Samoan and Tongan rugby union executives are negotiating with Chinese government officials about investment in their sport as they grapple with the prospect of losing players to rugby league’s multimillion-dollar Pacific expansion.
A $600 million deal signed by the Australian government and the NRL last December included the introduction of a new team in Papua New Guinea, investment in grassroots development, and a $250 million contribution to growing rugby league’s footprint in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.
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correction —
Corrects to show that Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun is the boss of Lakapi Samoa, formerly known as Samoa Rugby Union.
Zoe Samios covers wagering and the business of sport from the AFR's Sydney newsroom. She was previously the media and telecommunications reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, and covered media at The Australian. Connect with Zoe on Twitter. Email Zoe at zoe.samios@afr.com
