Tonga rugby
Pacific leaders lobby Australia for rugby cash splash after NRL deal
The $150 million sports diplomacy deal is being sought by Fiji, Tonga and Samoa as the Albanese government bankrolls rugby league in the region to counter China.
- Chris Barrett and Iain Payten
Latest
‘Bring it on’: Wallabies welcome first-ever pool battle with All Blacks at home World Cup
The draw for the pools of the 2027 Rugby World Cup has been completed. Find out who got the easiest run, and who has the toughest.
- Iain Payten
All three of Katoa's head knocks
Eli Katoa suffered three knocks to the head on Sunday before having surgery to remove fluid from his brain.
After his leanest season in 14 years, one clash will seal Taumalolo’s legacy
The battle that could cement Jason Taumalolo’s legacy as a rugby league pioneer comes after a season spent in the doldrums.
- Nick Wright
‘Nail in the coffin’: Pacific rugby leaders raise alarm about NRL’s PNG deal
Officials in the region are concerned about the Albanese government’s bankrolling of rugby league and are proposing a greater share in funding for their national game.
- Chris Barrett
Eliesa grew up in a village with one TV. Now he’s a Storm star
Raised in a small village in Tonga, 24-year-old Eliesa Katoa has made a big impact at Melbourne Storm, and will be centre stage in the NRL grand final.
- Roy Ward
I joined the Reds in Tonga, and left confident a title force had arrived
There was more to the Queensland Reds’ mission in Tonga than achieving victory in two historic clashes.
- Nick Wright
- Updated
- Folau controversy
Folau’s international comeback falls flat
Saturday marked 1316 days since Israel Folau last represented the Wallabies on the world stage. His return for Tonga against Fiji was inauspicious to say the least.
- Tom Decent
- The Cauliflower
- Australian rugby
After Origin icerink, Optus Stadium boss tips slippery surface for Wallabies Test
The boss of the Perth venue says dewy and slippery conditions will greet Australian and England players on Saturday but don’t expect a full house, like State of Origin II.
- Iain Payten and Georgina Robinson
- Exclusive
- Australian rugby
‘One of the boys’ again, Israel Folau’s exile is over
He left Australia a controversial figure but a rugby rule change has opened a new door for Israel Folau.
- Georgina Robinson