China is top of mind for Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) as it begins deliberations around whether to put a team in the South Pacific region—the centre of a geopolitical tug-of-war between Beijing and democratic nations.
The move to grant a license to a “Pasifika” club would be the latest “soft power” initiative by the Australian government to win the hearts and minds of local populations, alongside existing free-to-air TV broadcasts, aid programs, and supporting infrastructure building.
In 2022, rugby union teams, the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika were added to the region’s peak competition for rugby union.
Australia’s NRL (a separate sport) is a competitor and one of the largest leagues in the country, alongside the Australian Football League….