World Rugby chair Brett Robinson has pushed back against concerns that a major Australian government and NRL investment in the Pacific will damage rugby union’s standing in the region, declaring: “Rugby is the game of the Pacific.”
The comments come after the Australian government and the NRL unveiled a roughly $600 million (US$391m) package that includes plans for a Papua New Guinea NRL franchise and significant development funding for the Pacific — about $250 million (US$161m) of the total has been earmarked for regional development. That program has prompted anxiety among union leaders in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, with Fiji Rugby Union acting CEO Koli Sewabu warning the NRL’s approach could “disrupt and weaken our base” and describing it as a “threat” to both XVs and sevens.
Speaking at the launch of ticket sales for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Robinson was unequivocal about rugby union’s deep roots across the islands. He recalled sitting beside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka when the Wallabies played Fiji in Newcastle, noting the visibility of Pacific support and the strong Pasifika presence in Australia. Robinson also highlighted Pacific strengths in both the XVs and sevens games — pointing to Fiji’s World Cup quarter-final showing and their global sevens reputation — and noted that both Samoan and Fijian women’s teams are set to compete at the upcoming Women’s World Cup in England.
Robinson underlined World Rugby’s existing investment in the region and said the Rugby World Cup legacy funding is part of that commitment. He also spoke about the cultural importance of rugby in the Pacific — from schoolboy tours to local club life — and celebrated his own appointment as the first World Rugby chair from the Southern Hemisphere, calling it a “great privilege” ahead of the 2027 tournament he hopes will showcase the game’s international community.
Context and other voices
– Pacific rugby league leaders have framed the funding as an opportunity. Fiji National Rugby League chairman Akuila Masi has urged a collaborative approach, saying investments should be seen as strategic development for communities where league is important and that both codes can thrive side-by-side.
– Earlier reporting described a decade-long Pacific Rugby League Partnership that would channel ongoing investment into grassroots, schools, coaching, elite pathways and women’s participation — proposals that help explain why union leaders are anxious about potential talent shifts.
– Organizers have also announced an expansive ticketing program for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia aimed at broad access; separate coverage noted more than 2.5 million tickets will be available, with pool-match prices starting at A$40 and a large number of tickets priced under A$100, plus limited “Superfan” passes.
Why this matters
The influx of high-profile, government-backed funds into Pacific sport has intensified long-standing tensions between rugby union and rugby league over players, pathways and influence. Robinson’s response seeks to reassure union supporters that rugby union’s cultural and grassroots foundations in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and elsewhere remain strong despite league’s expansion and investment. At the same time, Pacific administrators and governments are weighing how best to harness new funding to boost participation, develop women’s programs and create sustainable local pathways.
Additional comments and perspective
– There are realistic opportunities for both codes to benefit Pacific communities if investments are coordinated: shared facilities, aligned development programs in schools, and transparent player pathway agreements could reduce friction and preserve domestic competitions.
– World Rugby and regional unions may find value in formal dialogue with the NRL, DFAT and Pacific governments to agree on principles that protect local competitions while maximizing opportunities for athletes (e.g., clear transfer pathways, protections for domestic seasons, investment in local coaching and women’s sport).
– The spotlight on the Pacific from both codes also offers a chance to accelerate investment in health, education and community programs tied to sport participation, amplifying benefits beyond the field.
Summary
Brett Robinson has defended rugby union’s dominant cultural position in the Pacific amid concerns that a major NRL and Australian government investment — including a prospective PNG NRL franchise and hundreds of millions in regional funding — could lure union talent. While union leaders have voiced alarm, league administrators have framed the funding as development opportunity. Robinson’s message stresses rugby union’s roots and World Rugby’s commitment to the region, while the broader debate highlights the need for cooperative approaches to ensure Pacific sport and communities benefit from increased investment.
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