In this bulletin:
1.COMMONWEALTH GAMES — Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting to be held ahead of Glasgow 2026 Games
2. COMMONWEALTH GAMES — Naoero unveils Team uniforms ahead of Glasgow Commonwealth Games
3. COMMONWEALTH GAMES — Team Cook Islands embarks on Commonwealth Games journey
4. RUGBY — Most-capped Drua Woman relishing historic home final
5. RUGBY — History beckons as Fijian Drua earn first home Super Rugby Women’s finala
6. RUGBY — Nasova stays in Fiji as Newcastle move called off
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Chiefs plot move to bring rugby convert back to NRL
8. RUGBY — Seruvakula criticises impact players after third defeat
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — Dragons lock in premiership winner to lead club back to glory
10. FOOTBALL — Spain’s World Cup champions return home for royal welcome and parade in front of almost 2 million
UK – COMMONWEALTH GAMES: COMSEC PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 21 Jul 2026
Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting to be held ahead of Glasgow 2026 Games
GLASGOW, 21 JULY 2026 (COMSEC)—The 12th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting (CSMM) will take place in Glasgow, Scotland, on 22 July 2026, in the margins of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Held the day before the Opening Ceremony of the Games, the meeting will give ministers an opportunity to agree on practical priorities for using sport to advance development, inclusion, peace and prosperity across all 56 member countries.
Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Botchwey will join ministers, sporting partners and global sporting leaders at the meeting to discuss how sport can drive progress across health and governance, advance inclusion and gender equality, and attract investment for more resilient economies through stronger partnerships.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey said: “Sport is one of the Commonwealth’s greatest shared assets. It brings people together across borders, cultures and generations, and it inspires excellence, discipline and values that strengthen our societies.
“As ministers gather in Glasgow, and as athletes prepare to compete at the Commonwealth Games, our meeting is an important opportunity to examine how sport can deliver practical benefits for our 2.7 billion citizens, especially young people, women and girls and persons with disabilities.
“This is about more than competition. Through the 12th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting, we are harnessing the power of sport to build a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous Commonwealth.”
The Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting will be chaired by Maree Todd MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Public Health, Sport, Alcohol and Drugs.
The meeting will convene under the theme ‘Reimagining the power of sport: towards healthier, fairer and equitable Commonwealth communities.’
Welcoming ministers to Glasgow, the Scottish Government Minister, said: “Scotland is proud to host Glasgow 2026 and to welcome Ministers to the 12th Commonwealth Sport Minister’s Meeting.
“This will focus on the re-imagined Games and the opportunities this new model brings to the Commonwealth.
“Through these important discussions we will draw on key areas of focus for sport and physical activity in Scotland, including addressing inequalities in participation, and using sport to improve public health
“This is about turning ambition into action, and I look forward to meeting with Ministers to ensure sport delivers lasting benefits for communities across the Commonwealth.”
In Glasgow, ministers will review progress against agreed Commonwealth priorities and consider a new, more structured approach to strengthening collaboration and impact in sport – from the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, through to the Malta 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games, and ahead of the Commonwealth Games Amdavad 2030.
Alongside the meeting, the Commonwealth Gather, Adjust, Prepare, Sustain (GAPS) camp will bring together athletes, ministers and sporting partners on 21 July 2026 at the University of the West of Scotland to advance Commonwealth cooperation on sport and inclusive development.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General will also attend the Opening Ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and present medals on the first day of the Games.
The meeting’s outcomes will help shape the sport-related discussion during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which will be held in Antigua and Barbuda in November of this year…..PACNEWS
NAURU – COMMONWEALTH GAMES: NAURU GOVT PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 21 Jul 2026
Naoero unveils Team uniforms ahead of Glasgow Commonwealth Games
YAREN, 21 JULY 2026 (NAURY GOVT)— Naoero has officially unveiled and distributed the uniforms for its team heading to the XXIII Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, as the country prepares to compete later this month.
The uniforms were presented during a ceremony on 16 July hosted by Speaker of Parliament and Naoero Olympic Committee President Marcus Stephen. Naoero President David Adeang joined other dignitaries in presenting the uniforms to the athletes and officials, who departed today for Glasgow.
Naoero will be represented by 14 athletes competing in four sports — athletics, boxing, weightlifting and judo.
Since making its Commonwealth Games debut in 1990, Naoero has built a strong record in weightlifting. The nation has won 31 Commonwealth Games medals, all in the sport, including 10 gold medals earned by Marcus Stephen, Yukio Peter and the late Reanna Solomon.
The country’s most recent Commonwealth Games medal was won by weightlifter Maximina Uepa, who was 19 at the time. Her performance maintained Naoero’s record of winning at least one medal at every Commonwealth Games since its first appearance in 1990.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held from 23 July to 02 August. It will be the fourth time Scotland has hosted the Games, with around 3,000 athletes expected to compete in 215 medal events across 10 sports….PACNEWS
COOKS – COMMONWEALTH GAMES: COOK ISLANDS NEWS PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 21 Jul 2026
Team Cook Islands embarks on Commonwealth Games journey
RAROTONGA, 21 JULY 2026 (COOK ISLANDS NEWS)—Team Cook Islands chef de mission Mark Short says the team is well-prepared, motivated and looking forward to competing and representing their country with pride at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, from 23 July to 2 August.
Team Cook Islands left Rarotonga last week led by Short and Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) president Luisa Peters.
Cook Islands Lawn Bowls team, media representative, and the athletes’ mental skills specialist also left with the delegation.
Short said excitement was building as Team Cook Islands come together ahead of the Games.
“Based on the performances of our swimmers, athletics and weightlifters at the Pacific Mini Games, we have seen that their preparations for the Commonwealth Games are progressing well,” he said.
“The Mini Games marked the beginning of their Commonwealth Games campaign, and since then all of our athletes have continued to build towards Glasgow through dedicated training and commitment.”
He said the Lawns Bowls, the only code to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games (bronze medal), have been putting in all the hard work to “hopefully repeat 2018 Gold Coast Games”.
“We are excited for two weeks of competition and to have the entire Team Cook Islands delegation together in Glasgow. It will be a proud moment for our athletes, coaches and officials as we represent the Cook Islands on the Commonwealth stage.”
CISNOC president Peters acknowledged the collective effort behind the team’s campaign and thanked those who have supported the athletes throughout their journey.
“As Team Cook Islands makes its way to Glasgow, I want to sincerely thank the families, supporters, coaches and everyone who has contributed to our athletes’ success, both on and off the field of play,” she said.
“Your encouragement, commitment and sacrifice have played an important role in helping our athletes reach this stage.
“We wish all of our athletes every success and look forward to seeing them deliver outstanding performances as they proudly represent the Cook Islands at the Commonwealth Games.”
Meanwhile, the Cook Islands swimming and athletics teams are already in Europe completing their final training camps before joining the rest of the delegation in Glasgow. The Cook Islands weightlifting team is putting the finishing touches on its Games campaign before travelling to Scotland.
Athletes and officials are travelling from various locations and routes, with the full Team Cook Islands delegation set to unite in Glasgow ahead of the July 23 opening ceremony.
The Cook Islands team includes weightlifter Matanoko McDonald, athletes Piritau Nga, Estelle Short, Max Teuruaa and Samasoni Hewitt, along with swimmers Lanihei Connolly, Mia Laban, Carter Makira and Jacob Story.
Rounding out the squad are lawn bowlers Emily Jim, Teokotai Jim, Vasie Poila, Royden Aperau, Jason Lindsay and Epii Poila.
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 21 Jul 2026
Most-capped Drua Woman relishing historic home final
NADI, 21 JULY 2026 (FBC SPORTS)— Fijian Drua Women veteran Karalaini Naisewa is savouring the opportunity to play in the club’s first-ever home Super Rugby Women’s final after being part of the team’s journey from the very beginning.
Naisewa, now the most-capped Drua Women’s player with 30 appearances, is one of only four remaining players from the inaugural 2022 squad.
The experienced forward says reaching a home final is a historic achievement for the club and a reward for years of hard work.
“Since 2022 and 2023, we have won the final. But it’s a historical final here in Fiji. I would like to thank the girls for making it this far.”
Reflecting on her personal milestone, Naisewa admitted she never expected to become the club’s most-capped player.
“I was not expecting to reach this level. I’m just giving the glory to God. Without Him, I couldn’t make it this far, and to the ladies and management for supporting me all the way.”
The Drua stalwart also paid tribute to the next generation of players coming through the system, saying the team’s continued success is built on the growth of women’s rugby in Fiji.
“A very special one. These ladies are so special to us. There is a lot of development, ladies coming into play in this game. It’s so special, and I’m just speechless.”
This weekend’s Super Rugby W final is going to be the first for many McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women players, including fan favorite, Salaseini Railumu.
Last weekend, the openside flanker scored a try in their 31-5 win over the Queensland Reds in the semifinals in Lautoka.
However, she says it’s going to be a tough final against the Waratahs in Ba on Saturday.
Railumu says she needs to step up this weekend against the defending champions.
“I think we need to reset and go again, it won’t be easy because I know they’ll want to win too”.
The Drua hosts the Waratahs at 4R Stadium, Govind Park in Ba on Saturday at 1pm….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 21 Jul 2026
History beckons as Fijian Drua earn first home Super Rugby Women’s final
NADI, 21 JULY 2026 (PMN)—History is waiting for the Fijian Drua.
For the first time, the Drua will host a Super Rugby women’s grand final after a dominant 31-5 semi-final victory over the Queensland Reds in Lautoka on Saturday 25 July.
The Drua are chasing a third championship when they meet the New South Wales (NSW) Waratahs at Four R Stadium in Ba on Saturday 25 July.
The Waratahs overcame the Western Force 33-22 in their semi-final in Perth on Saturday.
This weekend’s final is also a chance for the Fijian side to lift the trophy in front of their home supporters, having won their previous titles away from home.
For Drua right winger Atelaita Buna, there was never any doubt her side was capable of reaching another Grand Final.
“We didn’t have any doubt about it, we were confident of making the final,” Buna told Fijian Drua media in an Instagram post.
“We came and we did the work, we also learnt a lot of stuff on the ground, but we did not lose focus to reach the final once again.”
Standing in the Drua’s way is a Waratahs side that beat them 42-29 in the opening round of the season at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney.
But the Fijians have grown stronger as the competition has gone on, winning two of their final three matches before beating the Reds in the semi-final.
The winner of Saturday’s final will progress to the Women’s Super Rugby Champions Final on 1 August, to face the winner of New Zealand’s Super Rugby Aupiki competition.
Across the Tasman, the defending champions Blues refused to surrender their title.
Needing a win to keep their season alive, the Blues upset already-qualified Matatū to book another Grand Final meeting between the two sides this Saturday
The result also ended the Hurricanes Poua’s finals hopes despite a commanding 47-33 victory over Chiefs Manawa in Wellington.
Blues captain Maiakawanakaulani Roos, of Cook Island heritage, said it had been a tougher campaign than last year’s unbeaten title run.
“It’s been a really challenging season for us but I think the grit that we’ve shown, the determination and just the want to be better week on week for each other has gotten us to where we are now,” Roos told Sky Sport.“I’m really proud of this result and we’ve got another week to build,” she said….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 21 Jul 2026
Nasova stays in Fiji as Newcastle move called off
NADI, 21 JULY 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—Fijian star Joji Nasova will not be joining Newcastle next season after the Red Bulls agreed to release him from his contract.
The 25-year-old wing, who won a sevens silver medal at the Paris Olympics, had signed to move to the ambitious Prem club but will now stay with Fijian Drua.
A club statement put the collapse of the deal down to “personal reasons”.
“While we were very much looking forward to welcoming Joji to Newcastle Red Bulls, we fully understand and respect the unique personal circumstances that have led to this decision,” Red Bulls general manager Neil McIlroy told the club wesbite., external
“Contractual certainty is vital for clubs, players and the wider game. But at the same time rugby is built on people, families and communities, and we believe our responsibility as an employer extends beyond the field.
“We wish Joji, his family and the Fijian Drua every success for the future.”…PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 21 Jul 2026
PNG Chiefs plot move to bring rugby convert back to NRL
PORT MORESBY, 21 JULY 2026 (AAP)—The PNG Chiefs are continuing to make ripples in the player market, with former Sydney Roosters star Joey Manu the latest top-line talent to emerge as a target for the start-up NRL franchise.
Just days after kicking off talks with Western Force winger Zac Lomax about a return to the NRL, Chiefs officials were seen travelling to Port Moresby with cross-code convert Manu in tow.
The 17-cap New Zealand international was photographed alongside Chiefs GM of football Michael Chammas and recruitment boss Liam Ayoub at Sydney international airport on Monday.
Manu – a two-time premiership winner with the Roosters – has been out of the NRL since 2024, having opted to pursue a career in rugby union.
The 30-year-old initially spent time in Japan but has since been playing with Top 14 side Racing 92.
Manu’s deal with the Parisian club expires in May next year and while he has expressed a goal of playing for the All Blacks, he has little chance of gaining Test selection while he plays in France.
A centre by trade, Manu, like Lomax, would offer PNG flexibility in the outside backs, with the ex-Roosters star having excelled at fullback whenever called upon for club or country.
The Chiefs are hopeful of a resolution on Lomax’s future in the coming weeks, having already signed Jarome Luai, Connor Watson, Alex Johnston and English Test forward Matty Lees for their debut season in 2028. ….PACNEWS
UK – RUGBY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 21 Jul 2026
Seruvakula criticises impact players after third defeat
EDINBRUGH, 21 JULY 2026 (FIJI TIMES)— Flying Fijians head coach Senirusi Seruvakula has openly admitted his bench players failed to make the impact required as Scotland stormed back from a 17-7 halftime to claim a 33-17 victory in their third round of Nations Cup Championship clash at the Scottish Gas Murrayfield in Edinburgh yesterday.
After producing one of their best opening halves of the campaign, Fiji appeared on course for a memorable away win before Scotland dominated the final 40 minutes, with their replacements helping swing the momentum decisively in the hosts’ favour.
Seruvakula said the halftime message was straightforward – continue what had worked in the opening spell while maintaining discipline.
“The same thing that we were doing in the first half, keep it up, but maintain discipline and work for each other,” he said.
Instead, Fiji lost their grip on the contest.
“It didn’t work for us. The boys lost concentration, gave away penalties and sometimes we were casual.
“Full credit to Scotland. They really played well and they deserved the win.”
Seruvakula pointed to the contribution from the reserves as the defining difference between the two sides.
“We prepared well and we showed that in the first half, but our bench was not good. They did not come and lift the game and that’s what the last 20 minutes showed,” Seruvakula said.
While Fiji struggled to maintain intensity, Scotland introduced experienced internationals from the bench, including British and Irish Lions representatives, who helped keep the pressure on until fulltime.
“Their bench was good. They carried the momentum of the game till the end,” Seruvakula said.
“That’s why they never let down their pace.”
Despite the defeat, Seruvakula believed the Flying Fijians had shown significant improvement after last week’s disappointing loss 73-8 to England.
“We revealed our game last week against England,” he said.
“We had a good week. We prepared well and we showed that in the first half.”
The result leaves Fiji with plenty to reflect on, particularly the need for stronger finishes and greater impact from the replacements….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 21 Jul 2026
Dragons lock in premiership winner to lead club back to glory
SYDNEY, 21 JULY 2026 (NRL)—The Dragons have turned to a premiership winner to return the club to their former glory with Dean Young announced as the full-time coach.
The club legend led St George Illawarra to a memorable grand final victory in 2010 as a player and has impressed since taking over as interim coach earlier this year.
While the Dragons have struggled to claim victories on the field, there has been significant improvement with a host of emerging players taking big steps forward.
After St George Illawarra confirmed he had signed a two-year deal through to the end of 2028, Young expressed his desire to lead the club back to a position as a perennial premiership contender.
“Leading this great club is a privilege, but I understand that it also comes with responsibility and pressure,” Young said.
“I have experienced success and failure in this game, as both a player and a coach. Those experiences have given me the confidence to lead this club back to where it belongs.
“I want our fans to be proud of our football team. Proud of how hard we compete and how consistent we are. It’s my job to create an environment that delivers these values.
“We have only just started to see the potential of this team. There’s a lot more work to be done.”
The Dragons have embarked on an extensive roster overhaul leading into the 2027 campaign.
Damien Cook and Tyrell Sloan headline the list of players departing at the end of this season, with a host of big names arriving in Wollongong next year.
Keaon Koloamatangi, Scott Drinkwater and Luke Metcalf are among the high-profile recruits that are set to elevate a young core of players.
The Couchman twins, Hamish Stewart, Dylan Egan and Loko Pasifiki Tonga have all impressed in recent weeks and shape as key figures in the Dragons’ rebuild.
A premiership winner as a player, Young stepped into coaching after retiring and has served as an assistant at the Dragons, Cowboys, NSW Blues and Tongan national side.
St George Illawarra CEO Tim Watsfrod is confident Young is the man to lead the team forward, with the decision unanimously endorsed by the club’s board.
“We said from the outset that we would take the time needed to make the right decision for the club’s future,” Watsford said. “This has been a structured process, and Dean has emerged as the candidate we believe is best placed to lead the next phase of our football programme.
“Dean’s history with the Dragons is well known and respected, but that is not why he has been appointed. This decision is based on the strength of his football plan, his connection with players, his leadership of staff, his alignment with our pathways and recruitment strategy, and his understanding of what this club needs to become.
“We understand our members and supporters want results. So do we. Dean recognises the responsibility that comes with this role, and he will be supported by a football structure designed to drive standards, development and performance throughout the programme,” he said……PACNEWS
SPAIN – FOOTBALL: AP PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 21 Jul 2026
Spain’s World Cup champions return home for royal welcome and parade in front of almost 2 million
MADRID, 21 JULY 2026 (AP) — Spain’s World Cup-winning soccer team returned home on Monday and an estimated crowd of almost two million was on hand to greet the squad through the streets of Madrid.
The 26 players and their coaching staff met with the country’s royals, and then with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, after arriving in the Spanish capital a day after beating Argentina 1-0 in the final in New Jersey.
“Thank you to the coaches and players for the style of play, the effort and the victory,” Sánchez said. “We have truly enjoyed watching you play.”
The squad then boarded an open-top bus for a raucous parade through central Madrid. “Stars shine together” was written on the bus, which also carried photos of the footballers.
Players — carrying the World Cup trophy and wearing shirts with the words Somos Campeones (We Are Champions) — danced and interacted with the fans along the route.
“It’s been an emotional and proud experience to represent a wonderful country with such passionate and devoted fans,” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said before the parade started. “We are filled with joy.”
The squad traveled down Madrid’s historic avenues from near Moncloa Palace, the prime minister’s official residence, to Cibeles Square, where authorities told local media that some 120,000 people were on hand for a ceremony.
Groups of fans had begun securing their spots near Cibeles late Monday morning ahead of the team’s arrival, bringing umbrellas to protect against the sun and temperatures of up to 35 Celsius (95 Fahrenheit).
The square is where previous Spain teams and their supporters have typically gathered to celebrate. It’s also the traditional celebration spot for Real Madrid when it wins titles.
Singers Aitana, Ana Mena and Lola Índigo were set to entertain the crowd at the ceremony at Cibeles.
Officials estimated a total of around 1.8 million people welcomed the team in Madrid.
Spain walked off with the trophy Sunday after Ferran Torres scored the winner in extra time to secure its second World Cup title — and first since 2010 in South Africa.
The team was congratulated by the leaders of the three countries that co-hosted the tournament — U.S. President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
After the final whistle, Madrid erupted into celebrations, with thousands of supporters pouring into the streets from bars and restaurants, many draped in Spanish flags or wearing the team’s colors.
Crowds packed the capital’s Puerta de Sol and other major squares — singing, dancing and setting off flares while car horns blared.
Many celebrated Sunday’s victory long into the wee hours of Monday morning.
“I’m very happy. I’ve slept three or four hours, but for the team, I’ll do whatever it takes,” 19-year-old Victor Álvarez said.
The men’s victory, combined with the Women’s World Cup won by Spain in 2023, makes the European nation the first to hold both titles simultaneously.
“Honestly, it was very exciting. We preferred not to go to any bar or anything, to experience it at home, focused and very happy, very joyful,” 59-year-old civil servant Gema Rodero said.
Celebrations were dampened, however, after local authorities reported that a 13-year-old in Salamanca, northwest of Madrid, had died after a fountain he had climbed onto with friends to mark the victory had collapsed.
For many young supporters, the triumph is their first time witnessing the men’s team lift the trophy — and the national delirium that has followed.
Spain now is markedly different from 2010, when the Iberian nation was beset by a debt crisis, 20 percent unemployment and nationalist regions fighting to win more autonomy.
The economy is expanding, the unemployment rate has halved and the country is forecast to again be among the Eurozone’s fastest-growing major economies. Nationalist and separatist tensions have considerably cooled….PACNEWS
