it, yeah.
“I am a true Kiwi, but at the end of the day, I had to win it for the Phins.”
Since joining the Dolphins in their inaugural year in 2023, as well as not missing a game with 87 appearances in a row, he has also scored points in every appearance, with his goal-kicking ability something the side are sure to miss when he makes the move to Melbourne next season.
But for now, Isaako remains focused on ensuring the team finally make the finals after showing promise since their inaugural season, and will continue to work on his body to keep his appearance streak alive.
Only two rounds ago, it seemed he would miss his first football for the side after dislocating his finger in the Round 15 win against the Roosters, but next-day surgery and an intense focus on rehabilitation saw him suit up the very next week to play his part in the win over Wests Tigers.
“I’d like to think I’m a person that looks after my body,” Isaako said.
“I invest a lot of time in the recovery side of things, I’m the type of person where if I don’t do the extra things when it comes to recovery during the week, it harps on me a little bit, so, I always prioritise that.
“I’m lucky enough that I’ve got a family that allows me to do that. My missus knows how important this job is for me, and with two young ones, it’s always hard. I think it helps that they’re in school and it allows me that time.
“Every single day if I’m not training, I get to a recovery centre or do my recovery at home.
“(With my finger) they obviously said it was a two-to-three-week injury and I went in for surgery first thing Sunday morning and … the motivation for me was not to miss a game for the club this year …
“I don’t want to do that, obviously knowing that I have to go to Melbourne next year.
“We’re creating something special here and I know that if we can continue playing good footy, then I don’t see why we aren’t going to play finals footy this year or potentially even give ourselves a chance to make a GF really.
“That’s the ultimate goal in the end and I know how important my role is for this team.
“I love this bunch of blokes that I’m playing with, and so if that wasn’t the case, I don’t think I would have suited up as quick as I did.”…PACNEWS
FIJI – SPORTS COUNCIL: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 29 Jun 2026
Vakalalabure, Senibulu sacked as board now runs FSC
SUVA, 29 JUNE 2-26 (FIJI SUN)—Fiji Police have started their investigation on sacked Fiji Sports Council (FSC) chief executive officer Ratu Gilbert Vakalalabure and operations manager Litia Senibulu.
This was confirmed to SUNsports by Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro.
“I can confirm that an investigation is underway following the receipt of the audit report,” Naisoro said.
She said they would not provide a time frame on the investigation.
Also, lawyer Tomasi Tuitoga of Haniff Tuitoga Law Firm (FSC legal representative) confirmed to SUNsports that Vakalalabure and Senibulu have been terminated.
He also indicated that the report has been sent to the Police for further investigations.
The independent forensic investigation report was prepared by accounting and advisory firm Pherrus Financial Services.
This was after allegations were made against FSC’s Vakalalabure and Senibulu, which led to their suspension on March 6.
Earlier on, a special meeting of the FSC board on 17 February, reviewed the presentation of allegations with supporting evidence currently being delivered through local media and social media platforms.
It was resolved that the board would not dwell on the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption ruling (in clearing Vakalalabure) as the FICAC case has been closed. The acting commissioner of FICAC, Lavi Rokoika is Vakalalabure’s sister-in-law. She is married to Vakalalabure’s brother, Ratu Tevita Tangaroa Vakalalabure.
This resulted in the appointment of Pherrus to examine the fresh allegations levelled against the institution.
It is understood that the Pherrus report exceeded 100 pages, outlining several findings, including allegations involving the misuse of more than $1 million (US$500,000).
Vakalalabure was the People’s Alliance Party (PAP) frontman during the 2022 General Elections campaign in the Cakaudrove Province, where he had resided. With PAP forming government soon after that under Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, he was appointed to the FSC board where he became chairman. He later resigned from his chairmanship to become the FSC CEO.
The FSC board now runs the organisation …..PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 29 Jun 2026
Expansion sides battling to build competitive squads
PORT MORESBY, 29 JUNE 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—The race to build competitive squads between the Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs ahead of their NRL debut is already creating tensions.
While the battle to sign NRL top players continues, Bears chief executive officer Anthony De Ceglie said the club is staying focused on its own plans instead of getting distracted by outside talk surrounding the PNG franchise.
“We are not worried about competition from the Chiefs,” De Ceglie told The National.
“Look, I’m a big believer that you kind of have to ignore the external noise and not let it distract you from your internal KPIs.
“We’re both two expansion teams. But, you know, I keep reminding everyone that Chiefs aren’t playing next year and there are 17 other teams that we’re probably more focused on.”
De Ceglie admitted comparisons between the two expansion clubs are unavoidable because both teams are entering the competition during the same expansion period. However, he made it clear that Perth’s main attention remains on preparing for their own entry and competing against the current NRL clubs.
He said the Bears are trying to focus strongly on their internal goals and recruitment targets.
His comments come as speculation continues around the aggressive recruitment plans of the Chiefs, who are targeting elite talent with attractive financial packages and incentives.
Meanwhile, Bears assistant coach Ben Gardiner revealed the style of football the club wants to build under the guidance of rugby league legend and head coach Mal Meninga.
“We want to play a fast style of footy,” he said.
“We want to build a type of game where it’s a resilience type game where we keep the ball in play and we try and break the opposition down through fatigue, so we’re going to need to be a fit team.”
Attempts to get comments from Chiefs general manager of football Michael Chammas was unsuccessful…PACNEWS
GEORG – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 29 Jun 2026
South Africa, Argentina and Australia enjoy statement wins on day one in Georgia
TBLISI, 29 JUNE 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—It was an opening day to savour at the World Rugby Junior World Championship 2026 in Georgia on Saturday as reigning champions South Africa laid down a stunning marker by running in 15 tries against Uruguay.
Argentina, England and Wales were also victorious in Tbilisi with 2025 runners-up New Zealand, Scotland, France and Australia coming out on top in Kutaisi.
POOL A
WALES 25-24 GEORGIA: Big names see Georgia edged out by Wales in thrilling climax
A sellout crowd at Avchala Stadium in Tbilisi featured a star-studded cast list as hosts Georgia went agonisingly close to beating Wales for the first time at U20 level in an enthralling encounter.
The Junior Lelos pushed Richard Whiffin’s men all the way and watching on were some of Georgia’s most high-profile dignitaries, including President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Shalva Gogoladze, Georgia’s Minister of Sport.
Many iconic former players were also in attendance, including Davit Kacharava, who earned a record 122 caps for Georgia and is now the President of the Georgia Rugby Union, along with Mamuka Gorgodze and Ilia Zedginidze.
It was Wales that took control early on with classy tries from Caio James and Rhys Cummings. However, Georgia hit back before half-time with a superb brace from their talismanic number eight Mikheili Shioshvili, the top scorer at last year’s tournament in Italy.
They edged ahead early in the second half through tight-head prop Gabriel Razmadze’s close-range score. Wales lost winger Tom Bowen to a 42nd-minute yellow card but came back strongly through fly-half Carwyn Leggatt Jones’ try.
Georgia, who had Luka Tabatadze sin-binned, set up a tense finale with a penalty try as Bowen saw red for a second yellow card as the hosts were denied a matchwinning score right at the death with Wales holding them up over the line to the dismay of the vocal crowd.
SOUTH AFRICA 104-7 URUGUAY: Champions flex their muscles with stunning statement win over returning Uruguay
Consummately professional, ruthlessly efficient and clinical with pretty much every chance that came their way, South Africa enjoyed the perfect start to their title defence.
It was not only the pace and precision of their attacks, but also the physical dominance of Kevin Foote’s side which saw them score more than 100 points for the third time in Junior World Championship history.
The Junior Springboks were crowned champions for the first time in 13 years in Italy last year and at Avchala Stadium in Tbilisi, the Junior Springboks side purred ominously, scoring an avalanche of tries to suggest it will take a special team to stop them retaining their title.
Uruguay, back on the Junior World Championship stage for the first time in 17 years, simply had no answer to the speed, skill and physicality of a Junior Springboks side who raced into a 50-0 half-time lead.
Rising star Markus Muller opened the scoring, Khuthadzo Rasivhaga and Jayden Brits grabbed doubles while Jordan Steenkamp and Risima Khosa both completed hat-tricks.
Further scores came from Ethan Adams, Cheswill Jooste, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Gert Kemp and a penalty try before Uruguay claimed a last-minute consolation through replacement tight-head prop Sebastian Dalmao Rivero.
POOL B
ITALY 32-38 SCOTLAND: McHaffie at the double as Scotland edge out Azzurrini in thrilling opener
Scotland ran in six tries when beating Italy 36-10 in this year’s U20 Six Nations and they scored six again at AIA Arena in Kutaisi – but this Pool B opener was an altogether closer affair.
Winger Dan Kelly marked his Scotland debut with a delightful opening score on the right flank, collecting his own chip to touch down, while Jake Dalziel and Rory McHaffie also went over.
Italy scored through centre Riccardo Casarin and hooker Valerio Pelli to trail just 19-14 at the break before Scotland pulled clear with further tries from McHaffie, Nairn Moncrieff and Henry Kesterton.
The Azzurrini fought gamely throughout as second-half tries from David Luisato and Nikolaj Varotto – and Mattia Andretti’s crucial last-minute penalty – earned them a well-deserved losing bonus point.
NEW ZEALAND 38-21 JAPAN: New Zealand edge out Japan as lightning forced match to be abandoned
Torrential rain, thunderstorms and lightning in Kutaisi forced this Pool B opener at AIA Arena to be suspended in the 68th minute with referee Luke Rogan taking both sets of players off the field as per safety protocols.
It did not restart and in accordance with the tournament rules the score stood as the final result, giving 2025 runners-up New Zealand a hard-fought 38-21 victory.
The fare served up beforehand was credit to the teams who showed impressive skill despite the wet conditions making handling difficult.
A thrilling first half ended with the scores locked at 21-21 as Japan, returning to the Junior World Championship for the first time since 2023, crossed through Kise Sin, Shinnosuke Uchida and Sota Miura.
New Zealand’s first-half tries came from Dane Johnston, Bradley Tocker and Ollie Guerin before scores from Logan Williams, Caleb Woodley and Mika Muliaina edged them clear in the second half before lightning forced the teams off.
POOL C
ARGENTINA 78-14 USA: Los Pumitas run amok with 12-try blitz to lay down emphatic marker
Argentina showed they could be serious title contenders with a stunning win at Avchala Stadium in Tbilisi against a USA team back on the Junior World Championship stage for the first time in 13 years.
Los Pumitas scored a point a minute during the first half to lead 40-0. Their teamwork was matchless, their conviction unshakeable as they racked up six first-half tries with some mesmerising rugby.
Argentina needed just two minutes to open the scoring through second-row Bautista Benavides before the outstanding Federico Serpa Laporte added a second midway through the first half.
The USA weren’t helped by a yellow card for captain Spencer Huntley in the 25th minute and Los Pumitas quickly rammed home their numerical advantage.
Hooker Manuel Cuneo Camargo and captain Tomas Dande touched down before fly-half Serpa ran in a brilliant individual effort and full-back Simon Pfister claimed his first on the stroke of half-time.
Los Pumitas’ class continued to tell after the break as Benjamin Ordiz Yujnovsky went over before Pfister claimed two more tries to complete a hat-trick and Bautista Lescano, Ramon Fernandez and Juan Preumayr also touched down.
The USA got the try their efforts deserved in the final quarter when winger Sialeafuhia Ofa capped an enterprising display by finishing superbly in the left corner and team-mate Dean Holder added a second, with Declan Cadden converting both tries.
ENGLAND 34-27 IRELAND: England recover from sluggish start to edge out Ireland but are pushed all the way
A significant rivalry has developed between these sides with Ireland having beaten England 31-21 in Bath in the U20 Six Nations en-route to winning a Triple Crown.
They looked set for another victory after two early scores from highly-rated Connacht winger Daniel Ryan put them 12-0 up at Avchala Stadium.
First-half yellow cards for Ireland forwards Ben Blaney and Dylan McNeice proved costly, though, as 24 unanswered points sent England in 24-12 ahead at the break, laying the platform for victory.
Ryan had proved England’s nemesis with a try in February and was quickest off the mark in Tbilisi when touching down in the left corner from Charlie O’Shea’s exquisite cross-field kick.
He scored again soon after with another smart finish on the left edge but Blaney’s yellow proved costly for Ireland quickfire scores from hooker Jimmy Staples from a driving lineout and James Pater saw England hit back.
Hugh Shields converted both tries and added a penalty which left England in command following a second yellow for Ireland, this time for McNeice.
Shortly after half-time, Ryan touched down in clinical fashion again to complete his hat-trick for Ireland but centre Will Knight sidestepped through the Ireland defence for England’s fourth try.
Ireland rallied strongly, though, with tries from Noah Byrne and Jack Deegan, after England lost Seb Kelly to the sin-bin, to secure a losing bonus point.
POOL D
FRANCE 45-15 FIJI: Les Bleuets flash a title warning after proving too strong for Fiji
Perennial challengers France are aiming for a fourth World Rugby Junior World Championship title and they showed just why they are rated among the tournament favourites.
Still bubbling from their U20 Six Nations Grand Slam success earlier this year, Cédric Laborde’s men cantered to victory over Fiji in their Pool D opener at AIA Arena.
Les Bleuets were 33-0 up and in total control at the break in Kutaisi in a game that late starting due to an earlier suspension for lightning, courtesy of some thrilling attacking rugby and classic French flair.
Hooker Gabin Garault seized centre stage with a hat-trick of first-half tries and Matheo Frisach and Romeo Bonnard Martin also touched down before the interval.
In the second half, France’s dominance continued as captain Lucas Andjisseramatchi got in on the act with their sixth try from close range before they added a penalty try.
Fiji’s discipline undermined them throughout – they had Setareki Turagacoke, Isikeli Bari Ratu, and Ratu Apenisa Naevo sin-binned – but their spirits never sagged.
Back at the Junior World Championship for the first time since they were relegated in 2024, Fiji responded with tries from Ratu Epeli Roseruvakula and Mosese Tamaniceva Tuvasu Tabuakoto in the final quarter while France’s Alban Portat saw yellow late on.
AUSTRALIA 90-22 SPAIN: Junior Wallabies quickest out of the blocks to defeat Spain
For such a proud sporting nation, a maiden Junior World Championship title would do just nicely for Australia – and they got their campaign off to an impressive start.
Runners-up in 2010 and 2019, the Junior Wallabies are aiming to go all the way this time around and they will certainly take encouragement from this 14-try display in Kutaisi.
Australia’s previous highest score in the tournament came courtesy of an 86-0 win against Canada in the 2009 pool stage in Japan.
They surpassed that figure here but could not keep out a spirited Spain outfit who ran in four second-half tries of their own to claim a bonus point in defeat.
Australia’s tries came from Luca Cleverley, Ewald Kruger (two), Eli Langi, Angus Grover, Edwin Langi, Chayse Geros, Tom Robinson, Zach Fittler (two), TJ Talaileva (two), Sam Blank and Charlie Hollyman.
Yet Los Leones U20 showed remarkable bravery to keep fighting and they were richly rewarded in the second half with tries from Ivan Farace, Mauro del Campo and Oriol Marsinyac Garcia (two) to take something out of the game….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 29 Jun 2026
Bostock to debut, To’o axed as Blues make six changes for decider
BRISBANE, 29 JUNE 2026 (NRL)—Dolphins back Jack Bostock will make his Origin debut in the July 8 series decider at Suncorp Stadium after NSW coach Laurie Daley made six changes to the side beaten in Game II.
Bostock, who has been named on the wing, will join centres Stephen Crichton and Bradman Best, secondrower Liam Martin, interchange forward Haumole Olakau’atu and dummy half Blayke Brailey as the new faces in the Blues side.
Crichton and Brailey return from injury after playing in Origin I while Olakau’atu has been recalled. Martin and Best have previously played for NSW but were overlooked for the opening two matches of the series.
The players to make way are Panthers winger Brian To’o, Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs, Knights secondrower Dylan Lucas, Wests Tiger Api Koroisau and Roosters Victor Radley, who was named as 20th man.
Sea Eagles back Tolu Koula, who played on the wing in Origin I and centres in Origin II, has been dropped to the bench. Raiders five-eighth Ethan Strange, who starred in Origin I, is again on the interchange.
There was no room for no room for Manly’s Tom Trbojevic.
Daley said the changes reflected the belief within the Blues camp that previous Origin experience would be crucial for a series decider in Brisbane, with Bostock the only debutant in the squad.
He replaces To’o, who has played 17 consecutive Origins for NSW since 2021 but has been targeted under the high ball in the opening two matches of the series as the Maroons have matched the taller Selwyn Cobbo and Jo Jo Fifita against him.
“All of these players have played Origin before, and Jack was a part of the 19-man squad down in Melbourne,” Daley said. “He’s a big body, he’s an aerial threat and he’s someone that we think will do well in Game III.
“It was a difficult decision, Bizza has been one of my personal favourites and is someone who has been the Brad Fittler Medal winner – he won that last year.
He’s given great service to NSW and I’m sure he’ll be back, but just for this game, we just feel like we just needed to make that change. Jack’s a young man, he gets his opportunity and we expect him to play well.”
After being dropped for Lucas in Origin II, Olakau’atu has responded in the best possible way for Manly to force his way back into the squad.
However, the Tongan international will have to make his return from the bench after Daley recalled Martin, who has been a mainstay of NSW and Australian team since 2021.
“He’s had four games back now from injury, and he’s a guy that has never let NSW down,” Daley said of Martin. “He does bring that aggression.
“He understands Origin. He understands what we’re about to walk into up there at Suncorp Stadium, so I’m sure Liam will be very excited about the opportunity.
“I think with Haumole, it was just a matter of the way we wanted to play in Game II, and then the balance of our team for Game III, just to have him on the bench.
“We believe he can make an impact in that position, so that’s the reason why we’ve gone that way this time around. They’re always hard decisions.”
Martin will start alongside Canberra’s Hudson Young in the secondrow, with Panthers team-mate Isaah Yeo retained at lock despite the claims of South Sydney’s Cameron Murray, who has again been named on the bench.
Brisbane’s Payne Haas and Warriors prop Mitch Barnett will start in the frontrow, with Cronulla and Tonga enforcer Addin Fonua-Blake on the interchange.
Roosters hooker Reece Robson and Brailey will share the dummy half duties as they did in Origin I, before the latter broke his arm playing for the Sharks.
Crichton was initially named for Origin II but ruled out with a shoulder injury. However, he has starred for the Bulldogs in back-to-back wins against the Sea Eagles and Titans in the new role of five-eighth.
The Samoa superstar is considered the best defensive centre in the game and he will be tasked with shutting down Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Cobbo, who scored four tries on Queensland’s left edge in Melbourne.
Best has played for the Blues previously and scored a try in the 2024 decider at Suncorp Stadium as NSW overcame defeat in the opening game to win the series.
“With Bradman, we just felt we probably just needed someone there that has experienced Lang Park before, someone that’s a big body and who defends really well and carries the football strongly,” Daley said.
“Tolu has been excellent for us in Game One and Two, but we just felt like that combination of Bradman and Jack can give us something a little bit different to what we’ve had.”
NSW Blues squad
1. James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters)
2. Jack Bostock (Dolphins)*
3. Bradman Best (Newcastle Knights)
4. Stephen Crichton (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase (Sydney Roosters)
6. Mitchell Moses (Parramatta Eels)
7. Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)
8. Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos)
9. Reece Robson (Sydney Roosters)
10. Mitchell Barnett (Warriors)
11. Hudson Young (Canberra Raiders)
12. Liam Martin (Penrith Panthers)
13. Isaah Yeo (c) (Penrith Panthers)
14. Cameron Murray (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
15. Addin Fonua-Blake (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
16. Haumole Olakau’atu (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)
17. Blayke Brailey (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
18. Ethan Strange (Canberra Raiders)
19. Toluta’u Koula (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)
20. Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters)…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 29 Jun 2026
All Whites eliminated while Cape Verde make historic progression
VANCOUVER, 29 JUNE 2026 (OFC)—New Zealand were eliminated from the FIFA World Cup following defeat to Belgium on another busy day of action, which saw the Belgians progress alongside Egypt in Group G.
Cape Verde meanwhile made FIFA World Cup history by advancing into the knockout stages on their debut appearance at the competition by finishing second in Group H, while France made it three from three with serene progression from Group I.
Group I
Senegal 5 Iraq 0
Norway 1 France 4
Ousmane Dembélé struck a first-half hat-trick as France finished first in Group I securing top spot with a convincing 4-1 defeat of Norway in Boston. One of the pre-World Cup favourites underlined their credentials with a ruthless display against a much-changed Norway, manager Ståle Solbakken making ten changes from the team that ensured group progression for the Scandinavians in their second match.
Dembélé was irresistible in smashing in a 25-minute treble after giving France the lead inside the opening ten minutes. Thelo Aasgaard pulled one back for the Norwegians in between the French forward’s second and third goals, and Norway striker Jorgen Strand Larsen missed a second half penalty, before France added a fourth in stoppage time as Désiré Doué rounded off proceedings with a late header.
Senegal required a big win to turn around their World Cup fortunes and keep their hopes of progression alive ahead of the rest of the final round matches, and they did exactly that with a 5-0 hammering of ten-man Iraq in Toronto. The early dismissal of Iraq defender Rebin Sulaka did much to open the opportunity for the African giants, and they took full advantage.
Habib Diarra has already given Senegal the lead before the sending off, but it was the two goals within four minutes of each other in the second half that spurred Senegal on. Ismaila Sarr netted the first, with substitute Papa Gueye making in 3-0 before the hour mark. Gueye bagged his second with nineteen minutes remining and Iliman Ndiaye rounded off the huge win in the 82nd minute.
Group H
Cape Verde 0 Saudi Arabia 0
Uruguay 0 Spain 1
Spain moved into the Round of 32 with a narrow 1-0 win over Uruguay to take pole position in Group H and advance as group winners in a nervy encounter in Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico. The goal was netted three minutes before half-time as Álex Baena swept home from the top of the area after Spain had stolen possession deep inside the Uruguayan half, his shot deceiving goalkeeper Fernando Muslera who was substituted at the interval.
The South Americans, two times FIFA World Cup Champions, were forced to come looking for a goal knowing that a return of two points from three matches would not be sufficient for qualification. As it was, it was Spain who should have put the game to bed, but Ferran Torres struck the top of the crossbar close to full-time when played through the Uruguayan defensive line. The late dismissal of Agustin Canobbio summed up Uruguay’s tournament.
The story of the day though was undoubtedly the historic progression of Cape Verde. The massive underdogs Group H secured qualification to the Round of 32 with their third successive draw, remaining unbeaten in the section, this time holding out against Saudi Arabia, keeping a clean sheet in a goalless draw in Houston.
Saudi Arabia was unable to lay a glove on Cape Verde, the Blue Sharks iconic goalkeeper Vozinha comfortably dealing with anything thrown his way. The draw was enough for Cape Verde, who looked the most likely to break the deadlock, to finish second in the group, eliminate Uruguay, and send them to Miami for a mouthwatering knockout clash against Argentina.
Group G
Egypt 1 Iran 1
New Zealand 1 Belgium 5
New Zealand was eliminated from the FIFA World Cup as Belgium finished top of Group G with a 5-1 victory over the All Whites in Vancouver. The European outfit proved too good for the OFC representatives with a dominant display that did enough to see the Les Diables Rouges pip Egypt to first in the group on goal difference, New Zealand putting in a gallant effort but outplayed in the end.
It took Belgium close to half-an-hour to open the scoring as Leandro Trossard bundled home from close range, and the livewire forward volleyed in his second five minutes into the second half. Kevin De Bruyne rifled in the third with a precision shot, before Elijah Just cracked home his third goal of the World Cup with six minutes left. Belgium needed another to finish first, and substitute Romelu Lukakau provided it with his first touch less than ninety seconds later. Alexis Saelemaekers added the gloss in stoppage time.
Egypt had put themselves top of the pile earlier in the afternoon after taking an early lead against Iran in Seattle but were forced to settle for a share of the spoils as Iran hit back to earn themselves a point in a 1-1 draw. Iran was disappointed not to claim the victory, Madhi Taremi missing a first half penalty, and Shojae Khalilzadeh seeing a late strike disallowed by VAR.
Mahmoud Saber got Egypt off to a flying start with a fifth minute opener, however Iran responded superbly and, after Taremi had missed from the spot, Ramin Rezaeian brought the team’s level. Egypt had more of the possession but in the main it was an even contest with a draw an outcome that suited the North Africans more than their Asian opposition….PACNEWS
