Latest news with #RugbyPacific
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."
France 24
02-07-2025
- Sport
- France 24
'No roof' to Savea ability for ex-All Black Kaino before France Tests
Savea has been at his ball-carrying best this season after leading Moana Pasifika to a record high finish of seventh place in Super Rugby Pacific. Despite his impressive form, the 31-year-old missed out on the All Blacks captaincy with head coach Scott Robertson keeping Crusaders lock Scott Barrett in the role. "He doesn't have a roof, he's that good," Kaino told AFP. "He's always looking to improve. His skill set is amazing," the 81-time All Black added. Savea made his Test debut in 2016 as a substitute with Kaino already on the field. Wellington-born back-rower Savea was named World Rugby player of the year in 2023 before continuing that form last year scoring four tries in 13 Tests. "When you've got a mindset and you've got a skill set like that, I don't think you have boundaries of what you're capable of," Toulouse assistant coach Kaino said "I think he still can get better, even though he's world class at the moment," the 42-year-old added. 'Unleash' France talent Savea announced earlier this month he will return to Japan to play for Kobelco Kobe Steelers next season underlining his status as one of world rugby's most in-demand talents. In 2018 he had agreed in principle to join French club Pau before choosing to stay in New Zealand for family reasons. The deal in Japan has not stopped Kaino from selling a possible future move to France for Savea. "Well, I do send him the old cheeky WhatsApp and give him a little bit of a wink," Kaino jokingly said. "I'll be saying that he'd be pretty expensive to try and sell over here. He'd do amazing." Savea is set to have a big influence on the upcoming three Tests against Les Bleus, who have sent a second-string squad to face the All Blacks. Only four of the 23 from France's Six-Nations-winning side in March have flown to New Zealand with the likes of No 8 Gregory Alldritt and full-back Thomas Ramos rested. Kaino knows the landscape of French rugby well having joined Top 14 giants Toulouse in 2018 before becoming their assistant coach after his retirement from playing three years later with a league and Champions Cup double to boot. "I think it'll be really exciting to be able to unleash some of the young talent that they've been able to breed over here," Kaino said. "But I think leaving this summer weather and heading to cold New Zealand where they'll probably be at full strength, I think it'll be a tough tour," he added. Galthie has 21 uncapped players in his squad including abrasive flanker Alexandre Fischer, quick-footed winger Tom Spring and 24-year-old prop Paul Mallez. Mallez has spent two seasons on loan at second-tier Aix-en-Provence from Toulouse, having worked closely under Kaino at Stade Ernest-Wallon. "He's evolved a lot and he's excelled in his time away at Aix and he put in some amazing performances," Kaino said. "He definitely deserves his crack at the next level and I'm really proud of the way he's been going. "I ran into him a couple of weeks ago and he's obviously really hungry to just dive straight back in after only about a week and a half of holiday," Kaino added. © 2025 AFP
The Advertiser
31-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
'Good for rugby': rivals hail Moana Pasifika influence
The rugby world is saluting the strides of Moana Pasifika after the competition's relative newcomers enjoyed their best-ever Super Rugby Pacific campaign. Moana bowed out, somewhat unceremoniously, with a 64-12 loss to the high-flying and powerhouse Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday night. After joining the competition in 2022, Moana needed to record an unlikely bonus-point win over the Hurricanes to make the finals for the first time. But a seventh-placed showing, after two wooden spoons in 2022 and 2023 before last year's 11th-spot, is rightfully being lauded. "I do want to acknowledge Moana Pasifika and the season that they've had, and the inspiration and the excitement that they brought to our competition," said Hurricanes captain Xavier Numia. "You can see now the amount of fans and people that are behind them and what that brings to rugby in New Zealand. "So whether people were here tonight to support us or Moana, it doesn't matter. "It's good for New Zealand rugby and the brand of rugby that they play and the values that they represent, things that we all have in common. "So real credit to Moana and the things that they're doing on and off the field. They've been a joy to watch this season. There is no doubt about that." But inspirational skipper Ardie Savea, the newly crowned Super Rugby Pacific player of the year, maintains the Pasifika are aiming higher. "The way where you can take the momentum today, what you've done, even just in tonight's game, these moments, what this season has done, where you go from here, we're not satisfied," Savea said. "Our goal was to win the thing and make top six, but that wasn't meant to be." The rugby world is saluting the strides of Moana Pasifika after the competition's relative newcomers enjoyed their best-ever Super Rugby Pacific campaign. Moana bowed out, somewhat unceremoniously, with a 64-12 loss to the high-flying and powerhouse Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday night. After joining the competition in 2022, Moana needed to record an unlikely bonus-point win over the Hurricanes to make the finals for the first time. But a seventh-placed showing, after two wooden spoons in 2022 and 2023 before last year's 11th-spot, is rightfully being lauded. "I do want to acknowledge Moana Pasifika and the season that they've had, and the inspiration and the excitement that they brought to our competition," said Hurricanes captain Xavier Numia. "You can see now the amount of fans and people that are behind them and what that brings to rugby in New Zealand. "So whether people were here tonight to support us or Moana, it doesn't matter. "It's good for New Zealand rugby and the brand of rugby that they play and the values that they represent, things that we all have in common. "So real credit to Moana and the things that they're doing on and off the field. They've been a joy to watch this season. There is no doubt about that." But inspirational skipper Ardie Savea, the newly crowned Super Rugby Pacific player of the year, maintains the Pasifika are aiming higher. "The way where you can take the momentum today, what you've done, even just in tonight's game, these moments, what this season has done, where you go from here, we're not satisfied," Savea said. "Our goal was to win the thing and make top six, but that wasn't meant to be." The rugby world is saluting the strides of Moana Pasifika after the competition's relative newcomers enjoyed their best-ever Super Rugby Pacific campaign. Moana bowed out, somewhat unceremoniously, with a 64-12 loss to the high-flying and powerhouse Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday night. After joining the competition in 2022, Moana needed to record an unlikely bonus-point win over the Hurricanes to make the finals for the first time. But a seventh-placed showing, after two wooden spoons in 2022 and 2023 before last year's 11th-spot, is rightfully being lauded. "I do want to acknowledge Moana Pasifika and the season that they've had, and the inspiration and the excitement that they brought to our competition," said Hurricanes captain Xavier Numia. "You can see now the amount of fans and people that are behind them and what that brings to rugby in New Zealand. "So whether people were here tonight to support us or Moana, it doesn't matter. "It's good for New Zealand rugby and the brand of rugby that they play and the values that they represent, things that we all have in common. "So real credit to Moana and the things that they're doing on and off the field. They've been a joy to watch this season. There is no doubt about that." But inspirational skipper Ardie Savea, the newly crowned Super Rugby Pacific player of the year, maintains the Pasifika are aiming higher. "The way where you can take the momentum today, what you've done, even just in tonight's game, these moments, what this season has done, where you go from here, we're not satisfied," Savea said. "Our goal was to win the thing and make top six, but that wasn't meant to be."
West Australian
23-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Super Rugby Pacific: Western Force coach Simon Cron says no motivation needed for final game of season
Western Force coach Simon Cron has dismissed any notion their final Super Rugby Pacific game of the season being a dead rubber despite the finals hopes having bitten the dust. After last week's loss to Fijian Drua slammed the door shut on their finals hopes, an injury-afflicted Force regain a bevy of starters for Saturday evening's clash against the Waratahs at HBF Park. And with the wooden spoon still in play and inter-state pride on the line for the Force, there is plenty at stake heading into the game. While Cron was not focusing too much on the result and insisted his focus was on the performance, he said no motivation was needed for his players despite their finals hopes ending. 'It's extremely disappointing, and you can see it in the faces of everybody in the organization. 'We started really well, and in terms of petering out, there's definitely a few things we can fix in a lot of that season. 'Hopefully that will help us be stronger and continuing to build depth in key positions is a big part of that. It's what we've got to keep driving forward to do. 'Last game is critical for us; we've got the Sea of Blue, we've got supporters, it's our home, our house: you can't give much more motivation than that. 'I don't think you should have to 'g' a player up.' Carlo Tizzano, Nic White, Harry Potter, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Nick Champion de Crespigny and Hamish Stewart are all back for the Force while Fatongia Paea gets a debut at loosehead prop. 'We've got seven guys coming back into the squad this want to play rugby, we want them to play rugby,' Cron said. 'Their rugby brains are really important for us to make good decisions under pressure, and that's big part of experience.' Tizzano has signed a new deal with the Force to take him through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup and Cron said he was excited to have the star flanker back on board. 'We've got a number of guys doing that at the moment. Going forward, the most important thing for us is maintaining our core. 'One was developing the core players, and now it's maintaining and keeping them for the next year. 'There's been a lot of change in the last two years as we start to fight our way back in and he's a big part of that core, so that's awesome for him to re-sign.'
