In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — ‘Ikale Tahi prop Latu set for Super Rugby Pacific debut – Moana Pasifika
2. RUGBY — Umaga eyes strong finish with ‘struggling’ Moana Pasifika before All Blacks role begins
3. RUGBY — Jackson reshuffles Fijian Drua backline for Blues clash
4. RUGBY — Daugunu wants to see Super Rugby played in Labasa
5. FOOTBALL — Vanuatu overpower tournament hosts Tonga to open qualifying campaign
6. BOXING — Trainer backs Tuilau to head Boxing Commission of Fiji
7. TRIATHLON — Palau hosts first World Triathlon Cup as Samoa CNMI athletes take gold
8. SAILING — Palau Sailing Club receives major equipment boost, expanding Pathway for Young athletes
9. TRIATHLON — Triathletes Dazzled by Waters, Warmth in Palau’s 2026 World Triathlon Debut
10. RUGBY — Clarke hails Vidiri as legacy lives on as Super Rugby match honours Fijian great
PAC – RUGBY: MOANA PASIFIKA PACNEWS: Thu 26 Mar 2026
‘Ikale Tahi prop Latu set for Super Rugby Pacific debut – Moana Pasifika
AUCKLAND, 26 MARCH 2026 (MOANA PASIFIKA)—Spanish-speaking Tongan prop Paula Latu has earned the chance to make his Super Rugby Pacific debut off the bench, when Moana Pasifika host the Highlanders at North Harbour Stadium on Friday night.
The 30-year-old is one of 12 siblings and hails from the village of Mataika. He moved with his family to New Zealand at age 14 and attended Gisborne Boys’ High School. Latu served his Mormon mission in El Salvador and Guatemala in South America.
He was part of the 2023 Tongan Rugby World Cup squad and appeared in their final pool match against Romania. Latu has connections with many of the Highlanders players, being part of the Southland Stags team since 2021. In that year, he won the Stags Rookie of the Year and Supporters Club’s Most Promising Player Award.
Other changes to this week’s team include Abraham Pole, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Veikoso Poloniati and Dominic Ropeti being named in the starting lineup. While veterans Jackson Garden-Bachop and Solomon Alaimalo re-join the starting backline.
Samiuela Moli, Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Alefosio Aho and Ola Tauelangi will bring energy off the bench.
Tevita Ofa who is also on the bench this week, has scored a try in two of his last three Super Rugby Pacific games. He has also made nine line breaks across his last six appearances including two in each of his last two games.
Joel Lam gets another start at halfback, after a breakout few weeks in a Moana jersey. He is currently first equal with the Waratahs’ Sid Harvey, for Super Rugby Pacific Rookie of the Year Votes. He made 13 tackles, beat five defenders and scored a try in last week’s match against the Crusaders.
After not having a Super Rugby contract last year, Lam has been a standout for Moana over the last three weeks. He has seamlessly fit in to the starting halfback position, stepping up after injuries to experienced playmakers Jonathan Taumateine and Melani Matavao.
Starting XV
1. Abraham Pole
2. Millennium Sanerivi
3. Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou
4. Veikoso Poloniati
5. Allan Craig
6. Miracle Faiilagi (c)
7. Niko Jones
8. Dominic Ropeti
9. Joel Lam
10. Jackson Garden-Bachop
11. Glen Vaihu
12. Lalomilo Lalomilo
13. Tevita Latu
14. Solomon Alaimalo
15. William Havili
Impact
16. Samiuela Moli
17. Malakai Hala-Ngatai
18. Paula Latu *DEBUT
19. Alefosio Aho
20. Ola Tauelangi
21. Siaosi Nginingini
22. Patrick Pellegrini
23. Tevita Ofa
Unavailable Due To Injury: Julian Savea (shoulder), Lolani Faleiva (shoulder), Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa (head knock), Tito Tuipulotu (thumb), Tom Savage (head knock), Tupou Afungia (neck). …PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS: Thu 26 Mar 2026
Umaga eyes strong finish with ‘struggling’ Moana Pasifika before All Blacks role begins
AUCKLAND, 26 MARCH 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC)—It will be interesting to see if the appointment of Fa’alogo Tana Umaga as an All Blacks assistant coach will have a positive impact on a “struggling” Moana Pasifika’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
Umaga, a former All Black captain who retired from in 2006, is one of head coach David Rennie’s assistants.
He joins a coaching team that has Rennie, assistants Neil Barnes (senior assistant), Mike Blair (attack), and Jason Ryan (forwards).
But before he gets into the All Blacks coaching role, Umaga has Moana Pasifika to guide through the remaining nine rounds of matches in Super Rugby, starting with the Highlanders at the North Harbour Stadium in Albany on Friday evening.
He told reporters on Tuesday, while announcing his appointment with the All Blacks, that his focus is on getting Moana Pasifika to achieve their aim for 2026.
“Once I am done here and hopefully I can get this behind me, and start really focusing on the job. Obviously, we are struggling here in terms of performances.”
Umaga said he did not expect the new appointment but he was proud for the opportunity.
“Just to be in the conversation – to have a role with the All Blacks again is pretty big,” he said.
“It’s no small undertaking but it’s a privilege and an honour.”
He said it will be hard leaving but he will always be supporting Moana Pasifika.
“Invested a lot of my time and I have great belief of what we are trying to do here with the Moana movement. I still do and always will, there’s a place in my heart for this movement.
“I am going to still be supporting and doing what I can.
“I’ve got to make sure that I do well with Moana Pasifika and respect the time that I’ve got here. I’ll apply the same things I learned when I was an All Black in terms of ‘am I going to leave Moana in a better place?’
“So I’m here until the end of the season and we’ve still got things we want to achieve before then.”
The All Blacks begin their 2026 commitments in July, after the completion of the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Umaga said culture has been one of the strongest identify for him and Moana Pasifika, something he is also taking into the All Blacks when he does get to that.
“My heart is always with culture – the All Blacks culture, representing the country I was born in, and the culture of my parents – the heritage and the blood that runs through me,” he said.
“I have deep connections to both of those so it would have to be something that I am really connected to for me to move on [from Moana Pasifika].
‘In terms of these two teams – they mean a lot to me, both of them. They are part of me.”
Umaga’s departure from Moana Pasifika creates an opportunity for a new era of leadership in the team’s rugby programme, which already consists of the best coaches in the Pacific.
The franchise said announcement of his successor will be made following a thorough appointment process.
“You’ve always got to have succession planning,” Umaga said.
“You’ve got to have a look at who is coming in next because at some stage, players need a new voice and a new way of doing things.
“And it’s an opportunity for some very good young coaches to step forward and keep it going.”
There are big names in the current Moana Pasifika coaching team who can take over from him, including assistant coaches Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua, who was also Manu Samoa head coach at the 2023 Rugby World Cup and former winning Wellington Lions head coach Alando Soakai.
Umaga’s new appointment has been celebrated internally by Moana Pasifika staff, as well as players both past and present, leaving with the blessings of its board and chief executive.
Moana Pasifika chief executive Debbie Sorensen said they are proud of what Umaga has achieved, both at the club and now with the All Blacks coaching job call up.
“We are immensely proud of Fa’alogo and could not be happier for his aiga,” she said.
“Not only is this a huge moment for the franchise, but for our Pacific community and especially our younger generations, who get to see two leaders of Pacific heritage coaching the All Blacks.
“His impact at Moana Pasifika has been astounding – not just for the rugby team, but for our staff and wider community. As much as we will miss him, we wish him all the best and look forward to cheering him on in this new role.”
Umaga will leave Moana Pasifika as the club’s most successful coach, guiding the team to within one place of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific finals, in his second season.
But since winning against the Fijian Drua in round one, Moana Pasifika have lost five games on the go this season, including a thrashing at the hands of the Crusaders at home in North Harbour last weekend….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS: Thu 26 Mar 2026
Jackson reshuffles Fijian Drua backline for Blues clash
AUCKLAND, 26 MARCH 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua have made key changes to their backline ahead of their Round Seven clash against the Blues in the Super Rugby Pacific season.
The match, which will be played for the Joeli Vidiri Memorial Trophy, honours the legacy of the late Joeli Vidiri, who represented the Flying Fijians, Blues and All Blacks during his career.
Head coach Glen Jackson has handed flyhalf duties to Kemu Valetini, who will also take over goal-kicking responsibilities, while Iosefo Namoce earns his first start at inside centre and Epeli Momo lines up on the right wing.
Jackson has also included experienced hooker Mesulame Dolokoto in the matchday 23, marking his return from injury for his first appearance of the season.
Up front, Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama and Mesake Doge form the front row, while Mesake Vocevoce partners Isoa Nasilasila in the second row.
The loose forward trio sees Etonia Waqa at blindside flanker, Kitione Salawa at openside and Elia Canakaivata retaining the number eight jersey following his standout performance last week.
In the halves, captain Frank Lomani will link up with Valetini, while Ponipate Loganimasi starts on the left wing with Momo on the right.
Namoce pairs with Tuidraki Samusamuvodre in midfield, while Ilaisa Droasese slots in at fullback.
The bench features a blend of experience and impact, with Dolokoto joined by Emosi Tuqiri, Peni Ravai, Joseva Tamani and Isoa Tuwai among the forwards, while Issak Fines-Leleiwasa and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula provide cover in the backs, with Virimi Vakatawa rounding out the squad.
The Drua will be aiming to deliver a strong performance as they take on the Blues in a special fixture honouring one of Fiji’s rugby greats.
Meanwhile, Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson has confirmed that Angelo Smith is no longer part of the squad, with both parties agreeing to part ways.
The clarification was made during the Drua’s press conference , with Jackson revealing the decision was based on internal considerations around values.
Jackson says the separation was mutual following those discussions.
“It was a value thing, and we’ve decided to part ways with him.”
Smith had signed with the Drua this season but did not make a Super Rugby Pacific appearance for the side.
He did, however, feature for the Drua development team in Round One.
The Drua will take on the Blues in Auckland this Saturday…..PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS: Thu 26 Mar 2026
Daugunu wants to see Super Rugby played in Labasa
LAUTOKA, 26 MARCH 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Queensland Reds star winger Filipo Daugunu hopes to see a Super Rugby Pacific match be played at Labasa in the future.
This was the gist of his interview with SUNsports after their 21–6 win against the Fijian Drua at Churchill Park, Lautoka, on Saturday.
“Maybe one day if there’s a (Super Rugby) game that can be held in Labasa, because I’m from Labasa and I was born there.
“I’m hoping if they could take the game to Labasa one day,” Daugunu who was the former Labasa football goalkeeper said.
Now playing for the Australian Wallabies, Daugunu was instrumental for Reds dominance with his strong defence that contained the Drua’s attack.
Also, he made strong carries as Drua’s Ponipate Loganimasi, Ilaisa Droasese and Isikeli Rabitu struggled to put him down.
“Our main focus was to keep the ball and to win the game,” Daugunu said.
“Our motivation was to never give up, and we don’t know what the weather will be as it was raining from the start and sunny after that.”
The Queensland Reds team have a unique history and connection with Fiji as Daugunu is one of the many players with Fijian heritage that has represented the club.
“The connection is very important because there’s a lot of Fijians playing around the world even in Australia,” he said.
“To all the fans out there, thank you very much for coming not only for the Reds but for the Drua too,” said Daugunu….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS: Thu 26 Mar 2026
Vanuatu overpower tournament hosts Tonga to open qualifying campaign
PORT VILA, 26 MARCH 2026 (OFC)—Vanuatu have opened their OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026 – Qualifying campaign with an impressive 6-1 win over tournament hosts Tonga, at the Loto-Tonga Soka Centre in Nuku’alofa.
Appearing at the qualifying stage for just the second time, Vanuatu started hot and were dominant throughout, joining the Cook Islands as convincing winners on the opening match day in Tonga.
It took just six minutes for them to open the scoring – Rohan Masauvakalo winning a penalty after being brought down by Tonga goalkeeper Sefo Mikaele, before duly converting from the spot into the bottom-right corner.
An own goal from defender Isileli Leao doubled Vanuatu’s lead in the 18th minute, but Tonga briefly offered some resistance in the 25th minute when Sitaleki Kautai ran onto a long ball into the box and finished to halve the deficit.
It proved nothing but a consolation though, as Masauvakalo added his second and Vanuatu’s third in the 37th minute.
Tonga are hosting the qualifying tournament for the third consecutive edition in 2026, but despite the home support, found their physicality outmatched as Vanuatu added three more to their tally in the second half.
Striker Franso Shem got in on the action at the start of the second half, scoring one and setting up an own goal in the space of three minutes.
Nelson Tawia then rounded out the scoring in the 68th minute, adding Vanuatu’s sixth as they coasted towards an opening day victory.
Vanuatu will face American Samoa next on Saturday, whilst hosts Tonga will need to bounce back against the Cook Islands on the same day.
Tonga: 1 (Sitaleki KAUTAI 25′)
Vanuatu: 6 (Rohan MASAUVAKALO 6′, 37′, Own Goal 18′, 47′, Franso SHEM 50′, Nelson TAWIA 68′)
HT: 1-3 …PACNEWS
FIJI – BOXING: FIJI SUN PACNEWS: Thu 26 Mar 2026
Trainer backs Tuilau to head Boxing Commission of Fiji
SUVA, 26 MARCH 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The authorities should head hunt the right person to become the new Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) chairman.
This was the view of Sydney-based trainer Lepani Wilson.
Speaking to SUNsports, he said by advertising the job, people who have no boxing background would apply for the job.
“That is where the danger is,” Wilson said.
“We’ll get in people who have no knowledge about the sport and how it operates.
“The person who takes the job should know the importance of working together with the promoters, boxers and all the stakeholders. The importance of issuing quarterly rankings to help in the match-making.”
Wilson said running professional boxing is totally different with amateur boxing.
“I’m talking from experience because before I came to Australia, I was the Professional Boxing & Wrestling Association (PBWA) president.”
Wilson said he believes the best person to be the next BCF chairman is former super middleweight champion and now school-teacher Paula Tuilau.
“Master Paula is smart and knows what needs to be done. He understands the work of the promoters and the difficulties boxers go through.”
Wilson said another aspect is that Tuilau took up boxing so he could earn money to pay for his tertiary fees at the Fiji Institute of Technology (FIT).
“He kept doing that until he graduated from FIT. With boxing he was able to do that. I feel he is the right man to take over from Adi Narayan, who I understand will be finishing off soon,” he said….PACNEWS
PAC – TRIATHLON: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS: Thu 26 Mar 2026
Palau hosts first World Triathlon Cup as Samoa CNMI athletes take gold
KOROR, 26 MARCH 2026 (ISLAND TIMES)— Samoa’s Tyreece Collins delivered a commanding performance to claim gold in the elite men’s race at the 2026 World Triathlon Development Regional Cup, clocking a winning time of 1:06:44 across the standard swim-bike-run format.
Collins set the pace early and maintained control through the bike and run segments to secure the top podium spot.
Samoa’s Tyreece Collins wins gold, Cook Islands’ David Robati took silver and Guam’s Rynier De Ramos earned bronze at the 2026 Oceania Triathlon Development Cup held in Palau on March 21, 2026. Photo credit: Oceania Triathlon
In the elite women’s race, Lily Muldoon of the Northern Mariana Islands surged to victory with a total time of 1:13:24. Samoa’s Manamea Schwalger followed for silver after a strong all-around performance, while Cook Islands teenager Olivia Postrzygacz secured bronze to round out the podium.
The elite men’s podium also featured Cook Islands’ David Robati, who took silver with a consistent effort across all three disciplines, and Guam’s Rynier De Ramos, who powered through the run leg to earn bronze.
Lily Muldoon of the Northern Mariana Islands seized the gold and Samoa’s Manamea Schwalger followed for silver, while Cook Islands teenager Olivia Postrzygacz secured bronze at the 2026 Oceania Triathlon Development Cup in Palau on March 21, 2026. Photo credit: Oceania Triathlon
For host nation Palau, the event marked a significant milestone, giving local athletes the opportunity to compete in a World Triathlon-sanctioned race against top regional competitors. In the elite women’s field, Palau’s Elengoi Gibbons completed the course in 1:24:03, while Lieslie Taksiau delivered a strong showing to finish fifth overall with a time of 1:15:52 in the elite men’s field.
Athletes praised both the race conditions and organization, noting that the competition provided valuable international exposure and a boost to the sport’s development in Palau. The event is the first of its kind in Palau to be sanctioned by World Triathlon.
Leah Asanuma, president of the Belau Triathlon Federation, said staging a triathlon at this level required extensive coordination, highlighting the role of community support and volunteers in ensuring smooth operations across the swim course and road segments.
Lani Young, Samoa’s secretary general and team manager, attended in her capacity as vice president of Oceania Triathlon and a member of the competition protest jury.
She commended race officials and volunteers for delivering a successful event, emphasizing athlete safety and race management.
Young also acknowledged the leadership of Asanuma and her federation board in mobilising volunteers and coordinating logistics, ensuring a safe and competitive environment for athletes throughout the swim, bike and run courses….PACNEWS
PALAU – SAILING: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS: Thu 26 Mar 2026
Palau Sailing Club receives major equipment boost, expanding Pathway for Young athletes
KOROR,26 MARCH 2026 (ISLAND TIMES)— The Palau Sailing Club has received a significant boost to its youth development program following a major equipment donation from the Japan Palau Youth Sailing Club, signaling increased investment in the country’s growing sailing community.
The donation, officially handed over during a ceremony at Skojio ra Meyuns on Thursday, included eight ILCA dinghies, eight dinghy trailers, mobile boat racks, an inflatable dinghy with motor, life jackets, and various repair parts and equipment.
The new equipment is expected to expand training capacity and improve safety standards for young sailors, while also strengthening the club’s ability to prepare athletes for regional and international competitions.
Officials and community leaders who attended the ceremony emphasized the long-term impact of the investment, particularly for youth development. Governor Eyos Rudimch highlighted the cultural and educational value of the sport.
“Sailing is not just a sport but a connection to our ocean heritage,” Rudimch said.
Organisers said the donation supports efforts to provide young people with constructive opportunities through sport, promoting discipline, independence and ocean awareness. Sailing programs also aim to encourage healthy lifestyles and reduce exposure to negative influences.
The expanded programme aligns with broader national sports development goals, including pathways to international competition. According to Palau National Olympic Committee Secretary General Baklai Temengil, the additional resources will help position local sailors to train toward qualification for future global events, including the 2032 Olympic Games in Australia.
The handover ceremony drew support from national leaders, including President Surangel Whipps Jr and Vice President Raynold Oilouch, as well as representatives from the Embassy of Japan in Palau, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Ministry of Education and members of the Meyuns community.
Private sector contributions also played a role in facilitating the donation, organizers said.
The latest investment marks a step forward for the Palau Sailing Club as it continues to build a structured development pathway for young athletes, with a focus on strengthening skills, increasing participation and creating opportunities to compete on the international stage…..PACNEWS
PAC – TRIATHLON: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS: Thu 26 Mar 2026
Triathletes Dazzled by Waters, Warmth in Palau’s 2026 World Triathlon Debut
KOROR,26 MARCH 2026 (ISLAND TIMES)—- Gliding through waters so clear “it felt like swimming through glass,” Cook Islands triathletes Dave Robati and 16-year-old Olivia Postrzygacz emerged from the 2026 World Triathlon Development Regional Cup in Palau not just with medals in sight, but with memories that transcended the bike, swim, and run
Dave, a 45-year-old racer representing his small Pacific island nation, called the event “an experience that almost defies description.” He praised Palau’s “overwhelmingly magnificent” landscapes as “hands down and without peers the most stunning location I have ever had the privilege to race and train in.”
Yet for Dave, the real magic lay in the people. “The Palau Triathlon community, Leah, Blossom, Jane, Jennifer, William, and Morris, created an atmosphere that felt more like being welcomed into a family than attending an event,” he said. “That sense of warmth and belonging is something we’ll carry with us well beyond the race. Sulang, sulang, sulang.”
Competing in a sport still budding back home, Dave drew motivation from national pride. “A big part of the motivation comes from representing our small island nation,” he said. “Events like this are more than competition—they’re opportunities to connect, learn, and bring that experience back to help stimulate and grow triathlon back home.” He lamented the lack of pathways for talents akin to those in Samoa and Fiji, calling development camps like Palau’s “truly beneficial for us to highlight and promote our sport.”
Looking ahead, Dave eyes the Pacific Mini Games in Tahiti next year and a loftier dream: the Kona Ironman World Championship. “It’s about more than results,” he said. “It’s about helping grow the sport back home, creating opportunities for others, and carrying forward the inspiration from experiences like Palau.”
For teenage sensation Olivia from the Cook Islands, the trip marked a breakout from isolation. “In the Cook Islands, triathlon is not a very popular sport and I don’t have much competition in my age group,” she said. Racing peers of similar skill in Palau pushed her to the podium — and beyond. “It was definitely a big change to what I am used to and I found I really had to work hard to get on the podium.”
The camp’s clinics were a revelation. “There was so much that I did not know about triathlon, which made the camp very interesting and fun,” Olivia said. Her standout moment? “Learning about what I can improve to become a better athlete and spending time with people who have similar goals and interests as me.”
Inspired by her triathlete mom and competitive sister, Olivia is shedding her casual roots. “I have never been crazy competitive in the event and I never really pushed myself to become much better,” she admitted. “After seeing her [sister’s] improvement, I decided that this year I am going to improve and compete at a higher level.” Family fuels her fire: “What keeps me pushing through the challenges is my family, as they provide me with the support and the resources I need.”
Olivia’s ambitions soar globally. “My goals for triathlon are to compete and stand on the podium in larger events around the world,” she said. “I have learnt a lot during this camp that I did not previously know, and I can see the improvements I need to make to become a better triathlete.”
Young medalist Manamea Schwalger from Samoa echoed the warmth of the event, praising the unparalleled hospitality. “I can confidently say that Palau is one of the best countries I’ve been to! The hospitality of our hosts was phenomenal and exceeded my expectations,” she said. “The camp felt peaceful. I was able to focus on being an athlete, learning, and then executing. All the logistics were covered by our beautiful hosts of the Belau Triathlon Federation.” She highlighted a memorable kickoff activity around the Rock Islands that united athletes. “This triathlon experience was so memorable, starting off with an activity with some of the countries around the rock islands. This activity really brought the athletes together, reminding us that we are not just triathletes who perform; we’re people eager to learn more from one another and deeply in love with racing. Every day was an opportunity for growth and it was done so with big smiles and eager hearts.”
Mana agreed on the value of racing stronger peers. “I understand that to grow as a triathlete, you must race people who are faster than you,” she said. “It is always a humble experience coming into international races, revealing areas I need growth and development as an athlete. Development Cups offer these things for our triathletes in the Pacific, providing opportunities to get faster and maybe get to race in even bigger races, outside the Pacific region. The challenges are a part of the journey, the struggle to get faster is an important part of becoming the athlete you want to become.” She shared wisdom from her coach, Ray Reupena: “Something our Coach Ray Reupena said to us before our race on Saturday is, ‘The sad thing isn’t that you don’t achieve your high goals; it’s that you consistently achieve the low goals you set. This flicked a switch in me, to embrace the pain we feel when chasing the person ahead, to appreciate the ability to chase my goals, and to get out of my comfort zone to achieve them.”
Mana shares those global aspirations, inspired by Pacific trailblazers. “Moving forward, like my fellow peers of triathlon in the Pacific, is to race countries like Australia and New Zealand, and eventually the world,” she said. “I had a taste of this in the World Age Group Champs in Wollongong, 2025. Representing my nation and the Pacific was an honor, but like anything, I want to do more. Meeting the standard of being a world-class ‘elite’ triathlete, it doesn’t end here. I not only want to represent my beautiful nation of Samoa, but the entire Pacific region.” She looks up to Manami Ijima from Guam, an Olympian, and Mati Sapolu, a multi-Ironman from Samoa: “Two women I look up to are Manami Ijima from Guam, who found her way into the Olympics, and Mati Sapolu, a multi-ironman from Samoa. These women have set the example for us women of the Pacific in the sport of triathlon. I know that I want to walk in their footsteps, following their example and achieving goals nobody would dare to set for a small nation. I hope that whatever I do, I inspire young girls in the Pacific as these women have inspired me.”….PACNEWS
PAC- RUGBY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS: Thu 26 Mar 2026
Clarke hails Vidiri as legacy lives on as Super Rugby match honours Fijian great
SUVA, 26 MARCH 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—IN 1996, the Super Rugby Pacific competition had begun as the Super 12, as it set the foundation for what would become a new frontier of rugby in the future.
Fijians at home were devout fans of the teams strutting their stuff week in and week out, and in 1996, the Blues were in full force unravelling the sheer grit and might of winger Joeli Vidiri from within their ranks.
The Mosi, Nausori Highlands winger was an illuminating figure of power, a force of terror for those who were in his sights and paired with the late rugby great and Blues teammate Jonah Lomu, an enigma for their opponents on the field.
In his 64 appearances for the Blues from 1996 to 2001, he scored 235 points in ways that defied logic and yet affirmed the true spirit of Fijian flair and talent.
Towering over most at a height of 6 ft 3 in (190 cm), he was a player whose height coupled with brilliance of manoeuvring past opposing players made him become a revered figure in the game, and the shining star of the Blues that had its fans chanting “Give me hope Joeli” during home games at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.
And one former player who had the chance to play alongside him and Lomu was Eroni Clarke.
Clarke made 48 appearances for the Blues from 1996-2000 and was part of the Blues when it won the 1996 and 1997 Super 12 titles.
Times Sport spoke to the former Blues and All Blacks player during the launch of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition in Auckland, New Zealand last month on his experience of working with the late Prince of Wings.
Acknowledging greatness
“I think that’s the most wonderful thing, to be able to acknowledge greatness and to acknowledge Joeli in that way with the (Fijian) Drua and with the Blues playing at Eden Park.”
These were Clarke’s sentiments when asked what he thought of the late Vidiri being commemorated with a trophy named after him and played in his honour by the Drua and the Blues this Saturday.
“It’s going to be wonderful and it’s important to really acknowledge some of our wonderful legends and to also acknowledge the contribution he’s made to the game, to the club and the fact that the Drua and the Blues are really close because that’s who he is,” he added.
The Joeli Vidiri Memorial Trophy
On Saturday, at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, the late Joeli Vidiri will be honoured with a trophy named in his honour that will be contested by the Fijian Drua and the Blues.
It’s a move that honours the late rugby great who donned the Flying Fijians and All Blacks jerseys and whose contribution to the Blues cemented him in the annals of rugby history as a force to be reckoned with.
In a statement, the Blues stated the trophy is a tribute to a player whose impact transcended boundaries.
“Vidiri, remembered for his powerful running, humility and infectious joy, made an indelible mark during his time in Auckland while remaining deeply connected to his Fijian roots,” the Blues mentioned.
Clarke’s fond memories
It may be termed a full-circle moment for the late Joeli Vidiri and his family when he will be honoured at Eden Park on Saturday, while for former teammate Clarke, it’s a trip down memory lane when he witnessed the ferocity unleashed by Vidiri when he paired with the late rugby great Jonah Lomu.
“Playing together with someone like Joeli Vidiri, it’s like you have a gift: you have this special talent, you have this person that has special abilities,” Clarke spoke of Vidiri.
Their prowess and depth were vital to Clarke’s role as a centre, as he needed them near to ensure his role on the field was played to its fullest extent.
“For me, as a centre, depending on how good your wingers are, you had to work really hard but having Jonah (Lomu) and Joeli (Vidiri) outside, wow, I don’t have to put them into space, I just gave them the ball and they make the space and they run around people.
“They run over people and especially someone like Joeli. He was probably one of the most quickest, and we’ve had some quick Fijian brothers that have been playing this game and throughout Super Rugby, but Joeli would be one of the quickest that I’ve ever seen on a rugby field playing together in my life.”
For Clarke, he remembers Vidiri as man who embodied joy and his camaraderie was a welcoming one.
“And it was very special and of course, the joy he brought, the camaraderie that he brought, the life he brought as well was so amazing and it brought so many lighter moments in some of the challenging times that we went through as a rugby team.”
A life lived, loved and cherished
Clarke, Vidiri, Lomu and their Blues teammates were part of an era in All Blacks history where the Pasifika influences in the side were part of the team’s drive forward into a modern chapter for New Zealand rugby.
Vidiri passed away in the United States on February 23, 2022 in Sacramento, California. He was diagnosed with glomerular nephritis in October 2001 and had undergone a kidney transplant in May 2015.
His funeral was held on March 18, 2022, at the Pukekohe Rugby Football Club ground where he and former Fiji rugby lock and Blues player Apenisa Naevo started out before being selected to play for the Counties and the Blues.
Saturday’s clash
The Fijian Drua and the Blues meet for the first time in this season of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition in the seventh round. The Drua hope to earn their first away win against a formidable Blues team, who have beaten the Drua in each meeting since they started in Super Rugby in 2022. The match kicks off at 6pm Fiji time…..PACNEWS