Australia has long employed public diplomacy as a crucial tool in its international relations, particularly within the Pacific region. One fascinating aspect of this is the recent move by the Australian government to support the creation of a National Rugby League (NRL) team in Papua New Guinea (PNG). This initiative highlights the power of sports as a diplomatic tool and illustrates how Australia is using “sports diplomacy” to enhance its ties with PNG and the broader Pacific region.
Australia’s foreign policy has been shaped by its historical ties, economic interests, and regional security concerns, particularly in its relationship with the Pacific island nations. Over the years, Australia has leveraged various soft power elements, including public diplomacy and cultural exchanges, to maintain its influence in the region. The inclusion of sports, especially rugby, as a part of this strategy demonstrates how sports can transcend boundaries, build shared values, and create lasting partnerships between nations.
What Is Public Diplomacy?
Before diving into the specifics of Australia and Papua New Guinea’s rugby connection, let’s first break down the concept of public diplomacy. In simple terms, public diplomacy involves the use of soft power by a country to promote its national interests by influencing the public opinion of other nations. It’s about creating positive perceptions, shared narratives, and fostering mutual understanding.
Public diplomacy is all about storytelling. It’s the effort to shape how a country is perceived abroad through cultural exchanges, media, and international events. And what better stage for such efforts than the world of sports? It’s no secret that sports events have become platforms where nations can showcase their values, culture, and power.
The Role of Sports in Public Diplomacy
If you think about it, sports are a universal language. Whether it’s football, cricket, or in this case, rugby, sports have the power to bring people together. They can bridge cultural divides, foster unity, and promote national identity. This makes sports a potent tool for diplomacy, especially in regions where formal diplomatic avenues may face hurdles.
When Australia pushes for a rugby league team in Papua New Guinea, it’s not just about the sport. It’s about building stronger bonds, promoting common values, and ultimately enhancing Australia’s influence in the region.
The 2024 Paris Olympics: A Soft Power Example
The 2024 Olympics in Paris exemplified how countries use sports for public diplomacy. France strategically leveraged the Olympics to reflect its commitment to diversity, equality, and global influence. The event served as a reminder of France’s status as a global power while reinforcing its cultural values. The same way France used the Olympics to project its image, Australia is now using rugby to strengthen its ties with Papua New Guinea.
Australian Prime Minister’s Endorsement of the PNG Rugby League Team
In 2024, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made headlines by endorsing the creation of a National Rugby League team for Papua New Guinea. The move was more than just a sports decision; it was a statement of intent, symbolizing Australia’s commitment to deepening its relationship with PNG. Albanese emphasized PNG’s passion for rugby, stating that “there is no country on earth that is more passionate, including Australia, than PNG when it comes to rugby league.”
The Australian government backed its words with financial commitment, pledging AU$600 million (US$405 million) to support the new team. This significant investment demonstrates Australia’s belief in the power of sports diplomacy to foster stronger bilateral relations.
Why Rugby? A Cultural Bridge
Why rugby? Rugby has deep roots in both Australia and Papua New Guinea, making it the perfect medium for diplomacy. In PNG, rugby isn’t just a sport; it’s a national passion. For many Papua New Guineans, rugby is a way of life, and the opportunity to have their very own NRL team would be a point of immense pride.
Australia’s rugby culture is similarly strong, and by encouraging a PNG team to join the NRL, Australia is fostering a sense of shared identity and mutual respect. This connection through rugby goes beyond government policies and diplomatic talks; it creates a common cultural bridge that resonates with the people of both nations.
The 2028 NRL Inclusion Plan
The endorsement by Prime Minister Albanese isn’t just rhetoric. The plan is for the PNG team to officially join the National Rugby League in 2028, marking a new chapter in Australia-PNG relations. The NRL team’s participation would strengthen communication and foster community interests between the two nations. Additionally, it provides Australia with an avenue to exert its soft power in the Pacific, strengthening its influence in the region.
A Shared History: Australia and Papua New Guinea
Australia and Papua New Guinea share a complicated history, dating back to colonial times. Australia’s colonial control of Papua in the 1880s and its subsequent influence in the region, including its controversial practices such as blackbirding (coercive agricultural labor recruitment), have left a lasting impact on PNG-Australia relations.
Despite this fraught history, the two countries maintain close ties today. Australia provides PNG with substantial aid—approximately $637.4 million in 2024-25 alone—and is its largest trading partner. This financial support, alongside security cooperation agreements like the Framework for Closer Security Relations signed between the two nations, underscores Australia’s strategic interest in maintaining a stable and cooperative relationship with PNG.
The Role of Sports in Enhancing Bilateral Relations
Sports diplomacy can transcend political and historical tensions. By establishing a PNG NRL team, Australia can reinforce its role as a leading partner in the Pacific. The PNG team would serve as a symbol of unity, reflecting the shared aspirations and values of both nations.
As former Australian Prime Minister John Howard famously remarked, Australia has a “substantial and special responsibility” toward the Pacific Island states. This responsibility is echoed through initiatives like the rugby league team, which go beyond economic and political ties and enter the realm of cultural and social connection.
Challenges Facing Australia-PNG Relations
Despite these positive developments, Australia-PNG relations face several challenges, particularly in areas like climate change and regional security. These two issues have put a strain on Australia’s relationships with not only PNG but other Pacific Island nations as well.
Climate Change and Pacific Island Concerns
Climate change is an existential threat to many Pacific Island nations, and Australia’s mixed record on climate action has been a sore point. While the Albanese government has worked hard to repair relations, signing a joint communique in 2022 calling for deep emission cuts, Australia’s continued approval of coal mining projects sends a conflicting message.
As Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine stated in 2024, “Australia should be leading the way in transitioning away from fossil fuels, not developing any further fossil fuel projects.” This disconnect between Australia’s public commitments and its domestic actions is a significant barrier to closer relations with its Pacific neighbors.
AUKUS and Regional Security Concerns
Another sticking point is Australia’s involvement in AUKUS, a security partnership between Australia, the UK, and the US, aimed at countering China’s influence in the region. While Australia views AUKUS as a vital security measure, many Pacific Island nations fear it will lead to further militarization of the region.
These nations, including PNG, have expressed concerns about the militarization of the Pacific, with some calling for the region to be a “united ocean of peace” rather than a battleground for global power conflicts.
China’s Influence in the Pacific
Australia’s push to maintain its influence in PNG and the Pacific comes at a time when China is making significant inroads in the region. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road project, China has forged strong ties with several Pacific nations, including PNG. The security agreement between China and the Solomon Islands is a prime example of Beijing’s growing clout.
Australia’s efforts to counteract China’s influence through soft power initiatives like the PNG rugby team are a strategic move to ensure its role as the primary partner in the region.
The Impact of China’s Growing Influence on Australia’s Diplomacy in the Pacific
Australia’s relationship with the Pacific Island nations has been further complicated by China’s increasing diplomatic and economic influence in the region. As China expands its footprint through initiatives such as the Belt and Road project, several Pacific nations have turned to Beijing for financial support and development assistance. The relationship between China and Papua New Guinea is particularly significant, with Beijing investing in infrastructure projects and offering favorable loans to the island nation.
Australia has been wary of this growing influence, perceiving it as a potential challenge to its historical role as the dominant player in the Pacific. This competition with China adds urgency to Australia’s public diplomacy efforts, including its endorsement of the National Rugby League team in PNG. By using sports diplomacy, Australia hopes to create a stronger, more emotionally driven connection with the people of PNG, countering the appeal of Chinese financial incentives.
The Importance of Soft Power in Diplomacy
In an era where geopolitical rivalries are increasingly defined by soft power, rather than military or economic might alone, public diplomacy has become a critical tool for nations like Australia. Soft power refers to the ability of a country to shape the preferences of others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion. Culture, values, and policies that are perceived positively can help a nation extend its influence globally.
Sports, in particular, offer a unique avenue for soft power. The shared love of a game like rugby can help build bridges between countries, enabling them to connect on a cultural and emotional level. Australia’s support of a PNG rugby league team is a direct effort to leverage this soft power, deepening bonds with PNG and reinforcing the idea of a shared “Pacific family.”
Sports Diplomacy: More Than Just a Game
The creation of a National Rugby League team in PNG highlights the broader trend of using sports as a diplomatic tool. Sports diplomacy is not a new concept, but it has gained more prominence in recent years. From the iconic China-U.S. “ping-pong” diplomacy of the 1970s to more contemporary examples like the Olympics, sports have always played a role in international relations.
However, sports diplomacy is about more than just playing a game. It can serve as a powerful means of showcasing a nation’s culture, fostering goodwill, and building stronger international ties. For Australia, rugby has long been a significant part of its national identity, and by helping establish a PNG team, Australia is exporting more than just the sport—it’s exporting its values, its community spirit, and its desire for closer relationships with its Pacific neighbors.
Australia’s Commitment to PNG Through Rugby and Beyond
Australia’s backing of a PNG rugby league team is part of a larger, multi-faceted commitment to supporting PNG and its people. Beyond rugby, Australia has provided substantial developmental aid to PNG, helping with everything from education and healthcare to infrastructure and security. This aid, totaling AU$637.4 million in 2024-25, represents Australia’s recognition of PNG’s strategic importance in the region and its desire to build a long-lasting partnership.
Additionally, the Framework for Closer Security Relations signed between Australia and PNG in 2023 reflects a shared commitment to maintaining regional security. The agreement ensures that both countries will consult each other on matters of regional security and provides AU$200 million in funding to support PNG’s security initiatives. This framework adds another layer to the already strong ties between the two nations, ensuring that Australia remains a trusted partner in PNG’s development.
The Broader Pacific Context: Australia as “Big Brother”
Australia’s relationship with PNG is emblematic of its broader approach to the Pacific region, often characterized by the “Big Brother” and “Little Brother” dynamic. Historically, Australia has taken on the role of the dominant power in the Pacific, providing aid, security, and support to smaller island nations. While this relationship has been mutually beneficial, it has also been criticized as paternalistic.
Many Pacific Island nations, including PNG, have called for a more equal partnership, one that recognizes their agency and unique challenges. Australia’s ongoing involvement in the region—whether through financial support, security agreements, or sports diplomacy—needs to be framed in a way that promotes mutual respect and equality, rather than dominance.
Challenges and Opportunities for Australia-PNG Relations
As with any international relationship, there are challenges that Australia and PNG must navigate. One of the most pressing issues is climate change, which poses an existential threat to many Pacific Island nations. Rising sea levels, increasingly severe weather events, and environmental degradation have made climate change a top priority for Pacific leaders.
Australia’s mixed record on climate action has drawn criticism from some Pacific nations, including PNG. While the Albanese government has made significant efforts to address these concerns, including signing the 2022 joint communique on emissions cuts, Australia’s continued reliance on coal mining and fossil fuel exports sends conflicting signals. Balancing economic interests with environmental responsibility remains a key challenge for Australia as it seeks to strengthen its relationships in the Pacific.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Australia-PNG Relations Through Sports
The establishment of a National Rugby League team in Papua New Guinea marks a new chapter in Australia-PNG relations. While the sport itself will undoubtedly bring joy and excitement to rugby fans in both countries, its impact goes far beyond the field. The soft power generated by the shared love of rugby will help Australia and PNG deepen their ties, foster mutual understanding, and create lasting connections that transcend political and economic challenges.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that sports diplomacy will continue to play a significant role in Australia’s foreign policy. The success of the PNG rugby league team will serve as a symbol of what can be achieved when nations come together through shared cultural values and a common passion. By investing in sports diplomacy, Australia is not only securing its influence in the Pacific but also promoting a more united and cooperative region.
Strengthening Pacific Unity Through Rugby
At its core, the push for a PNG rugby team is about fostering a sense of unity within the Pacific region. Rugby has long been a cultural touchstone for many Pacific Island nations, and by supporting a PNG team, Australia is tapping into this shared passion to promote a greater sense of regional cooperation.
As the Pacific region faces numerous challenges—climate change, economic development, and the rising influence of external powers like China—stronger ties between Australia and its Pacific neighbors are more important than ever. Rugby may seem like just a game, but it has the potential to be a powerful force for unity, resilience, and collaboration in the Pacific.
Beyond Rugby: Expanding Australia’s Pacific Diplomacy
While rugby is a key part of Australia’s diplomatic toolkit, it’s not the only avenue for strengthening its relationship with PNG and other Pacific Island nations. Australia has long been a leading provider of developmental aid in the region, and it continues to play a vital role in supporting education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects throughout the Pacific.
Additionally, Australia’s participation in regional organizations like the Pacific Islands Forum and its commitment to multilateral initiatives aimed at addressing climate change, security, and economic development are essential components of its Pacific diplomacy. By combining these efforts with the power of sports diplomacy, Australia can create a holistic approach to strengthening its ties with the Pacific.
A New Era of Australia-PNG Relations Through Sports Diplomacy
In conclusion, Australia’s support for the establishment of a National Rugby League team in Papua New Guinea is a strategic move that goes beyond the world of sports. It represents a new era in Australia-PNG relations, one that emphasizes soft power, cultural exchange, and shared values. Through rugby, Australia is not only strengthening its bond with PNG but also reaffirming its commitment to the Pacific region as a whole.
As the world becomes more interconnected and the Pacific faces increasing geopolitical challenges, initiatives like the PNG rugby team will play a crucial role in fostering unity and promoting peace in the region. Sports diplomacy may not solve all the challenges facing the Pacific, but it can create a foundation of trust, respect, and mutual understanding that will be essential in navigating the complexities of the future.
Building Trust Through Sports: A Pacific Perspective
This initiative shows that while government policies and aid packages are important, sometimes it’s the cultural and emotional connections—like the love for rugby—that build the strongest bridges between nations. By supporting the creation of a National Rugby League team in PNG, Australia is setting the stage for a new chapter of trust, collaboration, and unity in the Pacific.
