BSP ANNOUNCED AS OFFICIAL PARTNER OF 2026 RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP

BANK South Pacific has announced its support as a major sponsor and official partner of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, strengthening its commitment to sport, community and regional pride across the South Pacific.

The announcement comes 100 days before the tournament kicks off on October 15, with the month-long competition bringing together teams from five South Pacific nations Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.

Papua New Guinea will play host to several matches at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on October 17 and 24.

The PNG men’s team, the Kumuls, will face Lebanon and Samoa, while the PNG women’s team, the Orchids, will take on France and Fiji.

BSP Group Chief Executive Officer Mark Robinson says the partnership is a natural fit for the bank as the South Pacific’s international bank, given rugby league’s strong connection with communities across the region.

He says BSP’s sponsorship reflects its purpose of championing prosperity in the South Pacific by supporting a platform that unites people, celebrates national pride and inspires communities.

Robinson says the partnership will include a regional marketing campaign and a series of events across BSP’s markets to bring customers, staff and communities closer to the excitement of the Rugby League World Cup.

National Rugby League Chief Executive Officer Andrew Abdo welcomed BSP as a major partner, acknowledging the bank’s long-standing support for rugby league and Pacific communities.

He says the rise of Pacific nations on the international stage reflects the talent, passion and deep connection communities have with the sport.

BSP says it encourages its customers, employees and communities across the region to unite behind the tournament and celebrate the values of teamwork, excellence and Pacific pride.