Australia inks $517.7m rugby deal with Papua New Guinea to combat China influence
The deal marked the most substantial investment that Australia has ever made in sports diplomacy. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Australia turns to rugby to curb China influence in PNG
The Pacific nation has produced many stars of Australia's National Rugby League (NRL) and has long been lobbying to join the franchise. Australia will provide A$600m (£301m, $384
PNG Leader Says Bid To Join Australian Rugby League 'Very Strong'
Papua New Guinea's bid to break into Australia's rugby league competition is "very strong", the Pacific nation's prime minister told AFP on Tuesday, with an announcement expected imminently.
Why the NRL's expansion into PNG is most ambitious and complex move in rugby league history
Analysis - The most ambitious, complex and expensive expansion play in rugby league history officially came to life today, Nick Campton writes.
Rugby league-Australia to fund PNG team's entry to NRL in 2028 in Pacific security play
By Kirsty Needham and Alasdair Pal SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia will provide Papua New Guinea (PNG) A$600 million ($382.80 million) over 10 years to support its team's entry to the National Rugby League,
Australia to spend $385 mn on PNG rugby league team with eye on China
Australia will spend US$385 million to establish a team from Papua New Guinea in its rugby league competition, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Thursday, a move designed to help ward off China.Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape said the team -- which is due to enter the competition "no later" than 2028 -- would "unite" the nation.
Sports diplomacy: why the Australian government is spending $600 million on a new NRL team in PNG
It has been a busy time in the Australian government’s sports diplomacy locker room. Recently, Assistant Foreign Minister Tim Watts met with 22 national sporting organisations in Melbourne for the inaugural Sports Diplomacy Consultative Group meeting.
Papua New Guinea rugby league team to enter Australia's top league in 2028
Australia will provide its northern neighbour Papua New Guinea with A$600 million ($382.80 million) over 10 years to support the Pacific Islands nation entering Australia's national rugby league competition,
Papua New Guinea team to enter the NRL in 2028
The NRL will feature a Papua New Guinea-based franchise from 2028 after two years of planning culminated in an official announcement on Thursday.
New Crusaders recruit James O’Connor in favour of Australian-based All Blacks selection
New Crusaders playmaker - and former Wallaby - James O'Connor is calling for All Blacks to remain eligible for test selection while playing for Australian ...
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Wallabies star’s candid response on key Super Rugby rule change
Wallabies and Crusaders utility back James O'Connor has expressed his view on the possibility of a key Super Rugby rule ...
Rugby Australia set ambitious goal for Wallabies ahead of British & Irish Lions tour
Rugby Australia released an ambitious strategy document on Tuesday with the bold aim of becoming the top rugby nation in the ...
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Identity of Joe Schmidt’s likely successor revealed as Rugby Australia anger club by ‘speaking’ to top candidate – report
Rugby Australia already have a contingency plan in place should Joe Schmidt decide to leave the Wallabies next year, ...
Ambitious Australia aims to be world No. 1 rugby nation by 2029
The Wallabies are currently ranked eighth in the world despite wins over England and Wales on their November tour. Read more ...
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Ambitious Australia aims to be number one rugby nation in the world by 2029
Rugby Australia released an ambitious strategy document on Tuesday with the bold aim of becoming the top rugby nation in the ...
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Ellis, Australia U18s stars headline Australia Global Youth Sevens squads
The next generation of Australian Rugby stars are set to be unleashed as Rugby Australia confirms their teams for the Global Youth Sevens. The three-day tournament will commence in Auckland from ...
Super Rugby: New Crusaders recruit James O’Connor in favour of Australian-based All Blacks selection
As discussion continues around New Zealand Rugby’s eligibility rules, Wallabies utility back James O’Connor would like to see All Blacks be available to be picked while playing for an Australian Super ...