Australia will direct more foreign aid to develop the sport of rugby league in the Pacific, officials say, bolstering a soft power offensive against China's growing influence in the region.
The plan, backed by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, aims to tap into a shared passion for the bruising game — which differs from its more globally popular cousin, rugby union — by funding more coaching clinics and exhibition matches on far-flung Pacific islands being wooed by China.
"The prime minister sees rugby league as a central component of his soft-power plan as China's influence in the Pacific grows," said a senior rugby league official.