Samoa eye Kiwi ambush in Pacific Championships return

The 2025 Pacific Championships are about to reignite fierce international rivalries, with Samoa rejoining the men's Cup draw to face off against Tonga and New Zealand.

After missing last year's Pacific Championships due to a tour in the UK, the Samoa team is back and ready to unleash a formidable lineup, featuring players like Payne Haas, Josh Papalii, Jaydn Su'A, and Junior Paulo.

As the defending Pacific Cup champions Australia prepare to meet England in the Ashes, the battlefield is set for Samoa, Tonga, and New Zealand to compete for dominance in the tournament.

The action kicks off in Auckland on Sunday, with Samoa and the Kiwis clashing for the first time since 2023. During their last encounter, Jamayne Isaako's impressive 22-point performance led New Zealand to a decisive 50-0 victory.

On the same day at Go Media Stadium, the women's Pacific Cup will also commence, featuring the Kiwi Ferns hosting Fetu Samoa. The Fetu Samoa team will be guided by Titans players Taliah Fuimaono and Pauline Piliae-Rasabale, while young Bronco star Shalom Sauaso makes her Test debut, ready to make an impact off the bench.

The defending champions, the Jillaroos, will kick off their campaign against Samoa during a double-header event at Suncorp Stadium on October 26. They will then head across the Tasman for a highly anticipated match against the Kiwi Ferns at Eden Park on November 2.

Both the men's and women's Pacific Bowl tournaments are scheduled to take place over three consecutive weekends at Santos Stadium in Port Moresby.