Bank South Pacific (BSP) will be a major sponsor of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC26), highlighting its commitment to sport, community, and regional pride across the South Pacific.
BSP says today marks 100 days until the opening game of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup on 15th October, kicking off a month-long tournament including teams from five South
Pacific nations – Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.
They say Papua New Guinea will also host matches at the Santos National Football Stadium on 17th and 24th of October, with the PNG men’s team playing Lebanon and Samoa, and in the women’s game, PNG will play France and Fiji.
They add that as the South Pacific’s International Bank, BSP’s sponsorship of RLWC26 aims to support national pride across the South Pacific and the growth and visibility of rugby league in the region while engaging communities, customers, and our staff.
BSP Group CEO Mark Robinson says with teams participating in the Rugby League World Cup from PNG and the South Pacific, it is natural for BSP to play a role as a major sponsor.
He says it reflects their purpose to champion prosperity in the South Pacific by supporting a platform that unites the region and helps inspire communities and national pride.
Robinson says their sponsorship will be supported by a marketing campaign and a series of events across all their markets that are designed to bring their customers and South Pacific communities closer to the excitement of the Rugby League World Cup.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo says BSP has been a longstanding supporter of rugby league and the communities that sit at the heart of our game.
He says they are pleased to welcome them as a major partner of the Rugby League World Cup.
Abdo says the Pacific is one of the game's great success stories and the rise of Pacific nations on the international stage reflects the talent, passion and connection to rugby league right across the region.
He adds that BSP's support will help strengthen that progress as we build towards a landmark World Cup in 2026.
BSP encourages its customers, staff, and communities to come together in support of
the campaign, celebrating the spirit of teamwork and excellence.
Meanwhile, the Vodafone Fiji Bati is in Pool A with Australia, New Zealand and Cook Islands.
The Bati's first match is against Cook Islands on the 18th of October; they will then meet Australia on the 25th, before playing New Zealand on the 31st of October.
