Samoa, Fiji and Tonga could all join Super Rugby Australia under the newly proposed deal between Rugby Australia and the three Pacific Islands.
It is understood that Tonga and Fiji have already signed off on the proposal that is worth $150 million. If it is signed by all three pacific nations, it will allow them to field a team in Australia’s domestic Super Rugby competition which already consists of the Waratahs, Western Force, Reds and Brumbies.
This competition is only three weeks long and is set to double if Samoa, Tonga and the Drua field a team each.
Super Rugby Australia acts as a developmental competition that is played in September after the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific.
Australia use this as a way of bleeding in new or on the fringe talent to prepare them further to play at the Super Rugby Pacific level.
2025 was the first year Australia ran this competition which saw much success in unearthing new talent for the 2026 Super Rugby season. The Waratahs were the victors after defeating the Western Force 33-26.
Alongside the men’s, there is an U20 Super Rugby Australia however it is unclear whether the $150 million proposal to the island nations includes an U20 side from each country.
A press release from the Australian High Commission in Samoa has stated the Australian Government is not a party to the proposal, which is being developed between Rugby Australia and the national unions of Samoa, Fiji and Tonga.
