Rugby Union

The captain of the Samoan women's rugby team says they are not heading to England "to make up numbers", but to "compete against the best and make our families proud".

The 'Ikale Tahi will host the Queensland Reds at Te'ufaiva Park on 15 August ahead of their Pacific Nations Cup opener against the Manu Samoa.

Ioan Cunningham believes he has a strong squad that can put Fiji on the world rugby map at the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup in England.

The matches against England, Scotland and Wales are classified as "home" Tests for the Flying Fijians and are scheduled for the July international Test window.

The Flying Fijians head coach believes his team will be better heading into the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup next month following their recent Test matches.

The secretary-general of Niue Rugby Union says she is committed to advocate for the inclusive growth across smaller Pacific rugby unions.

Mick Byrne says short preparation time and smaller squads in the Pacific Nations Cup are two key issues that continue to affect Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.

But NZ Rugby maintains Pacific Island heritage players are free to choose which country they represent, in line with international eligibility regulations.

Samoa kick off their international season against Scotland in Auckland on Friday night, however with some notable omissions from their line-up.

The sons of All Blacks legend Sir Michael Jones and former Manu Samoa representative Mike Umaga, are set to carry Samoa's hopes against Scottish team.

Lemalu Tusi Pisi wants Friday night's one-off Test match at Eden Park to set the tone for the Samoans as they set their sights firmly on securing a place at 2027 Rugby World Cup.

A former Fiji captain says is excited by the selection of his son and the son of a former teammate in the Fijian national team for their game against Scotland.

Head coach Mick Byrne praised his players for their grit in the 29-14 vicotry over the visitors in front of over 10,000 fans at the National Stadium in Suva.

"Funding for teams like Manusina is scarce and financially has been weighing heavy on our minds."

The Fijian mentor told reporters this week that players have been challenged to stay focused on Sunday's clash agains the Wallabies in Sydney.

Salesi Rayasi is with the Fiji squad ahead of their test against Australia on Sunday.

The union made the comment following claims from the Flying Fijians head coach that some Super Rugby contracts include clauses requiring players to remain eligible for the All Blacks.

The Fiji women's rugby team retained their Oceania Rugby Women's XV Challenge title with a hard-fought 24-20 victory against Samoa in Sigatoka on Saturday.

There was one thing both Fa'alogo Tana Umaga and Ardie Savea agreed on about the Chiefs on Saturday night: Moana Pasifika still need to grow.

However, a spokesperson for the sport's governing body says consultation with players and representatives did take place.