IB2016/11 Sports Diplomacy in the Pacific: Developing Pacific Rugby League Elite Athletes for Diplomacy and Development

This In Brief focuses on the potential and actual use of Pacific elite athletes in supporting diplomacy and development activities in the Pacific region using the National Rugby League (NRL) as a prime example. I argue that although Pacific elite athletes are well placed to promote and publicise Pacific diplomatic sports events and development programs, the choice of athletes needs to be carefully considered and athletes should have some understanding and interest in Pacific social issues.