FNRL

BSP Becomes Major Sponsor of 2026 Rugby League World Cup as Pacific Tournament Nears Kick-off

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea, July 7, 2026: Bank South Pacific (BSP), the South Pacific's largest regional bank, has been announced as a major sponsor of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, strengthening its long-standing support for rugby league as the tournament prepares to begin in October.

The announcement coincides with the 100-day countdown to the opening match on 15 October, with the month-long tournament featuring teams from Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.

Papua New Guinea will host four World Cup matches at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on 17 and 24 October. The PNG Kumuls are scheduled to face Lebanon and Samoa, while the PNG Orchids will take on France and Fiji.

BSP said its sponsorship reflects its commitment to supporting sport, strengthening communities and promoting regional pride across the Pacific. The bank plans to roll out marketing campaigns and community events across its seven Pacific markets in the lead-up to the tournament.

BSP Group Chief Executive Officer Mark Robinson said rugby league remains one of the strongest unifying forces across the Pacific.

"With teams participating from PNG and across the South Pacific, it is natural for BSP to play a role as a major sponsor. It reflects our purpose of championing prosperity in the South Pacific while supporting an event that inspires communities and national pride," Robinson said.

National Rugby League Chief Executive Andrew Abdo welcomed BSP's involvement, describing the bank as a long-time supporter of the game and Pacific communities.

"The Pacific is one of rugby league's great success stories. BSP's support will help strengthen that progress as we build towards a landmark Rugby League World Cup in 2026," Abdo said.

The sponsorship adds another major commercial partner to the expanded Rugby League World Cup, which is expected to attract significant audiences across Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific, reflecting the region's growing influence in the international game.

📸 BSP Financial Group Limited NRL

League Kings Academy will be playing Namoli Tigers at Churchill Park tomorrow Wednesday 8th July at 1:45pm. Entry is free.

On Thursday 9th July League Kings Academy and MANA Performance will be conducting a free rugby league community clinic at Lawaqa Park from 9:30am - 12:30pm for coaches and young players