In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Samoa explores Super Rugby Pacific team as focus shifts to more homegrown talent
2. RUGBY — Bula Round? How Fiji can host Super Rugby’s big weekend
3. RUGBY — Oceania Rugby and Fiji Rugby Union launch landmark action on gender‑based violence
4. RUGBY — Leota returns for Moana Pasifika in Super Round Clash
5. RUGBY — Flying Fijian # 370: Elusive Winger Tom Mitchell Capped
6. RUGBY — Flying Fijian # 416: Filimoni Seru Capped in Levuka – Fiji Rugby Union
7. GRAND PRIX — Palau launches Grand Prix Swim series with three Open-Water events
8. FOOTBALL — Sota Higashide – the Japanese playmaker at the heart of Solomon Kings FC
9. NETBALL — Big plans ahead: Fiji Pearls coach
10. RUGBY — Jones hopeful Japan becomes Newcastle’s rugby team
11. RUGBY — Crusaders rally as stadium that was symbol of NZ post-quake rebuild to hold first match
12. RUGBY LEAGUE — McDermott appointed England coach for RLWC2026
PAC – RUGBY: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 24 Apr 2026
Sāmoa explores Super Rugby Pacific team as focus shifts to more homegrown talent
APIA, 24 APRIL 2026 (PMN)—Sāmoa is considering a long-term push to establish its own Super Rugby franchise as it reshapes its future in the sport around homegrown talent and stronger local pathways.
In an exclusive interview with Tuilagi William Leolahi from Pacific Huddle, Lakapi Sāmoa chief executive Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun says the idea is still developing but could become realistic within a few years if new funding and domestic competitions are strengthened.
“Probably in the next two to three years, that’s when we’re able to fund a team with assistance from the Australian government,” he said.
The push comes as Sāmoa looks to reduce reliance on overseas-based players with fewer eligible athletes now coming through from New Zealand and Australia.
The proposal is part of a five-year, AU$150 million (NZ$182.23m) regional funding package known as the Veimoana Partnership, which aims to strengthen rugby pathways across Sāmoa, Tonga and Fiji.
The plans also come as Lakapi Sāmoa continues to navigate wider governance and leadership challenges at home including tensions over the direction of the sport in the Pacific Island nation.
Seumanu says the biggest challenge is keeping players in the local system long enough to develop.
“The biggest gaps that we have at the moment is that we’re trying to hold our players back on the island,” he told Leolahi.
“There’s a high turnover of players moving overseas through seasonal workers, through other schemes, and going to play club rugby overseas.
“So we tend to have a high number of players that are missing out at the development stage from the 20s up to Manu Sāmoa level.”
Sāmoa already has a structured pathway from school rugby through to development squads and the national team, the Manu Samoa.
But officials say the system is under pressure as more players leave and eligibility rules tighten.
Work is already underway to strengthen domestic rugby with school and village competitions being reshaped to give young players more consistent game time.
Lakapi Sāmoa has cut competition zones and increased the number of matches played while recent school tournaments have helped restart momentum in the grassroots game.
The aim is to build depth at home so players are better prepared for higher levels.
The debate comes amid uncertainty over the future of Moana Pasifika, which was created to provide a professional pathway for Pacific players.
Seumanu says frustration grew over limited opportunities for locally developed talent, leading to Lakapi Sāmoa withdrawing support earlier this year.
“We were frustrated with not even selecting the players from here,” he says.
He adds players were brought into combined development squads with Tonga but struggled to break into the Super Rugby side itself.
Super Rugby Pacific chief executive Jack Mesley has reportedly said the competition is still stable despite uncertainty around Moana Pasifika.
Super Rugby Pacific chief executive Jack Mesley says there is ongoing interest from new parties looking to join the competition as discussions continue about its future direction. Photo/Super Rugby Pacific
He described the franchise as “about something bigger than just winning the games” and confirmed there is ongoing interest from new parties looking to join the competition.
“We have inbound interest to join this competition.”
Mesley’s comments come as organisers continue discussions on the future of the tournament and possible expansion.
Attention is now turning to the regional funding support including a proposed Australian-backed package aimed at strengthening Pacific rugby pathways.
Australia has already invested in Pacific rugby through the Fijian Drua, which is based in Fiji and has become a key example of a successful locally rooted franchise.
That model is now being closely watched in Sāmoa as it considers its own long-term ambitions.
Seumanu says any future Super Rugby team must be built on strong domestic foundations first.
“We can’t have a super team, but we don’t have a competition, a feeder competition here on the island,” he says.
Under current proposals, Sāmoa could eventually field teams in a wider regional competition involving Tonga, Fiji, and Australia to give local players regular high-level matches.
For Seumanu, the priority is still clear: strengthen the system at home first, then build outward.
“I wanted to leave a legacy here of an organisation that is very powerful,” he says. “And from there, we’ll get to have more opportunity for local Sāmoans to be exposed to higher-level representations overseas.”
With funding discussions ongoing and Pacific rugby in a period of change, Sāmoa is now weighing whether its future could include a place in Super Rugby built on its own talent and on its own terms…. PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS: Fri 24 Apr 2026
Bula Round? How Fiji can host Super Rugby’s big weekend
SYDNEY, 24 APRIL 2026 (AAP)—A Fijian Super Round is on the radar as the Pacific favourites push for facility upgrades that would allow the rugby-mad nation to host the relaunched concept.
Ten of Super Rugby Pacific’s 11 outfits will descend on Christchurch’s new One NZ Stadium, with hosts the Crusaders to face the NSW Waratahs in the first of five games across three days on Friday.
More than 14,000 people will travel to the event that has been reborn to coincide with the stadium’s symbolic opening after the city’s deadly 2011 earthquake.
It comes a week after Moana Pasifika’s owners announced they would not fund the franchise beyond this year, creating a familiar uncertainty around the competition’s future.
But, with the tournament otherwise delicately poised through 10 rounds, there is buzz and an expectation the Super Round product will be easier to sell once an estimated 70,000 fans have rolled through the gates on Sunday.
“That should accelerate the discussions that are already going on, in Australia and New Zealand, for 2027 and 2028,” Super Rugby Pacific boss Jack Mesley told AAP of Super Round’s future.
“We think we’ve got something really positive to sell and a lot of those people will be at Super Round on the weekend.
“And also we’d hope Christchurch would love to host it again.”
Fiji, where the Drua are based and flourish in front of packed home crowds, is an obvious Super Round destination Mesley “has a lot of passion for”.
“It’d be such a great, unique experience and I’d love to do it, but it’s got a bit of work,” he said.
“It’s a longer term conversation because we need hard infrastructure improvements there to host ‘Bula Round’, as they’ve affectionately termed it.”
The Drua have played out of Lautoka and Suva, which holds 15,000 fans, since entering the competition in 2022.
But to host a Super Round the venues will need, at the minimum, lighting upgrades and two extra player changerooms to accommodate the double-headers on Saturday and Sunday.
“It’d be incredible … a great advertisement for the game in the Pasifika region because a lot of the talent is going to rugby league,” former Wallabies halfback Will Genia, born in Papua New Guinea, told AAP.
“League is just everywhere on TV, the (NRL’s) profile and it’s individuals are bigger.
“An event like that in the Pasifika, it just captures the audience again. It keeps them engaged.”
Facility upgrades in Fiji would also benefit the Test side, who have taken their three home games in the new Nations Championship to Europe this year as a revenue-raising initiative.
“It all links in,” Mesley said.
“We’ve met with (Fijian) government officials over past 18 months and the importance of sports tourism, they’re very conscious of it.
“In terms of extending their holiday season, they see the value and rugby is such a big part of their makeup.
“But funding for infrastructure projects is not a simple thing.”
Mesley said they were “planning for all eventualities for 2027” while a window still existed for an investor to save the embattled Pasifika.
“Things need to move quickly,” he said of the prospect of the club being taken over.
“Moana have been looking for new investors for some time, but this gives it a whole lot of publicity.
“The world now knows and there’s clearly a lot of passion out there. There’s something to grab hold of, if you have the right level of funding.”
World Rugby chair Brett Robinson will meet with Super Rugby Pacific officials while in Christchurch.
“We want to get in, have a look and see what the options are and how they benefit Super Rugby Pacific,” Mesley said of conversations around the tournament’s future structure.
“We’re tied into a pretty small window at the moment so any opportunity to get additional weeks, us and our clubs would love that,” he said…PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: OCEANIA RUGBY PACNEWS: Fri 24 Apr 2026
Oceania Rugby and Fiji Rugby Union launch landmark action on gender‑based violence
NADI, 24 APRIL 2026 (OCEANIA RUGBY)—Oceania Rugby and Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) have piloted a new initiative to proactively reduce gender‑based violence (GBV) in Fiji rugby, with a three‑day workshop delivered this week, from Monday 20 April to Wednesday 22 April in Nadi.
The initiative forms part of the implementation of FRU’s inaugural Gender‑Based Violence Policy and revised Safeguarding and Workplace Harassment Policies.
Gender‑based violence remains a critical issue across Fiji and the Pacific, with disproportionate impacts on women and children. Oceania Rugby is committed to supporting its member unions to create rugby environments that are safe, inclusive, and consistent with the core values of the game, while also using rugby as an innovative platform to influence rugby leaders and contribute to broader community change.
“Rugby plays a powerful role in Pacific communities, and with that influence come responsibilities as well as opportunities,” said Frank Puletua, General Manager of Oceania Rugby.
“We commend Fiji Rugby Union for taking decisive institutional action to confront gender‑based violence and for showing leadership in addressing an issue that affects the game, while also stepping up to support broader efforts that impact both our rugby community and the wider Fijian community.”
Institution‑Wide Commitment
The initiative takes an organisation‑wide approach, beginning with awareness and training for the FRU Board, leadership, and staff. Oceania Rugby has worked closely with FRU to support governance‑level ownership, recognising that leadership commitment is essential for sustained cultural change.
The policies and associated programs are grounded in rugby’s core values of Discipline, Respect, Integrity, Passion, and Solidarity, reinforcing that violence and abuse have no place in rugby.
Programme: Tackling Gender‑Based Violence Head On
FRU acknowledges that changing attitudes and behaviours of male players, coaches, team management, and leaders takes time, commitment, and resources. The three‑day workshop, “Tackling Gender‑Based Violence Head On,” marks an initial step in a long‑term approach to training and support, providing opportunities to learn, reflect, and change their attitudes towards gender-based violence is not part of rugby culture. The approach is informed by global evidence to work with men, to change their attitudes and behaviours towards women, while being grounded in our Fijian realities and context of the hyper-masculine culture of rugby. While rugby is a physical and confronting sport, FRU is committed to demonstrating that gender-based violence is not a part of rugby culture.
“Fiji Rugby Union continues to work towards a safe environment for all participants in the sport. Last year during the Na Soko competition we partnered with the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre to use rugby as a vehicle to combat gender-based violence and address barriers for women in sports,” shared Koli Sewabu the Fiji Rugby Union CEO.
“FRU also has a Safeguarding Policy in place that focuses on protecting children, women, and vulnerable groups within the rugby community.”
“This new initiative provides us with another avenue to work with other stakeholders in addressing gender-based violence in a continued partnered momentum to tackle this widespread issue in Fiji and the Pacific,” he added.
“This week we are trialling an initiative to support our male players, coaches, team management, and leaders to reflect and challenge them about their attitudes and behaviours and learn respect, equality, and non-violence towards women and children. We want our rugby leaders to know what is expected of them on and off the field, to be responsible and accountable for their behaviour and to be effective role models for change in our Fijian community. This week we took another step on this long path forward,” said Sewabu.”
Fiji 7s legend and Get Into Rugby (GIR) Plus Ambassador, Jerry Tuwai, reflected on the importance of learning and self‑reflection during the workshop.
“I really learned a lot during this time. One of the exercises focused on privilege, and it showed how unbalanced things can be, with many privileges often going to men,” said Tuwai. “As a former player, coach, and a father with daughters, it’s important to better understand and identify those gender imbalances. This type of training helps us see the consequences and impacts of our choices, not only for victims, but also for families and the wider community.”
Former Fiji national coach and Fiji Rugby Players Association Chairman, Ilivasi Tabua, said education and empowerment are key to influencing positive change.
“For me, it’s about education and the empowerment of players themselves,” said Tabua. “Their surroundings play a big role in helping them make the right choices. Workshops like this encourage players to understand their roles and responsibilities both on and off the field. The game is only eighty minutes, but it’s what you do off the field, the choices you make, that can either create challenges or support better decisions on the field.
Tevita Seruilumi, GBV Specialist, added:
“This programme draws on work and learnings from within Fiji and the Pacific, particularly work with hyper-masculine institutions while being specific to Fiji, rugby and to suit our male Fijian rugby players, who are mostly iTaukei. It works with individuals to challenge, confront and motivate them to change their thinking and behaviours.”
“This week was to test the approach with a small group of current and former players. The programme development is a close collaboration between FRU and Oceania Rugby, including lessons from the Get Into Rugby PLUS. We have seen some short-term changes we hope can be built on and sustained over time, said Tihrani Uluinakauvadra, Participation and Pathways Manager at Oceania Rugby.
The workshop is facilitated by Tihrani Uluinakauvadra, Participation and Pathways Manager, Oceania Rugby, and Tevita Seruilumi, GBV Specialist with the Australia Solomon Islands Law and Justice Programme, with specialist organisational support from evawtech.
This activity forms part of World Rugby’s Impact Beyond initiative and is supported by the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: MOANA PASIFIKA PACNEWS: Fri 24 Apr 2026
Leota returns for Moana Pasifika in Super Round Clash
AUCKLAND, 24 APRIL 2206 (MOANA PASIFIKA)—Moana Pasifika has named their team to face the Highlanders at Super Round this Sunday afternoon in Christchurch.
Dynamic young winger Israel Leota will get the chance to return to the field after recovering from an ankle injury sustained in Round 2 against the Hurricanes. He was a member of the Brisbane Broncos’ top 30 squad and represented the Queensland Under-19 State of Origin side in 2023 and 2024.
Powerful midfielder Lalomilo Lalomilo also rejoins the matchday 23, coming back from a shoulder injury.
After a phenomenal individual performance against the Waratahs last week, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa earns the number 8 jersey once again. The 22-year-old made a whopping 23 tackles, made 21 carries and beat 10 defenders in Sydney.
Abraham Pole who earns another start at prop, will also look to continue his excellent form which earned him and Tupou Ta’eiloa spots in the Super Rugby Fantasy Team Of The Week after Round 10.
Athletic back Solomon Alaimalo will return to his home city where he was raised and attended St Bede’s College.
Starting XV
1. Abraham Pole
2. Millennium Sanerivi
3. Chris Apoua
4. Allan Craig
5. Jimmy Tupou
6. Miracle Faiilagi (c)
7. Semisi Paea
8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa
9. Jonathan Taumateine
10. Patrick Pellegrini
11. Glen Vaihu
12. Tevita Latu
13. Solomon Alaimalo
14. Tuna Tuitama
15. William Havili
Impact
16. Mamoru Harada
17. Malakai Hala-Ngatai
18. Paula Latu
19. Tom Savage
20. Ola Tauelangi
21. Augustine Pulu
22. Lalomilo Lalomilo
23. Israel Leota
Unavailable due to injury: Monu Moli (foot), Tito Tuipulotu (thumb), Niko Jones (calf), Tupou Afungia (neck), Julian Savea (shoulder), Ngani Laumape (knee), Tevita Ofa (finger), Veikoso Poloniati (concussion), Melani Matavao (knee)….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FRU PACNEWS: Fri 24 Apr 2026
Flying Fijian # 370: Elusive Winger Tom Mitchell Capped
SUVA, 24 APRIL 2026 (FRU)—The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) visited former Fiji national rugby union team representative Tom Mitchell at his residence in Raiwai, recognising his contributions as a member of the Flying Fijians during the 1980s.
The delegation was led by FRU Chief Executive Officer Koli Sewabu and FRU Chairman Board of Directors John Sanday, accompanied by other union officials.
The visit provided an opportunity to honour Mitchell’s service to Fiji rugby and to reflect on his experiences representing the nation in 1986.
Mitchell was part of the Flying Fijians squad in 1986, that travelled to Nuku’alofa to play against the Tongan national rugby team in what became his debute to many test matches to follow including an appearance for the Flying Fijians in the 1987 Rugby World Cup.
Known for his speed, determination, and strong on-field presence, Mitchell earned recognition as a committed and disciplined player who upheld the values of Fijian rugby.
His contributions in 1986 came at a time when the national team was building its identity and gaining respect on the international stage.
During the visit, Mitchell fondly recalled his early rugby days and the journey that led him to wear the white jersey.
He spoke of the sacrifices made, the camaraderie among teammates, and the immense pride of representing Fiji as a Flying Fijian.
“Playing for Fiji in 1986 remains one of the greatest honours of my life,” he said.
“We played with passion and pride, and every match meant everything to us and to the people back home.”
FRU Chairman John Sanday acknowledged the importance of former Flying Fijians such as Mitchell, noting their role in laying the groundwork for Fiji’s global rugby reputation.
“Players like Tom Mitchell helped define what it means to be a Flying Fijian. Their commitment continues to inspire our current generation of players,” Sanday stated.
Sanday also emphasized the value of recognizing past representatives.
“Our legacy is built on those who wore the jersey before. It is important that we honour and celebrate individuals like Tom, whose contributions remain a vital part of our rugby history,” he said.
The visit is part of the FRU’s broader initiative to reconnect with former players, preserve the rich heritage of Fiji rugby, and strengthen the bond between past and present generations.
The Fiji Rugby Union extends its sincere appreciation to Tom Mitchell for his service as a Flying Fijian and wishes him continued well-being…..PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FRU PACNEWS: Fri 24 Apr 2026
Flying Fijian # 416: Filimoni Seru Capped in Levuka – Fiji Rugby Union
LEVUKA, 24 APRIL 2026 (FRU)—Fiji Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer Koli Sewabu, together with a team from FRU, traveled to Levuka to visit a son of Fiji who has represented the nation with pride in both the 7s and 15s codes of the sport—Filimoni Seru. Today, at 55, Fili is facing an incredibly difficult challenge: he is battling Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
From his early school days, Fili was known for his talent and athleticism. He was a back-to-back Blue Ribbon Champion and a key player in the Nabua Rugby Club’s 7s team, where he lined up alongside rugby legends such as Waisale Serevi, Tomasi Cama, and the Rauluni Brothers.
He was also part of the Hong Kong Sevens teams that won three consecutive tournaments, solidifying his place in Fijian rugby history.
But on this day, the celebration was not just about past glories. It was about honoring a man whose body may be failing him but whose spirit remains a testament to the resilience of Fijian rugby players.
His wife, Timaima Vulimailaucala, welcomed the Fiji Rugby delegation, who arrived with a care package and an even greater gift—the official cap recognizing Mr. Seru as Flying Fijian #416. The cap signifies his first Test match for Fiji against Tonga on March 24, 1990, in Nuku’alofa, Tonga.
Sewabu shared that this visitation has been a long time coming and is part of an ongoing process where past Flying Fijians are being honored through the practice of capping.
“It’s a huge honour to be here on the island of Ovalau to come and present the capping of Filimoni Seru, who represented Fiji in numerous locations both in 15s and in 7s,” Sewabu said.
“Seru played his first Test for Fiji back in Nuku’alofa in Tonga on the 24th of March 1990, so he’s Flying Fijian number 416. It’s a huge honour to be here to represent the past and the present leaders of Fiji Rugby to present and place awareness on the impact of Motor Neuron Disease.”
“I’m really grateful for the family for receiving us and also for raising the context behind the disease,” Sewabu continued. “Something that Fiji Rugby is looking into is to look at some new initiatives on how we can explore some of the diseases or issues that are facing former rugby players and how we can raise awareness around that and bring it to light to ensure that we do learn from it and also understand the impact it has on families and former players themselves.”
“We will continue to go through our list to look at former players who haven’t been capped, and we will continue to do the honour of acknowledging their contribution to Fiji Rugby and find ways to improve ways of looking after their welfare,” he added.
Timaima Vulimailaucala acknowledged the visiting FRU delegation and shared that while she looks after her husband’s welfare, she is also using this platform to raise awareness of the disease that has left Seru immobile.
“I use this platform for my husband. I know everybody’s probably seen his picture being shared widely on social media about the illness he’s currently being diagnosed with—Motor Neuron Disease,” said Vulimailaucala.
“The purpose of us using that platform is to be able to raise awareness on this disease. He may be the first one diagnosed in Fiji, but we believe that there are others who are sports people who may have been affected by it but have no idea that that was Motor Neuron.”
Her words carried a plea that reached beyond her family’s doorstep.
“I would like to just ask all sporting bodies to do research on this illness because what we have read in the research is that it is the degeneration of nerves or muscles, but the doctors will have more to say on this.”
MND damages the motor neurons in the body, leading to muscle weakness and wasting. Unfortunately, there is no cure at present, though treatments can slow its progression.
“I would like everybody to be aware of this illness and to start taking action when you are met with it or when you’ve been diagnosed with it so that you can easily see what is it that you need to do to help those who are in need of that.”
Filimoni Seru’s sacrifice for Fiji Rugby would not be forgotten, and that his battle with MND would serve as a catalyst for greater awareness and support for former players…..PACNEWS
PALAU – GRAND PRIX: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS: Fri 24 Apr 2026
Palau launches Grand Prix Swim Series With Three Open-Water Events
SUVA, 24 APRIL 2206 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES)—Belau Aquatics Federation has announced a series of open-water swim competitions in Palau set for this summer, collectively dubbed the Grand Prix Swim Series.
The three-leg series will begin with the Etpison Cup on 25 April, followed by the Lion Fish Championship on May 23, and will conclude with the Palau Open Water Swim Championship on 20 June. The final leg is sponsored by Palau Pacific Resort.
Organisers said the first two events are free to enter. The final event, the Palau Open Water Swim Championship, will require a registration fee, which will include lunch and raffle prizes provided by the Palau Pacific Resort, the host venue.
Each competition will feature race categories of 1.5 kilometers, 500 meters and 250 meters. A team event — a 4×250-meter mixed relay — will also be included.
In addition, Belau Aquatics Federation is introducing new categories for swimmers using mask and fins in the 250-meter and 500-meter races.
Participants who compete in all three events will be eligible for overall Grand Prix rankings. Individual times from each leg will be combined to determine first-, second- and third-place winners in the series…..PACNEWS
SOL – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS: Fri 24 Apr 2026
Sota Higashide – the Japanese playmaker at the heart of Solomon Kings FC
HONIARA, 24 APRIL 2025 (OFC)—By the time Sota Higashide sprinted through Kansai International Airport on January 15th 2026 his future was still uncertain.
His visa had only just been approved. His flight was about to close. Somewhere on the other side of the world, a new club was waiting, barely. He hadn’t met his teammates, didn’t know the league, or the Oceania region and he made the gate with minutes to spare.
Within weeks, he would become one of the most influential players in the inaugural OFC Pro League.
For Solomon Kings FC head coach Ben Cahn, the story begins not in the Pacific, but in suburban Osaka, Japan.
In 2025, Cahn was managing FC Tiamo Hirakata, an ambitious fourth-tier Japanese club with a rapid rise through the divisions and deep ties to the country’s professional football culture. Midway through that season, the club decided to bring in three reinforcements on loan.
“We took three players in similar positions,” Cahn recalls. “The owner basically said, ‘Let’s see who sinks and who swims.’”
Higashide didn’t just stay afloat. “He swam.”
It wasn’t a dramatic breakout in the conventional sense. Higashide didn’t dominate headlines or overwhelm opponents with physicality. What he did instead was subtler – and to Cahn, who had coached at A-League level with Brisbane Roar – far more valuable.
“He’s technical, intelligent, positive,” Cahn says. “He tries to play the game the right way, on the front foot, always looking to attack.”
More importantly, he changed the team.
“We were already a good side,” Cahn explains. “But when he came in, we went on a run. We climbed the table quickly. He gave us something we didn’t have.”
That “something” is difficult to quantify, even for a coach who has spent years studying the game. Cahn pauses when asked to define it, then smiles slightly.
“I like him because there isn’t just one thing. He’s a complete footballer.”
When Cahn left Japan to take over Solomon Kings FC in preparation for the inaugural OFC Pro League, Higashide stayed on his radar.
At the time, the 27-year-old midfielder was on loan from Gainare Tottori, navigating an uncertain future. His contract situation was unresolved. Opportunities in Japan existed, but not quite at the level he wanted.
Cahn saw an opening.
“I knew he was open to going overseas,” he says. “I’m not sure this is what he had in mind, but I knew it was possible.”
Negotiations unfolded across languages and time zones, mediated by translators and a trusted connection, Kazuya Ito, a former player under Cahn at Melbourne Olympic who had transitioned into a player agent. Together, they worked to convince Higashide to take a leap into the unknown.
It was not a straightforward sell.
The OFC Pro League is still carving out its identity. For a Japanese player in his prime, who didn’t speak any English, or pidgin like his Solomon Islands team mates, it’s hardly the obvious next step.
Eventually, Higashide said yes. But the logistics alone felt improbable.
Paperwork delays meant Higashide missed the preseason. By the time everything was approved, there was a real chance he wouldn’t arrive in time for the opening match against PNG Hekari FC on January 18.
Instead, he found himself waiting at Kansai Airport for nearly a full day, hoping for confirmation that would send him halfway across the world.
When it came, everything moved at once.
Flights were booked. Boarding was rushed. The margin for error disappeared.
“He had about two minutes before the gate closed,” Cahn said
Higashide made it. He landed in Auckland on 16 January, and went straight to a media photoshoot to join a squad of players he had never met.
“He walked into the room,” Cahn recalls, “and the boys are dancing, doing tricks, celebrating for the cameras.”
For a player raised in the structured, disciplined environment of Japanese football, the moment must have felt surreal.
The adjustment was immediate and immense and his made his Kings debut two days after arriving in New Zealand.
Football in the Pacific carries a different rhythm. It is shaped by climate, by culture, by instinct. Games are often faster, looser, more physical. Structure exists, but it breathes differently.
For Higashide, the biggest challenge wasn’t technical ability, it was timing.
“His speed of thought is ahead of most players here,” Cahn explains. “The pictures he sees, the patterns, he processes everything very quickly.”
That, paradoxically, became a hurdle.
“He had to slow himself down. Adapt to the level, to the style, to the players around him. That’s not easy when you’re used to playing at a certain tempo.” Cahn explained.
What followed was a quiet recalibration.
Higashide didn’t try to impose himself immediately. Instead, he adjusted, modifying his game just enough to connect with those around him, without losing the qualities that made him stand out.
In doing so, he began to elevate the team.
If football is a universal language, Higashide has become fluent in its dialects.
Off the pitch, communication is fragmented, a mix of Japanese, English, and Solomon Islands Pidgin. On the pitch, it is seamless.
“There’s no real system to it,” Cahn says. “It’s just everyone finds a way.”
Higashide records team talks on his phone, converting them into transcripts that he can translate later. It’s not perfect, nuance is often lost, but it’s enough.
During matches, context fills in the gaps.
“Football narrows things down,” Cahn explains. “In the moment, it’s obvious what needs to be said.”
And when it isn’t, Higashide relies on instinct.
“He’s smart,” Cahn says. “He doesn’t need much.”
It didn’t take long for Higashide to become a focal point, not just within the team, but across the broader football community.
In Honiara, he’s made an incredible impact. In two matches against Auckland FC and South Melbourne FC, every time he touched the ball, capacity crowds roared in expectation, with cries of ‘Sota, Sota’ reverberating around the National Stadium.
“He’s a bit of a rock star,” Cahn admits. “The boys love him. The fans love him.”
With that attention comes pressure.
Higashide is not outwardly emotional. Like many Japanese players, he carries himself with composure. But the weight of responsibility is evident in quieter moments.
After a heavy defeat against Tahiti United in Suva, he was seen sitting alone on the pitch, drained. In another match, after having a last-minute penalty against Auckland FC saved, that could have delivered a historic result, he broke down.
“He cares a lot about winning,” Cahn says. “He carries that with him.”
That sense of responsibility has, at times, been heavy. But it has also driven him.
Within the squad, Higashide’s impact extends beyond his performances.
He represents a different football education, one shaped by discipline, repetition, and attention to detail. For many of his teammates, this is new.
“He’s lived that professional lifestyle,” Cahn explains. “The travel, the structure, the consistency.”
Players have taken notice.
Even senior figures within the squad, like Philip Mango, have gravitated toward him, not just as a teammate, but as a reference point.
“There’s a level of respect,” Cahn says. “Even a bit of awe.”
For younger players, the influence is more direct.
Jayroll Patty, a futsal standout with significant potential, has begun training closely with Higashide, often staying behind after sessions to work through specific aspects of his game.
“There’s no shared language,” Cahn says. “But they have a ball. That’s enough.”
Off the pitch, Higashide’s transition has been eased by small but meaningful connections.
In Honiara, he found support within the local Japanese community, including ties to the embassy. Those relationships have provided a cultural anchor in an otherwise unfamiliar environment.
Cahn understands the importance of that.
“Living in a different country, without your language, it can be lonely,” he says.
Higashide’s English has improved rapidly, helped along by teammates and daily immersion.
“His English and Pidgin are probably about the same level,” Cahn notes with a smile. …. PACNEWS
FIJI – NETBALL: FIJI SUN PACNEWS: Fri 24 Apr 2026
Big plans ahead: Fiji Pearls coach
SUVA, 24 APRIL 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Michelle McCormick-Parsons is keen to lift the Fiji Pearls to where it was 27 years ago.
The Pearls are ranked 16 in the World Netball rankings which is based on matches up to 01 March. They were ranked sixth in 1999 which was Fiji’s highest-ever ranking.
The seasoned New Zealand coach is in the country for a holiday before she takes office.
She had attended national trials in the Western division last Saturday and was excited with the talent.
Parsons holds a master’s degree in Sport Coaching from the University of Queensland and is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Waikato.
Coaching Fijian players is not new for the New Zealander as she previously coached a few players including Nanise Waqaira and Lili Tikoduadua who play for the Stars.
She said her immediate assignment is to qualify the Pearls to next year’s Netball World Cup in Sydney with the Oceania qualifiers hosted by Tonga in September.
“I understand the legacy, and I understand there are some pressures that in the 1990s when they were in in the top six, that people want us to be there again,” Parsons told SUN-sports yesterday.
“I honestly believe that there are players that can help us get there. And in the next two to three years, that will reinvigorate that passion for netball, so it is nationwide again.
“I’m familiar enough to be excited, having coached them (Fijian players) and knowing what they’re capable of.
She was pleased with the turnout last Saturday and believes there are many untapped talents in the communities and islands.
A later date will be confirmed for trials before the selection for the qualifier which would include overseas based players.
“The immediate focus is September. The long-term focus is 2027 World Cup, hopefully. And then beyond that, the Baby Pearls and a development squad as we build into 2028.
“We are keeping in mind that there are international competitions that players won’t be released from, that we’re thinking around the middle or end of June so that we can be aware of those obligations that they have to their professional contracts.
“We’re looking to have them over here at least for the August invitational competition that will be here and then some camps prior to that. We’re hoping to have everybody in place at least by June, but we will be doing things from the middle of May.
“Obviously some girls have been training already, and I’ve been sending over training sessions to help them get ready. So, from May onwards, we really need to start kick-starting for September.
“We’re literally going to be putting out a call to any Fijians wherever they are in the world.
Local Trials
Parsons will travel to Savusavu with Netball Fiji officials to con duct an open trial on Friday before Saturday’s trial is Suva.
Last Saturday, they held trials in Sigatoka, Nadi and Lautoka which saw hundreds of players registered.
What we did see was a lot of amazing young players. I excited about the depth that we’ve got building into the youth space. I think the Baby Pearls in particular; we must have seen quite a few girls that have already circled to go.
We need to bring them into a high-performance programme. The only way we can build depth is by having more women in the programme and helping each other get better.
Iron sharpens iron, so the more of them that we have sharpening each other to create diamonds and pearls, that’s better for us, Parsons added.
It was amazing how quickly the time went, knowing that all these girls had travelled from so far. They’d ridden the horse to the main road, hitched to get a truck, and then the truck has brought them there.
It takes such passion and commitment to just want to play a game of netball. So, the West impressed me, not just with their netball, but the type of people they are and how committed they are to netball…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS: Fri 24 Apr 2026
Jones hopeful Japan becomes Newcastle’s rugby team
SYDNEY, 24 APRIL 2026 (AAP)—Coach Eddie Jones is hoping Japan is embraced as the home crowd in Newcastle with his team squaring off there against Ireland in a Nations Championship Test in July.
The Brave Blossoms will host the Irish at McDonald Jones Stadium as part of the inaugural 12-team tournament.
It pits the top 12 nations from the Northern and Southern hemispheres in a six-round contest, culminating in a Finals weekend at Twickenham in London in November.
Japan have given up a home match due to operational logistics and to reduce travel demands on players, while all of Fiji’s games will be played in the UK with their home stadiums not meeting requirements, and also to maximise profits.
It’s the first neutral Test hosted in Australia since the COVID-19 pandemic and a taster for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with Japan meeting Samoa in a pool game at the same ground.
Considering basing his team in the surf city during the global showpiece, Jones hopes the Newcastle fans will adopt the Japanese team as their own for the July 11 match.
A record Newcastle rugby crowd of more than 28,000 watched the Wallabies secure a hard-fought 21-18 victory over Fiji to open the 2025 international season.
“It’s a great experience for us to play here, get used to the environment, maybe become the team of Newcastle,” said Jones, whose last visit to Newcastle was when he played for Sydney club Randwick against the Maitland Blacks.
“When we play up here in the World Cup we want all the Newcastle people to support Japan.
“We’ve got a couple of days now looking around Newcastle to see what the opportunities are.
“We’ll have a relatively young team for the World Cup … having had the experience of playing in this ground, just that little bit of familiarity will definitely be a potential advantage.”
It will be Jones’s first Test on Australian soil since his acrimonious split as Wallabies coach following the 2023 Rugby World Cup debacle.
Ireland have won 10 of 11 Tests against Japan dating to the 1991 Rugby World Cup, with Japan’s only victory coming at home in the 2019 Rugby World Cup at Shizuoka Stadium.
Ireland won their most recent battle 41-10 in Dublin in November…..PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: AFP PACNEWS: Fri 24 Apr 2026
Crusaders rally as stadium that was symbol of NZ post-quake rebuild to hold first match
CHRISTCHURCH, 24 APRIL 2026 (AFP)–A new US$400 million stadium that was a symbol of Christchurch’s struggle to rebuild after a deadly earthquake struck the New Zealand city will host its first match Friday in front of a sellout rugby crowd.
A 6.2-magnitude earthquake killed 185 people in February 2011 and toppled or damaged buildings, including the city’s old Lancaster Park.
The stadium, which hosted international rugby and cricket and was home to rugby team the Canterbury Crusaders, was badly damaged and never reopened.
It was bulldozed in 2019 and turned into sports fields, leaving the Crusaders without a permanent home.
Government funding for a new stadium was finally approved in 2020, and Super Rugby side the Crusaders will run out at the NZ$683 million (US$404 million) Te Kaha stadium on Friday.
The 30,000-capacity state-of-the-art arena is one of the last projects to finish following the devastation 15 years ago.
“It’s real beautiful and a great representation of our region,” All Blacks and Crusaders back Leicester Fainga’anuku said.
“This place has become the heart of the city and it’s something our people deserve.
‘From the moment we heard about the new build and what it means to us and our people, it gets you excited.
“Now it’s finally here, we’re just ready to get into it and put on a good show.”
Coach Rob Penney, whose side face the NSW Waratahs to open the stadium, said it had been “a long wait”.
Taha Kemara, who will start at fly-half for the Crusaders, added: “It’s something we’ve been looking forward to for a long time and something the city’s been waiting for.”
Canterbury found a temporary home after the earthquake at Rugby League Park, where the team won eight Super Rugby titles in nine years.
The ground was a fortress for the Crusaders, partly because of the freezing conditions that could greet unsuspecting away teams.
Under a roof at Te Kaha the conditions will be milder, but Penney hopes the fans keep the atmosphere hostile.
Fainga’anuku, who usually plays at wing or centre, will switch to flanker for the game and Penney said it was something the All Black had wanted to try for some time.
“This stadium felt like the right place to do it,” Penney said.
“He loves big environments, loves pressure moments, and we feel he’ll add real value against this opposition.”
The Crusaders are also bolstered by the return of All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor, while David Havili is back in the starting side at centre….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS: Fri 24 Apr 2026
McDermott appointed England coach for RLWC2026
GOLDCOAST, 24 APRIL 2206 (NRL)—Gold Coast Titans assistant coach Brian McDermott will draw on his NRL knowledge as he prepares to take charge of England at IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026.
McDermott, who joined the Titans this season from Newcastle Knights, was confirmed as the new England coach on Thursday.
Other contenders included South Sydney Rabbitohs great Sam Burgess and former Eels mentor Brad Arthur, who are coaching in the Super League, along with St Helens coach Paul Rowley and Hull FC-bound Steve McNamara.
However, McDermott has the advantage of coaching in the NRL and working under the conditions in which the World Cup will be played.
A number of England stars also play in the NRL, including Titans utility AJ Brimson, Dolphins pair Herbie Farnworth and Morgan Knowles, Knights winger Dom Young, Sydney Roosters lock Victor Radley, Cowboys secondrower John Bateman and Raiders forwards Morgan Smithies and Matty Nicholls.
McDermott, who represented both England and Great Britain during a decorated playing career, said: “I’m incredibly proud to take on the role of England Head Coach ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
“My focus now is on creating an environment where players can perform with confidence, represent the shirt with pride, and give themselves the best chance of going deep into the tournament.
“I’ve always been hands-on and close to the detail, and that will be important in this role. My job now is to get the standards right, build belief in the group, and make sure we’re ready when it matters.”
McDermott is highly regarded for his coaching prowess in both hemispheres after steering Leeds to four Super League titles, as well as Challenge Cup and World Club Challenge victories.
He oversaw Toronto Wolfpack’s promotion to Super League in 2019, working alongside former Great Britain coach Brian Noble, who coached him at Bradford Bulls.
Among his star recruits at Toronto was Sonny Bill Williams, who played five matches before the Wolfpack were forced to withdraw from Super League due to the outbreak of COVID.
The former England and Great Britain Test prop, who played 250 Super League matches for Bradford, coached USA at the 2017 World Cup and was involved with Fiji at RLWC2021.
He was selected by a four-person panel including RFL Chair Nigel Wood OBE, RFL Non-Executive Director Sara Symington, ex-England captain Kevin Sinfield CBE and former Great Britain international Kris Radlinski MBE.
Burgess, Arthur, Rowley and McNamara, the former England coach who had stints on the coaching staff of Sydney Roosters and New Zealand Warriors, were also interviewed.
Hull KR’s Willie Peters was initially considered the preferred candidate after long serving England coach Shaun Wane stood down after last year’s 3-0 Ashes series loss to Australia.
However, Peters withdrew his interest to focus on preparing PNG Chiefs for their entry into the NRL in 2028.
England play Tonga and France in Perth on 17 October and 24 October before travelling to Wollongong to take on Papua New Guinea on 30 October0.
“We are delighted that Brian has accepted the role of England Head Coach, emerging from an outstanding field of candidates,” Wood said.
“The selection process was comprehensive, thorough and the RFL is indebted to all those that assisted in the process.
“As the most successful coach in Super League history, Brian has demonstrated his capability to build fine teams and his previous experience as an international coach also demonstrates his knowledge of the unique challenges of harnessing players from different clubs in an international setting.
“By working currently in the NRL, Brian will have day to day visibility of many of the opponents the England team will be up against, while he also has a great network around the Betfred Super League clubs to ensure that the England team have the best possible chances of success.”
The Titans congratulated McDermott, who will take on the prestigious role while continuing his NRL duties.
“Brian’s appointment is a fantastic recognition of the calibre of coach and person he is,” Titans head coach Josh Hannay said.
“He’s brought a wealth of experience, strong leadership and a genuine passion for developing players and staff, and we’ve already seen the benefits of that within our group.
“He’s more than deserving of the appointment and we’re proud to see him take on such a significant role.
“We wish him all the best when he begins at the Rugby League World Cup later this year.”
Titans CEO Steve Mitchell said the appointment was something that made the entire organisation extremely proud.
“This is a tremendous honour for Brian and a great reflection on the work he continues to do here at the Titans,” Mitchell said.
“To have one of our coaches leading a proud nation like England is significant, not just for Brian personally, but for our club as we continue to build a high-performance environment that attracts and develops world-class talent.
“I know how passionate he is for rugby league in his homeland and the vision he shares to achieve sustained success on the international stage.
“We’re thrilled to support Brian in this role and look forward to the knowledge and experience he will bring back into our program.”…PACNEWS
