SYDNEY ¨C 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 ¡ª which differs from its more globally popular cousin, rugby union ¡ª 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.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.