In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Samoa Government withdraws recognition and support of Lakapi Samoa
2. COMMONWEALTH GAMES — Fijian to win historic medal in women’s Games boxing
3. COMMONWEALTH GAMES — Teen weightlifting star wins Samoa’s first Games gold
4. COMMONWEALTH GAMES — Another medal for the Pacific as athletes mark milestones and endure heartbreak in Glasgow
5. RUGBY — Rugby World Cup funding to aid Pacific push
6. RUGBY — Oceania Rugby welcomes Impact Beyond Pasifika investment to strengthen rugby across the Pacific
7. RUGBY — Rugby Australia welcomes $90m Australian Government funding commitment
8. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Kumuls talent pool growing ahead of Oct-Nov Rugby League World Cup
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — Tonga star vows to atone for ego and poor leadership
10. RUGBY — Bulked up lock Salakaia-Loto back in Wallabies fray
11. RUGBY — HSBC SVNS schedule confirmed for 2026-2027 series
SAMOA – RUGBY: TALAMUA MEDIA PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 30 Jul 2026
Samoa Government withdraws recognition and support of Lakapi Samoa
APIA, 30 JULY 2026 (TALAMUA MEDIA)—– Following months of consultations, and space given to find an amicable resolution to the issues within Samoan rugby, the Government has decided to withdraw its recognition and support of the national rugby union, Lakapi Samoa.
The Prime Minister, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt said the decision entails withdrawing all financial support and assistance previously provided to Lakapi Samoa.
The Prime Minister said ample time had been given the Union to resolve the internal issues and division impacting on the administration of the union, the issues raised by former players and coaches and the deteriorating status of Samoan rugby on the world stage.
The Prime Minister said the Government remains committed to the development of rugby in the future and will see what Union it will give its support to in order to deliver the future development of the sport, to restore the professional standards and Samoa’s rightful place in the global rugby arena.
He said the government decision is to assist reset Samoan rugby and government has supported the major development pathways and financial assistance already in the pipeline to assist the future development of rugby in the country….PACNEWS
PAC – COMMONWEALTH GAMES: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 30 Jul 2026
Fijian to win historic medal in women’s Games boxing
GLASGOW, 30 JULY 2026 (AAP)—Veteran Sri Lankan Keshani Hansika must be sick of coming up against Cameron Todd-connected boxers at the Commonwealth Games.
Todd cut a proud figure on Thursday morning (AEST) as Jasmine Daunakamakama added lustre to her history-making Glasgow campaign.
The first woman to box for Fiji at the Games will win a medal after her split-decision win over Hansika in their quarter-final.
It’s eight years since Todd’s ex-wife Alex Pritchard, boxing for New Zealand, also beat Hansika in a quarter-final at the Gold Coast games.
Todd noted that after only three years in the sport, Daunakamakama had beaten a fighter with more than 100 bouts under her belt.
“I’m super-proud of her,” Todd said.
Daunakamakama was in tears as the reality of what was happening hit home.
“Every step I take, my dream becomes more real. It’s quite overwhelming,” she said.
“I’ve dreamed about this since I was 10. My younger self would be so proud.
“It’s pretty wild … I didn’t want to aim for superficial goals. This whole journey has been driven from my internal state and how truthful I can be when I step into the ring, how well I can perform.
“To even have a medal is just a bonus. It’s incredible, having so much growth.”
That journey has not been straightforward. Last year, she could not compete at the world championships when the Fijian was among a group of woman whose controversial gender tests arrived too late for the event.
But she rallied and the noise in the crowd during the quarter-final showed the support that Daunakamakama has built around her campaign.
“It wouldn’t be possible without my loved ones and my boxing family, my friends all around the Pacific, all around the world,” she said……PACNEWS
PAC – COMMONWEALTH GAMES: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 30 Jul 2026
Teen weightlifting star wins Samoa’s first Games gold
GLASGOW, 30 JULY 2026 (AAP)—Weightlifting teenage sensation Seine Stowers has broken multiple Commonwealth records to win Samoa’s first gold medal at the Glasgow Games.
The 18-year-old lifted a record total of 237kg – a record 106kg in the snatch and 130kg in the clean-and-jerk – to take out the title in the women’s 77kg event.
Stowers’ triumph comes after teammate John Tafi claimed silver in the men’s 71kg category for Samoa’s first medal in Glasgow.
She continues her family’s rich weightlifting history at the Games after emulating her older sister Feagaiga Stowers.
The older Stowers won gold in the women’s +90kg event at the 2018 Gold Coast Games before winning silver at the 2022 Birmingham Games.
“I know she’s proud of me,” Stowers told AAP.
“At her first Commonwealth, she won the medal and she told me this is my first Commonwealth Games.
“Her wish was for me to win the medal, and now I’ve won the medal, so she’s going to be very excited.
“My mom is here too, and she was crying, because I’m too young, but I won the medal.”
Stowers was the clear frontrunner in the women’s final at the Armadillo, with England’s Isabella Brown taking silver with a total lift of 229kg.
Brown set a clean-and-jerk Games record of 132kg to go with her 97kg snatch lift.
Wales weightlifter Laura Hughes claimed bronze after lifting 224kg – 95kg in the snatch and 129kg in the clean-and-jerk.
Australia’s Isabella Andueza was one of four in the 10-strong field to fail to post a result after struggling to lift 89kg in the snatch.
Stowers said she knew she was on target to claim the gold medal after announcing herself to her international rivals by winning three titles at last year’s Australian championships in Melbourne.
“I knew I was going to win the medal,” Stowers said in Glasgow.
“I believed in myself, I trusted in myself, because my whole family, and my country, and the Samoan team, they are supporting me.
“The people, they were all looking at me like they were waiting for me to win the medal.”
Stowers’ compatriot Tafi lifted a total of 314kg – 142kg in the snatch and a Games record 172kg in the clean-and-jerk – to finish runner-up to Nigeria’s Edidiong Umoafia.
Fellow teenage sensation Femily-Crystie Notte was also on the podium in Glasgow, with the 17-year-old winning bronze for Nauru in the women’s 63kg event….PACNEWS
PAC – COMMONWEALTH GAMES: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 30 Jul 2026
Another medal for the Pacific as athletes mark milestones and endure heartbreak in Glasgow
GLASGOW, 30 JULY 2026 (PMN)—Nauru has strengthened the Pacific Islands’ medal tally at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games after teenage weightlifter Femily-Crystie Notte claimed bronze in the women’s 63kg division.
The 17-year-old lifted 100kg in the snatch and 116kg in the clean and jerk to finish on the podium, giving Nauru its second medal of the Games.
Canada’s Maude Charron took gold with a Games record total of 232kg, while England’s Sarah Davies Smale claimed silver.
The achievement continues Nauru’s proud weightlifting tradition.
“Since joining the Commonwealth Games in 1990, Naoero has proudly upheld a tradition of winning medals on the Commonwealth stage,” the Naoero Weightlifting Federation wrote on Facebook.
The country’s National Olympic Committee also praised the teenager. “Congratulations Femily. Certainly worth the wake. NAOERO is proud of you.”
All four Pacific medals at Glasgow have come from weightlifting: Sāmoa winning silver, Papua New Guinea claiming bronze, and Nauru securing two bronze medals.
Away from the podium, Samoa’s sprinter Symone Tafuna’i created history by becoming the first Samoan woman to qualify for the Commonwealth Games women’s 100 metres.
The sprinter finished fourth in her heat in 12.03 seconds and said simply reaching the starting blocks was a proud moment.
“Being the only female Sāmoan woman to qualify for the Commonwealth 100 metres, so that in itself has been very heartwarming for me,” she told RNZ.
“It’s very supportive and has such a loving family culture here. Just having devotion… really grounds me and gets me to connect to not only my culture but also my heritage which I found was kind of missing for a long time.”
New Zealand sprint star Zoe Hobbs won gold in the women’s 100m in an Oceania record 10.93 seconds.
Reflecting on her journey, the 28-year-old said she had once been told to give up the event.
“I just think about the time when I was told that I shouldn’t do the 100 because it’s too hard to do, that I should consider doing other events because I’ll never make it as a sprinter in the 100,” she told Sky Sport.
“And here I am making the Games and let alone getting a medal. So it’s just crazy. It’s actually wild.”
It was a disappointing day in the ring for Pacific boxers, with several medal hopes ending in the quarter-finals.
Papua New Guinea’s Flora Loga was stopped in the second round of her women’s 65kg bout against Scotland’s Caitlin Rainey.
In the same division, Niue’s Karen Te Ruki Pasene lost a unanimous points decision to Northern Ireland’s Kaci Rock after being knocked down three times.
In the men’s 90kg division, another Niue hopeful Duken Holo Tutakitoa-Williams, was beaten by Wales’ Connor Williams.
With more weightlifting, athletics and boxing still to come, Pacific nations remain in the hunt for more medals before the Glasgow Games end…..PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 30 Jul 2026
Rugby World Cup funding to aid Pacific push
SYDNEY, 30 JULY 2026 (AAP)—Part of Rugby Australia’s $90 million (US$62 million) World Cup government injection will be spent in the Pacific, breathing life into the code after Moana’s controversial Super Rugby exit.
The package will support the delivery of both next year’s home men’s World Cup and the 2029 women’s showpiece but will also help fund legacy projects focused on the women’s game in Australia and competition in the Pacific.
It follows the Australian government’s $600m (US$416 million) investment rugby league in the region.
In addition to a major investment in the PNG Chiefs, set to launch in the NRL in 2028, the 10-year funding package includes $250m (US$173 million) to grow the sport in Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and PNG.
Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh was in Brisbane on Wednesday to spruik the federal government injection ahead of the World Cup events.
“Rugby is the game of the Pacific, always has been and it’s important to preserve that,” Waugh told AAP.
He said the funds would help facilitate development programs, coaching and facilities.
The injection follows a separate $150m (US$104 million) proposal to the federal government, led by the prime ministers of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, for two new Pacific sides to join the four Super Rugby Australian franchises in their fledgling pre-season tournament.
Those sides would not be a reincarnation of the axed Moana Pasifika, an Auckland-based side forced out of the Super Rugby Pacific competition when their ownership pulled funding beyond this year.
The Fijian Drua were also introduced in 2022 but had the benefit of three seasons in the now-defunct, second-tier National Rugby Championship.
“In addition (to the $90 million) there’s the proposal in with the Australian government with the prime ministers of Samoa, Tonga and Fiji, which is direct investment to support rugby union in the pacific and in a lot of ways replicate the progress we’ve made with the Drua, since their entry into the NRC,” Waugh said.
“Competition on island is really important and we’ve seen a great example of what can be done.
“There needs to be pathways on island.
“Keeping young boys and girls at home with their families, but offering the pathway to represent their country and also travel the world through rugby.”
Next year’s Rugby World Cup, which begins in October, is expected to bring 250,000 supporters to the country and generate $2 billion (US$1.38 billio0n in economic activity.
Rugby Australia are determined to capitalise, with Waugh flagging an increase in grassroots and community investment to help surge registrations by 30 per cent and boost female participation by 70 per cent before 2030.
“Australia has a once in a generation opportunity to supercharge rugby union, both at home and across the Pacific,” World Rugby chair Brett Robinson said…. PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: OCEANIA RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 30 Jul 2026
Oceania Rugby welcomes Impact Beyond Pasifika investment to strengthen rugby across the Pacific
SYDNEY, 30 JULY 2026 (OCEANIA RUGBY)—Oceania Rugby has welcomed the launch of Impact Beyond Pasifika, the regional legacy pillar of World Rugby’s Impact Beyond programme, which will help ensure the benefits of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 extend meaningfully across the Pacific.
Impact Beyond Pasifika is part of the broader AUD $30 million(US$20.87 million) Australian Government investment in the legacy programme announced by Anika Wells, Federal Minister for Sport, to maximise the long-term benefits of Australia hosting back-to-back Rugby World Cups.
The programme positions the tournaments as catalysts for lasting change across Australia and the wider Oceania region, strengthening rugby ecosystems well beyond the final whistle.
For Oceania Rugby and its Member Unions, the programme will support Pacific-led outcomes across capability, performance, sustainability, community rugby development, governance and regional visibility linked to Rugby World Cups 2027 and 2029.
Oceania Rugby General Manager Frank Puletua said the programme represented an important investment in the future of rugby across the Pacific.
“For us [Oceania Rugby], Impact Beyond Pasifika is an important investment in the future of our game and our people,” Puletua said. “Rugby across the Pacific is built on community, identity and opportunity, and this programme gives us a shared framework to strengthen the systems, pathways and partnerships that allow those foundations to grow.
“As the regional delivery partner, we are focused on ensuring this work is Pacific-led and responsive to the priorities of our Member Unions. Through stronger governance, sustainable development, greater opportunities for women and girls, and continued investment in people across the game, Impact Beyond Pasifika can help create lasting benefits across our islands long after Rugby World Cups 2027 and 2029 have been played.”
Oceania Rugby will work alongside World Rugby, Rugby Australia, Pacific Member Unions and regional stakeholders to connect investment with local priorities and support practical delivery across the region.
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “Australia has a once in a generation opportunity to supercharge rugby union, both at home and across the Pacific, by hosting back to back Rugby World Cups, with the men’s tournament in 2027 followed by the women’s tournament in 2029.
“Impact Beyond is a co-designed and targeted programme that draws on the expertise of our delivery partners, Rugby Australia, Pacific Unions and Oceania Rugby, to identify real needs, sustainably strengthening the capability and capacity of our unions to power rugby, unite the game and enrich lives.
“This game-changing initiative will ensure the entire ecosystem is stronger, more inclusive and better equipped to thrive long after these tournaments have been played.”
Impact Beyond Pasifika priorities
The regional pillar is anchored around four strategic areas: international performance development, governance and financial sustainability, community rugby development, and regional engagement and visibility linked to Rugby World Cups 2027 and 2029.
Together, these pillars aim to strengthen domestic competitions, lift high-performance outcomes, build resilient unions and elevate the Pacific voice and presence on the global rugby stage.
Regional outcomes
Impact Beyond Pasifika will maintain a strong emphasis on women and girls’ participation, support the development of female coaches, strengthen high-performance coaching and technical capability across targeted Pacific Unions, and deliver regional safeguarding and governance support across Pacific Member Unions.
The programme also reinforces Oceania Rugby’s commitment to creating safe, inclusive and sustainable rugby environments that support players, coaches, match officials, administrators and volunteers at every level of the game.
Aligned with World Rugby’s global legacy ambition
The launch of Impact Beyond Pasifika aligns with World Rugby’s broader Impact Beyond legacy approach, which uses major tournaments as catalysts for growth, sustainability and social responsibility. It also supports World Rugby’s strategic purpose of powering rugby, uniting the game and enriching lives through impactful investment and support for Member Unions.
With Australia set to host consecutive Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups, Oceania Rugby sees Impact Beyond Pasifika as a shared opportunity to ensure the Pacific is central to the legacy of both tournaments and that the benefits are sustained across communities, competitions and Member Unions throughout the region…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 30 Jul 2026
Rugby Australia welcomes $90m Australian Government funding commitment
SYDNEY, 30 JULY 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—Rugby Australia welcomes the Federal Government’s commitment to provide $90 million(US$62 million) in funding to help deliver the 2027 and 2029 Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups and ensure they leave a lasting legacy for communities across Australia and the Pacific.
The Federal Minister for Sport, Anika Wells, joined Rugby Australia Chair Daniel Herbert and CEO Phil Waugh, Rugby World Cup 2027 Managing Director Chris Stanley, Wallabies and Wallaroos forwards Tom Hooper and Tiarah Minns and junior players from across Brisbane on Wednesday to announce the Impact Beyond legacy programme.
Under the agreement between the Federal Government, Rugby Australia and World Rugby, the first Rugby World Cups to be staged on Australian shores in 24 years will usher in a new era of long-term, sustainable growth for rugby in the region with a particular focus on boosting school and club participation, improving facilities, developing coaches and match officials and providing more opportunities for women and girls.
The Impact Beyond legacy programme focuses on expanding and strengthening rugby in Australia and increasing capability and sustainability throughout Oceania.
In Australia, the Impact Beyond programme will accelerate growth in rugby participation nationwide with aims to increase registered participants in competitions by 30 percent, double participation in club programmes and boost female participation by 70 percent by the end of 2029.
And in the Pacific, Impact Beyond provides a multi-year blueprint in collaboration with the Federal Government’s PacificAus Sports programme to provide targeted investment into the four key pillars of international performance development, governance and financial sustainability, community rugby development and regional engagement.
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said:“Rugby plays a vital role in communities across Australia and the Pacific and today’s announcement by the Federal Government ensures that great work will expand and evolve, positively impacting the lives of millions throughout the region.
“The Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029 in Australia present a generational opportunity to showcase the passion and purpose of Australian and Pacific Rugby – and the incredible communities supporting them – to the world and ensure the long-term sustainability and success of rugby in Australia and the Pacific.
“With the valued support of Minister Wells and the Federal Government, the legacy of the world’s third largest sporting event will live on long after the tournaments themselves, with more girls and boys playing the game, better infrastructure for all and fans old and new contributing to a culture and spirit unique to rugby and renowned around the world.”
Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells said: “The Albanese Government’s $90 million(US$62 million) investment will get more women, girls and grassroots players into rugby, growing the sport in Australia and the Pacific and leaving a lasting legacy from these major competitions.
“The benefits of these tournaments will be felt well beyond the final whistle, encouraging Australians – especially women and girls – to pick up a ball and get involved.
“Hosting these major events in Australia will also boost tourism, create jobs and support local businesses. This is another way we are working with our Pacific neighbours to grow and strengthen our ties through sport.”
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “Australia has a once in a generation opportunity to supercharge rugby union, both at home and across the Pacific, by hosting back to back Rugby World Cups, with the men’s tournament in 2027 followed by the women’s tournament in 2029.
“Impact Beyond is a codesigned and targeted programme that draws on the expertise of our delivery partners, Rugby Australia, Pacific Unions and Oceania Rugby, to identify real needs, grow rugby and enrich lives by empowering people at every level of the game, strengthening communities and ensuring the entire ecosystem is stronger, more inclusive and better equipped to thrive long after these tournaments have been played.”….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 30 Jul 2026
PNG Kumuls talent pool growing ahead of Oct-Nov Rugby League World Cup
PORT MORESBY, 30 JULY 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Papua New Guinea Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou and his selection panel face one of the biggest headaches in the nation’s rugby league history, with a growing number of eligible players participating in professional competitions around the world ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
The World Cup will be held from 15 October to 15 November and the Kumuls will take on Samoa, Lebanon and England in Group C.
Unlike previous campaigns, the Kumuls now have a strong player pool spread across the NRL, Super League, Championship, Queensland Cup, NSW Cup and Australia’s leading junior competitions, giving the selectors plenty of quality options for the final squad.
The NRL remains the strongest source of talent for PNG.
Veteran winger Alex Johnston headlines the list alongside Storm flyer Xavier Coates, Cowboys centre Robert Derby and teammate Zac Laybutt.
Brisbane Broncos youngster Phillip Coates, Titans forward Cooper Bai, Manly Sea Eagles outside back Josh Feledy and experienced forward Jack de Belin also remain in contention for selection.
England’s Super League continues to provide the Kumuls with valuable experience.
Captain-in-waiting Lachlan Lam has been outstanding for Leigh Leopards while fellow Leigh stars Edwin Ipape, Liam Horne and Jacob Alick-Wiencke are expected to play key roles.
Experienced campaigners Nene Macdonald, Rhyse Martin and Dan Russell add leadership and toughness to the squad.
One of the biggest success stories has been the rise of Papua New Guinean players at London Broncos. The Championship club now boasts a strong PNG presence, including Morea Morea, Gairo Voro, Finley Glare, Alex Max, Robert Mathias, Jeremiah Simbiken and Epel Kapinias.
Former Kumuls halfback Watson Boas continues to impress with Doncaster, while Emmanuel Waine and Edene Gebbie are also pushing their claims for selection.
The Queensland Cup has become another important pathway for Kumuls hopefuls.
Experienced internationals Nixon Putt and Judah Rimbu continue to perform consistently, while Bailey Biondi-Odo, Bob Tenza, Rodrick Tai, Sherwin Tanabi, Richard Valentine, Dudley Dotoi, Jimmy Ngutlik and several others are keeping themselves in contention with impressive performances.
In the NSW Cup, Christopher Petrus and Jacob Taulani are working hard to force their way into national selection. PNG’s future also looks bright, with several young players making their mark in Australia’s elite junior competitions….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 30 Jul 2026
Tonga star vows to atone for ego and poor leadership
SYDNEY, 30 JULY 2026 (AAP)—Siosifa Talakai admits his ego, “s***” professionalism and “s***” leadership contributed to Tonga’s early exit from the most recent Rugby League World Cup.
But since extending the olive branch to coach Kristian Woolf, the Cronulla utility has vowed to make things right if given another chance at the 2026 tournament.
Talakai arrived in England for the last World Cup after a breakout 2022 NRL season that earned him a State of Origin debut for NSW.
But coach Woolf dropped Talakai after Tonga’s second group-stage game, preferring Will Penisini and Moses Suli as his centres for a 92-10 thrashing of Cook Islands.
Talakai also did not get a look-in for the quarter-final against Samoa, so was powerless to prevent a 20-18 loss that ended the Tongans’ campaign.
Looking back, Talakai now concedes he was more focused on “mucking around” with his mates overseas than his international duties.
“You kind of just want to go out there and make good memories with the crew, but then most of the time you forget that there’s still a job to be done,” Talakai told AAP.
“We didn’t prep as good as we should have. We mistook the opportunities that were presented before us. Looking back at it now, I was definitely one to blame for that.
“I probably wasn’t as professional as I should’ve been.”
At the time Talakai’s omission from the final two games caused tension between he and Woolf, who became the Dolphins’ head coach last NRL season.
Now older and wiser, Talakai reached out to Woolf last year to make amends.
“I apologised, I took responsibility for my “s***” prep, my “s***” responsibility around the crew, giving the crew excuses to make shortcuts,” he said.
“It was ‘s***’ leadership and ‘s***’ professionalism … I let my ego get the best of me in that camp. Ego’s the biggest killer of character.
“I just wasn’t being the player that I should have been.”
Talakai feels strongly about adding to his two international caps at this year’s World Cup, to be played across Australia, New Zealand and PNG from October.
The 29-year-old, whose parents speak Tongan as their first language, has reassured Woolf the mistakes of the past would not be repeated.
“If given an opportunity now I’ll be able to showcase that I’m more professional now,” Talakai said.
“I’m definitely a better player than I was then. Leadership-wise, I’ll definitely put my hand up there.
“I’ll definitely keep the ego in check and make sure I’m doing my part, and make sure the boys are doing their part as well.”
Fifth in the International Rugby League rankings, Tonga count Isaiya Katoa, Jason Taumalolo and Addin Fonua-Blake among their star players and can realistically aim for at least a semi-final berth in 2026.
“I’m sure we can go a long way in the World Cup, it’s a matter of just putting your head down and working hard,” Talakai said…. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 30 Jul 2026
Bulked up lock Salakaia-Loto back in Wallabies fray
SYDNEY, 30 JULY 2026 (AAP)—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has confirmed he carried extra weight “on purpose” and didn’t lose belief ahead of his Wallabies return under a familiar coach.
The Queensland Reds lock was a cornerstone of their Super Rugby Pacific campaign under Les Kiss this season and earned selection in the competition’s team of the year.
But he was left out of Joe Schmidt’s final Test squad for the three July Nations Championship Tests.
The outgoing coach preferred more mobile pair Josh Canham and Jeremy Williams as his starting second row and blooded Lachlan Shaw and Miles Amatosero off the bench.
Those four have been retained in Kiss’s first Wallabies squad to play Tests against Japan in Osaka and Townsville next month.
But Salakaia-Loto will join them and has pledged to do what he does best if given a shot.
“Disappointing, but there’s more things to life than us being selected for a team,” the father-of-three said.
“I did what I could do. I was at peace with what I produced. You don’t always get what you deserve, can’t dwell too much.
“I know what I bring to a side and what value I can offer at my best.”
Canham scored a historic hat-trick against Italy and helped stabilise the Wallabies’ line-out in Tests against Ireland and France.
Salakaia-Loto brings a different edge as a bruising ball-carrier with a wicked offload and scary defence.
“I played heavier,” he confirmed of his bulked-up approach to 2026, designed to skittle opposition defence.
“It was on purpose but it doesn’t take much for me to put weight on … I could probably put 5kg on in one night.
“I thought I acclimatised well to it (balancing the extra weight with endurance). I played pretty much every minute.
“And I can still get up there (in line-outs).”
He doesn’t expect Kiss to change the winning formula in the second row, labelling Canham – who he played with at the Reds and Rebels – a “real baller”.
But Kiss has expressed his desire to experiment as he plans for next year’s World Cup.
The side travels to Osaka this weekend ahead of next Saturday’s Test – set to be played in sweltering afternoon heat and humidity – before a rematch in Townsville a week later….PACNEWS
IRELAND – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 30 Jul 2026
HSBC SVNS schedule confirmed for 2026-2027 series
DUBLIN, 30 JULY 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—World Rugby has confirmed the HSBC SVNS schedule for the Series and World Championship for 2027, with all 2025/26 host cities returning as the global celebration of rugby sevens continues to build momentum on the road to qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The 2026/2027 Series will once again visit Dubai, Cape Town, Singapore, Perth, Vancouver and New York before culminating in the HSBC SVNS World Championship across Hong Kong, Valladolid and Bordeaux.
The announcement follows a landmark 2026 competition which saw New Zealand’s women and South Africa’s men claim the HSBC SVNS Series titles in New York, before Australia’s women and South Africa’s men were crowned HSBC SVNS World Champions, capping another memorable season of world-class rugby sevens.
The 2026 season attracted more than 530,000 fans across the Series, a 21 per cent increase from 2025, while Hong Kong set a new single-day attendance record of 41,457 fans on the way to a total crowd of 113,395 at Kai Tak Sports Park.
HSBC SVNS also surpassed one billion social media impressions for the second consecutive season, with digital engagement increasing by 60 per cent year-on-year and player followings growing by more than 13 per cent as the sport continued to reach new audiences around the world.
HSBC SVNS continues to demonstrate its importance in developing international talent, with around 50 players who previously competed on the Series now representing their nations across the Nations Championship and World Rugby Nations Cup, underlining the strength of rugby sevens’ high-performance pathway.
World Rugby Sevens World Series General Manager, Sam Pinder said: “The success of the past season, including record-breaking attendance in Hong Kong and continued growth across our digital and social platforms, demonstrates the increasing visibility and strength of rugby sevens around the world.
“We are delighted to confirm the return of all our host destinations for the 2027 HSBC SVNS Series and World Championship events, building on the strong foundations established. With the race to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games beginning, the 2027 season will carry added significance as the world’s best teams compete for the opportunity to reach the pinnacle tournament.
“We look forward to working with our hosts, partners and unions to build on the momentum of last season and deliver another outstanding HSBC SVNS Series for players, fans and the global rugby community.”
The return of all host destinations provides continuity for players, fans and partners as teams begin the next chapter of the Olympic cycle, with the HSBC SVNS Series playing a critical role on the road to qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
HSBC SVNS Series 2026/27
*28-29 November : Dubai (The Sevens Stadium)
*5-6 December : Cape Town (Cape Town Stadium)
*30-31 January, : Singapore (The Kallang)
*6-7 February : Perth (HBF Park)
* 6-7 March: Vancouver (BC Place)
*13-14 March : New York (Sports Illustrated Stadium)
HSBC SVNS World Championship 2027
* 9-11 April: Hong Kong (Kai Tak Sports Park)
* 21-23 May : Valladolid (Estadio José Zorrilla)
* 29-30 May : Bordeaux (Stade Atlantique) ….PACNEWS
