World Rugby 2026 Pacific Four Series: with TEG Live TV and USA Rugby
Growth, Grit and Standout Performances from the Eagles
The 2026 Pacific Four Series gave the USA Women’s Eagles a tough but valuable test against New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. The Eagles finished 1–2, highlighted by a strong win over Australia and competitive stretches against two top‑ranked sides.
Despite the results, the series showed clear signs of progress a young squad gaining confidence, senior players stepping up and a team learning to compete under pressure.
Mataitoga’s Composure in the Backfield
Bulou Mataitoga brought experience and calm across the series, steadying the backfield against New Zealand and helping launch early attacking phases against Canada. Her leadership gave younger backs a reliable anchor in high‑pressure moments.
Sagapolu’s Work Rate Up Front
Keia Mae Sagapolu logged heavy minutes at tighthead prop, battling some of the most physical packs in the world. Her defensive work rate and commitment in contact stood out, even in challenging set‑piece moments.
A Team Building for the Future
With multiple new caps and a bold youth movement, the Eagles showed flashes of what’s coming next strong defensive stands, improved phase play and a growing sense of identity.
The 2026 Pacific Four Series revealed the potential for USA, a step toward a stronger, more confident next chapter.
Rugby Player Profile
Bulou MataitogaFullback | USA Women’s Eagles | Eagle #286
Bulou Mataitoga is a dynamic USA Eagles fullback known for her calm decision‑making, sharp kicking game, and natural Pacific Islander rugby instincts. Born in Suva, Fiji and raised in Redwood City, California, she began playing rugby at age 10 and has since become one of the most reliable backfield leaders in the American game.
Bulou made her USA 7s debut in 2016 and earned her first XVs cap in 2019 against England. She has represented the United States in the Pacific Four Series, Premier 15s with Loughborough Lightning, and the Women’s Elite Rugby competition with the Bay Breakers.
A multi‑sport athlete and Collegiate All‑American, Bulou brings a blend of experience, composure, and creativity that anchors the Eagles’ backline.
Key Facts
– Position: Fullback
– International Caps: 26 (XVs), 3 (7s)
– Debut: 2019 (XVs), 2016 (7s)
– Clubs: Loughborough Lightning, Bay Breakers
– Heritage: Fijian
Keia Mae Sagapolu
Prop | USA Women’s Eagles | Eagle #309
Keia Mae Sagapolu is one of the rising forces in American rugby — a powerful, disciplined prop with deep Samoan roots and a reputation for relentless work rate. Born in California and raised in Tacoma, Washington, she entered rugby at age 18 and rose rapidly through the U.S. development pathway.
Keia Mae earned her first USA cap in 2023 against Spain and has since become a cornerstone of the Eagles’ forward pack. She has represented the U.S. at the Americas Rugby Trophy, earned Collegiate All‑American honors, and won the prestigious MA Sorensen Award for the top women’s college rugby player in the nation.
She currently competes with the ACT Brumbies, bringing international experience and a strong technical foundation to the front row.
Key Facts
– Position: Prop
– International Caps: 19
– Debut: 2023 vs Spain
– Club: ACT Brumbies
– Heritage: Samoan
Video
Following the Captain’s Run in Sacramento, PacifikSports+ spoke with fullback Bulou Mataitogaand prop Keia Mae Sagapolu, two athletes of Pacific Islander heritage whose experience and discipline continue to strengthen the USA Women’s Eagles. Both offered thoughtful, measured insights as the team finalizes preparations for tomorrow’s game – USA vs Black Ferns
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PacifikSportsPacifikSports+ was delighted to catch up with the newly appointed Fiji National Rugby League Chairman, Mr. Rajesh Singh for a detailed and transparent conversation about the future of Fiji Rugby League.
This Q & A interview is part of our ongoing global series- EverydayLeaders highlighting leaders who are reshaping systems, strengthening communities and driving meaningful change.
What are your immediate priorities for strengthening Fiji Rugby League in your first 100 days?
Chairman Singh:
– FNRL will go through Clean Up and Staff Restructure
– Complete audited accounts for Y24/25 and hold the FNRL AGM by May 2026.
– Appoint an NRL‑level coach for the Fiji Bati RLWC 2026 campaign.
– Appoint 4 local coaches to understudy the Bati coach.
– Include 5 local players in the Fiji Bati extended squad for RLWC 2026.
– Include 5 local players in the Fiji Bulikula squad.
– Prepare both Fiji Bati and Fiji Bulikula for RLWC 2026.
– Co‑opt 1 CPA and 1 Lawyer onto the FNRL Board of Directors.
– Maintain strict compliance with IRL/NRL standards and the FNRL Company AOA.
– Investigate staff and directors for abuse of funds and breaches of financial procedures.
– Refer cases to Police and FICAC.
– Educate all FNRL clubs on following the FNRL Company Act and AOA.
– Reinforce: No one is above the law.
– Ensure no racism within FNRL staffing or board structures.
– Get all local coaches, S&C, trainers, and medics NRL‑accredited.
– Train FNRL staff and teachers as NRL Educators.
How do you plan to support pathways for local players, especially those from grassroots and rural communities?
Chairman Singh:
– Organize FSSRL team tours to Australia and New Zealand.
– Launch an annual U19 Fiji–Tonga–Samoa–PNG–
– Establish FNRL Academies in the East, West, and North.
– Strengthen:
– Junior Bati
– Fiji Residents
– Fiji Bati
– Fiji Bulikula
– Prepare a Fiji team for the NSW Knock-On Effect Cup (2028):
– 14 home + 14 away games.
– All local players and officials for the Fiji NSW team.
What changes can fans expect to see in the administration and development of the sport this year?
Chairman Singh:
– Restructure FNRL for stronger governance and accountability.
– Hire the best-qualified staff on merit.
– Provide professional services to FSSRL, clubs and provincial teams.
– Build towards 10 Provincial Premiership Franchise Teams (2027):
– Senior
– Women’s
– U21
– U19
– U17
– U15
– Align FSSRL and club players with their provincial teams.
– Ensure FSSRL players join clubs and provincial teams in Term 2, committing to 9 months of rugby league annually.
How will you work with clubs, coaches and stakeholders to rebuild confidence and unity?
Chairman Singh:
– Educate all stakeholders to read and understand the FNRL Company Act and AOA.
– Follow AMA compliance as required by IRL/NRL.
– Reinforce: Follow the law — not jungle law.
– Ensure all coaches, trainers, S&C, medics, and first-aid staff attend NRL courses in June 2026 (already arranged)
What is your long-term vision for Fiji Rugby League locally and internationally?
Chairman Singh:
– Establish three national academies (East, West, North).
– Prepare local players, coaches, trainers, S&C, and medics for the Provincial Premiership Competition (2027).
– Compete strongly at RLWC 2026 and future Pacific Tests.
– Maintain a 70% NRL / 30% Local player ratio for Fiji Bati & Fiji Bulikula.
– Secure more international friendlies for:
– Fiji Bati
– Fiji Bulikula
– Fiji Residents
– Junior Bati
– Host Fiji International & Local Rugby League 9s competitions.
– Hold 4x Local 9s Club Competitions each pre-season.
– Prepare Fiji’s entry into the NSW Cup Competition (2028)
We sincerely thank Chairman Rajesh Singh for his time and commitment to strengthening Fiji Rugby League from the ground up.
