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The Advertiser
05-07-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Pacific-Aust 'commonality' important in uncertain times
Anthony Albanese has hailed the importance of personal relationships with Pacific nations at a time when other powers are seeking to increase their influence. The prime minister, who will host Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka when the Wallabies take on Fiji in their one-off Rugby Union Test in Newcastle on Sunday, reiterated the importance of soft diplomacy in the region. "Relationships between nations essentially come down to relationships between people," he told ABC Radio on Saturday. "It is a great way in which our nations can show our commonality. We are all members of the Pacific family." Australia has provided $10 million over seven years for the Fijian Drua women's and men's teams in the Super Rugby Pacific and Australia Super W competitions. Some $600 million over a decade for a PNG NRL team had also cemented the relationship between the two neighbouring nations, Mr Albanese said. He said investments in sports were linked with education and economic development, resulting in better health outcomes and stronger, more secure and smarter Pacific populations. At a time when the United States is pulling away and China and Russia are trying to increase their influence, the prime minister stressed the importance of positioning Australia as the partner of choice. "We have a considerable defence and security presence throughout the Pacific and that's very much, in these uncertain times, in Australia's interests," he said. "One of the ways that we cement that is through those personal relations." Mr Albanese was keen to highlight Australia's upgraded defence and security relationships with Fiji, PNG, Tuvalu, Nauru and other smaller nations in the Pacific. "We are family and we assist each other as friends, not with strings attached," he said. "What we do is we help each other out because of our common interests and our common values." Mr Rabuka met with Governor-General Sam Mostyn at Government House in Canberra earlier this week. In a keynote address at the National Press Club on Wednesday, he spoke glowingly of bilateral ties between Suva and Canberra in a deteriorating world. "Unfortunately for now, I contest the region's outlook is more uncertain than at any time since Fiji's independence in 1970," he said. "Perhaps we have reached a point in our Fiji-Australia relationship where a renewed and elevated Vuvale partnership needs a further step-up to an agreement for a treaty." Anthony Albanese has hailed the importance of personal relationships with Pacific nations at a time when other powers are seeking to increase their influence. The prime minister, who will host Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka when the Wallabies take on Fiji in their one-off Rugby Union Test in Newcastle on Sunday, reiterated the importance of soft diplomacy in the region. "Relationships between nations essentially come down to relationships between people," he told ABC Radio on Saturday. "It is a great way in which our nations can show our commonality. We are all members of the Pacific family." Australia has provided $10 million over seven years for the Fijian Drua women's and men's teams in the Super Rugby Pacific and Australia Super W competitions. Some $600 million over a decade for a PNG NRL team had also cemented the relationship between the two neighbouring nations, Mr Albanese said. He said investments in sports were linked with education and economic development, resulting in better health outcomes and stronger, more secure and smarter Pacific populations. At a time when the United States is pulling away and China and Russia are trying to increase their influence, the prime minister stressed the importance of positioning Australia as the partner of choice. "We have a considerable defence and security presence throughout the Pacific and that's very much, in these uncertain times, in Australia's interests," he said. "One of the ways that we cement that is through those personal relations." Mr Albanese was keen to highlight Australia's upgraded defence and security relationships with Fiji, PNG, Tuvalu, Nauru and other smaller nations in the Pacific. "We are family and we assist each other as friends, not with strings attached," he said. "What we do is we help each other out because of our common interests and our common values." Mr Rabuka met with Governor-General Sam Mostyn at Government House in Canberra earlier this week. In a keynote address at the National Press Club on Wednesday, he spoke glowingly of bilateral ties between Suva and Canberra in a deteriorating world. "Unfortunately for now, I contest the region's outlook is more uncertain than at any time since Fiji's independence in 1970," he said. "Perhaps we have reached a point in our Fiji-Australia relationship where a renewed and elevated Vuvale partnership needs a further step-up to an agreement for a treaty." Anthony Albanese has hailed the importance of personal relationships with Pacific nations at a time when other powers are seeking to increase their influence. The prime minister, who will host Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka when the Wallabies take on Fiji in their one-off Rugby Union Test in Newcastle on Sunday, reiterated the importance of soft diplomacy in the region. "Relationships between nations essentially come down to relationships between people," he told ABC Radio on Saturday. "It is a great way in which our nations can show our commonality. We are all members of the Pacific family." Australia has provided $10 million over seven years for the Fijian Drua women's and men's teams in the Super Rugby Pacific and Australia Super W competitions. Some $600 million over a decade for a PNG NRL team had also cemented the relationship between the two neighbouring nations, Mr Albanese said. He said investments in sports were linked with education and economic development, resulting in better health outcomes and stronger, more secure and smarter Pacific populations. At a time when the United States is pulling away and China and Russia are trying to increase their influence, the prime minister stressed the importance of positioning Australia as the partner of choice. "We have a considerable defence and security presence throughout the Pacific and that's very much, in these uncertain times, in Australia's interests," he said. "One of the ways that we cement that is through those personal relations." Mr Albanese was keen to highlight Australia's upgraded defence and security relationships with Fiji, PNG, Tuvalu, Nauru and other smaller nations in the Pacific. "We are family and we assist each other as friends, not with strings attached," he said. "What we do is we help each other out because of our common interests and our common values." Mr Rabuka met with Governor-General Sam Mostyn at Government House in Canberra earlier this week. In a keynote address at the National Press Club on Wednesday, he spoke glowingly of bilateral ties between Suva and Canberra in a deteriorating world. "Unfortunately for now, I contest the region's outlook is more uncertain than at any time since Fiji's independence in 1970," he said. "Perhaps we have reached a point in our Fiji-Australia relationship where a renewed and elevated Vuvale partnership needs a further step-up to an agreement for a treaty." Anthony Albanese has hailed the importance of personal relationships with Pacific nations at a time when other powers are seeking to increase their influence. The prime minister, who will host Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka when the Wallabies take on Fiji in their one-off Rugby Union Test in Newcastle on Sunday, reiterated the importance of soft diplomacy in the region. "Relationships between nations essentially come down to relationships between people," he told ABC Radio on Saturday. "It is a great way in which our nations can show our commonality. We are all members of the Pacific family." Australia has provided $10 million over seven years for the Fijian Drua women's and men's teams in the Super Rugby Pacific and Australia Super W competitions. Some $600 million over a decade for a PNG NRL team had also cemented the relationship between the two neighbouring nations, Mr Albanese said. He said investments in sports were linked with education and economic development, resulting in better health outcomes and stronger, more secure and smarter Pacific populations. At a time when the United States is pulling away and China and Russia are trying to increase their influence, the prime minister stressed the importance of positioning Australia as the partner of choice. "We have a considerable defence and security presence throughout the Pacific and that's very much, in these uncertain times, in Australia's interests," he said. "One of the ways that we cement that is through those personal relations." Mr Albanese was keen to highlight Australia's upgraded defence and security relationships with Fiji, PNG, Tuvalu, Nauru and other smaller nations in the Pacific. "We are family and we assist each other as friends, not with strings attached," he said. "What we do is we help each other out because of our common interests and our common values." Mr Rabuka met with Governor-General Sam Mostyn at Government House in Canberra earlier this week. In a keynote address at the National Press Club on Wednesday, he spoke glowingly of bilateral ties between Suva and Canberra in a deteriorating world. "Unfortunately for now, I contest the region's outlook is more uncertain than at any time since Fiji's independence in 1970," he said. "Perhaps we have reached a point in our Fiji-Australia relationship where a renewed and elevated Vuvale partnership needs a further step-up to an agreement for a treaty."
Perth Now
05-07-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Pacific-Aust 'commonality' important in uncertain times
Anthony Albanese has hailed the importance of personal relationships with Pacific nations at a time when other powers are seeking to increase their influence. The prime minister, who will host Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka when the Wallabies take on Fiji in their one-off Rugby Union Test in Newcastle on Sunday, reiterated the importance of soft diplomacy in the region. "Relationships between nations essentially come down to relationships between people," he told ABC Radio on Saturday. "It is a great way in which our nations can show our commonality. We are all members of the Pacific family." Australia has provided $10 million over seven years for the Fijian Drua women's and men's teams in the Super Rugby Pacific and Australia Super W competitions. Some $600 million over a decade for a PNG NRL team had also cemented the relationship between the two neighbouring nations, Mr Albanese said. He said investments in sports were linked with education and economic development, resulting in better health outcomes and stronger, more secure and smarter Pacific populations. At a time when the United States is pulling away and China and Russia are trying to increase their influence, the prime minister stressed the importance of positioning Australia as the partner of choice. "We have a considerable defence and security presence throughout the Pacific and that's very much, in these uncertain times, in Australia's interests," he said. "One of the ways that we cement that is through those personal relations." Mr Albanese was keen to highlight Australia's upgraded defence and security relationships with Fiji, PNG, Tuvalu, Nauru and other smaller nations in the Pacific. "We are family and we assist each other as friends, not with strings attached," he said. "What we do is we help each other out because of our common interests and our common values." Mr Rabuka met with Governor-General Sam Mostyn at Government House in Canberra earlier this week. In a keynote address at the National Press Club on Wednesday, he spoke glowingly of bilateral ties between Suva and Canberra in a deteriorating world. "Unfortunately for now, I contest the region's outlook is more uncertain than at any time since Fiji's independence in 1970," he said. "Perhaps we have reached a point in our Fiji-Australia relationship where a renewed and elevated Vuvale partnership needs a further step-up to an agreement for a treaty."
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Salesi Rayasi to make Fiji debut against Australia in Sunday's rugby test
Salesi Rayasi , a former New Zealand rugby sevens player, is set to make his test debut for Fiji, following in the footsteps of his father, Filipe Rayasi , when he starts at fullback in Sunday's clash against Australia in Newcastle. Rayasi, now playing for RC Vannes in France, is one of two uncapped players named in Mick Byrne 's match-day squad, alongside Fijian Drua scrumhalf Philip Baselala , who could debut off the bench. The 27-year-old previously made 50 Super Rugby appearances for the Hurricanes and was part of New Zealand's sevens squad from 2018 to 2020. Choosing to represent Fiji is a personal and symbolic move for Rayasi, honoring his heritage and his father, who earned 13 caps for the Pacific island nation, primarily at fullback - the same position his son will now occupy. Fiji are aiming to secure their first win on Australian soil in over 70 years as they face the Wallabies on Sunday, buoyed by their memorable 22-15 victory over Australia at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. Live Events Head coach Mick Byrne has made significant changes to the side that last took the field in November, when they suffered a heavy 52-17 defeat to Ireland. Eight new faces have been introduced to the starting XV, including Bristol Bears' Bill Mata, who starts at number eight, pushing Elia Canakaivata to openside flanker. Simione Kuruvoli replaces Frank Lomani at scrumhalf, while Tevita Ikanivere retains the captaincy after co-leading the side in Dublin. The midfield pairing of Iosefo Masi from Fijian Drua and Racing 92 powerhouse Josua Tuisova adds physicality and flair, posing a serious threat to Australia's center combination of Joseph Suaalii and Len Ikitau. Team: 15-Salesi Rayasi, 14-Kalaveti Ravouvou, 13-Iosefo Masi, 12-Josua Tuisova, 11-Jiuta Wainiqolo, 10-Caleb Muntz, 9-Simione Kuruvoli, 8-Bill Mata, 7-Elia Canakaivata, 6-Lekima Tagitagivalu, 5-Temo Mayanavanua, 4-Isoa Nasilasila, 3-Peni Ravai, 2-Tevita Ikanivere (capt), 1-Eroni Mawi Replacements: 16-Sam Matavesi, 17-Haereiti Hetet, 18-Mesake Doge, 19-Mesake Vocevoce, 20-Albert Tuisue, 21-Philip Baselala, 22-Isaiah Ravula, 23-Sireli Maqala
Hindustan Times
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Rugby-Former New Zealand sevens speedster Rayasi to make Fiji debut v Australia
MELBOURNE, - Former New Zealand rugby sevens player Salesi Rayasi will follow in his father's footsteps by representing Fiji at test level when he starts at fullback in Sunday's clash against Australia in Newcastle. Rugby-Former New Zealand sevens speedster Rayasi to make Fiji debut v Australia France-based Rayasi is one of two uncapped players in Mick Byrne's match-day squad, with Fijian Drua scrumhalf Philip Baselala hoping to debut from the bench. Rayasi, who made 50 appearances for the Wellington Hurricanes in Super Rugby before moving to RC Vannes last year, was a member of New Zealand's sevens squads between 2018-20. He switched nationality to Fiji to honour his heritage, with his father Filipe Rayasi capped 13 times for the Pacific island nation, mostly at fullback. "He's pretty excited, obviously," Australian Byrne told reporters in Newcastle on Friday of Rayasi Jnr. "Very accomplished player, very skilful. I like the way he's been training. He works very hard off the field as well, understanding his role. "That's been very pleasing so I'm looking forward to him being able to go out there on Sunday and show everybody his worthiness of a white jersey." Fiji are looking for a first win in Australia in over 70 years, having stunned the Wallabies 22-15 at the 2023 World Cup in France. The Pacific islanders' lineup is much-changed from their last start in November when they were smashed 52-17 by Ireland in Dublin. Byrne has made eight changes to the starting 15 while retaining hooker Tevita Ikanivere as captain after he was co-skipper against the Irish. Simione Kuruvoli has replaced Frank Lomani in the number nine shirt while Bristol Bears loose forward Bill Mata starts at number eight, shifting Elia Canakaivata to the openside. Fijian Drua's Iosefo Masi and Racing 92 centre Josua Tuisova offer a powerful midfield foil to the Australian duo of Joseph Suaalii and Len Ikitau. Team: 15-Salesi Rayasi, 14-Kalaveti Ravouvou, 13-Iosefo Masi, 12-Josua Tuisova, 11-Jiuta Wainiqolo, 10-Caleb Muntz, 9-Simione Kuruvoli, 8-Bill Mata, 7-Elia Canakaivata, 6-Lekima Tagitagivalu, 5-Temo Mayanavanua, 4-Isoa Nasilasila, 3-Peni Ravai, 2-Tevita Ikanivere , 1-Eroni Mawi Replacements: 16-Sam Matavesi, 17-Haereiti Hetet, 18-Mesake Doge, 19-Mesake Vocevoce, 20-Albert Tuisue, 21-Philip Baselala, 22-Isaiah Ravula, 23-Sireli Maqala This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
RNZ News
23-06-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Pasifika Sipoti in brief for 24 June
Isoa Nasilasila with fans after the Fijian Drua defeated the Reds in Suva on Saturday. Photo: Fijian Drua Fijian Drua player Isoa Nasilasila has re-signed with the franchise for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific competition. The Nadi-based club said the 25-year-old Nasilasila has been a major part of the club since 2022. The Vuda native has played 50 matches for the Drua and is in the Flying Fijians squad. The Drua have also signed former Crusader, Manasa Mataele. Mataele has also played Super Rugby with the Western Force and the Chiefs. Meanwhile, Moana Pasifika have re-signed fullback William Havili for the 2026 Super Rugb Pacific competition. Havili has been part of the club since its inception in 2022. Moana and Drua both released a number of players at the end of the 2025 Super Rugby season. The Vanuatu table tennis team is still seeking funding to help cover participation fees for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau. The Games begin on Sunday, 29 June. The Vanuatu Daily Post reported veteran table tennis champion and gold medalist, Anolyn Lulu, confirming athletes are required to cover part of their participation costs. Vanuatu's international football star, Brian Kaltak, says the Vanuatu Football Federation, government and all stakeholders must work on improving the state of football facilities across the country. Vanuatu Daily Post reported Kaltak is concerned that the current poor pitch conditions are hindering player development and increasing injury risks. Kaltak said that pitch quality plays a crucial role in determining player performance, and injury prevention. He urges stakeholders should view investment in sports infrastructure as a long-term development goal. Twelve players with Pasifika heritage have been named in the Wallabies squad to prepare for matches against Fiji and the touring British Lions next month. Rob Veletini, Filipo Daugunu and Langi Gleeson are the Fijian heritage players in the squad. Head coach Joe Schmidt also named Japan-based Will Skelton and Taniela Tupou, who are of Tongan heritage, in the side, alongside Samoan heritage players Allan Ala'alatoa and Noah Lolesio. The Wallabies face the Flying Fijians in Sydney on 6 July before Australia's first test against the Lions on 19 July. The PNG Hunters rugby league team have dropped out of the top eight in the Queensland Rugby League Hostplus Cup competition following a 36-16 loss to the Brisbane Tigers. The National newspaper reported that having led 16-8 at halftime, the side could not contain a fired-up Tigers side that scored an unanswered 28 points to claim the win. The Tigers now sit in eighth spot with the Hunters ninth. The Hunters play the Blackhawks on 6 July in their next game.
