In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC GAMES — Former PM Sogavare accepts blame for Pacific Games Audit failures
2. SURFING — Aussie surfing trio fall in Fiji Pro second round
3. RUGBY — New Zealand presses World Rugby on Springboks scrum tactics ahead of 2nd test
4. RUGBY — Boselawa earns his Drua chance
5. RUGBY LEAGUE — Joey Manu joins the PNG Chiefs as Pacific’s newest code-switcher
6. PADDLING — Va’a goes global as Pacific paddlers face rising cost of competing
7. FOOTBALL — Auckland FC’s FIFA Intercontinental Cup adventure ends in narrow defeat
8. BEACH VOLLEYBALL — Vanuatu women’s beach volleyball team embraces world-class training facilities in Bangkok
9. NETBALL — Pearls coach calls for continued support
10. RACING — International Rally kicks off in Port Vila
SOL – PACIFIC GAMES: INDEPTH SOLOMONS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 28 Aug 2026
Former PM Sogavare accepts blame for Pacific Games Audit failures
HONIARA, 28 AUGUST 2026 (INDEPTH SOLOMONS) — Former Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has accepted “political responsibility” for financial and administrative shortcomings uncovered by a special audit into the 2023 Pacific Games.
The Opposition leader, who was prime minister at that time, as well as the minister responsible for the Games, spoke out after the audit uncovered serious weaknesses in financial management, procurement and record-keeping.
The Auditor General’s office released the report over the weekend.
“The Pacific Games were delivered under my leadership,” Sogavare said in a statement.
“I remain immensely proud of what Solomon Islands achieved, and the audit findings do not erase the historic contribution of our athletes, volunteers, officials and people,” he added.
“However, I cannot claim the success of the Games while distancing myself from the serious weaknesses now exposed by the Auditor General.
“I was Prime Minister and minister responsible, and I accept the political responsibility that comes with that office.”
Despite the many shortfalls, Sogavare said the 2023 Pacific Games remained one of Solomon Islands’ proudest national achievements.
He said Solomon Islands had demonstrated its capacity to host thousands of athletes and visitors and successfully deliver the largest regional sporting event ever held in the country.
However, he acknowledged that the standard achieved in hosting the Games was not matched in every aspect of their financial administration.
“Solomon Islanders were entitled to ask how serious failures in procurement, financial controls and record-keeping occurred under his ministerial leadership.
Sogavare said major national events involved different levels of responsibility.
Ministers provided political leadership and oversight, while advisers provided advice and public officials and responsible authorities carried out administrative, financial and procurement functions in accordance with the law.
He said these distinctions did not remove ministerial accountability but were important in determining how particular decisions were made and where administrative or legal responsibility rested.
“The Games were delivered under my ministerial watch, and I accept political responsibility for the failure of oversight,” he said.
“The appropriate institutions must now examine the decisions, advice and administrative actions involved and establish the full facts through evidence and due process.”
Sogavare said both OUR Party-led governments – the DCGA and later the GNUT Government – had awaited the completion of the special audit, and he welcomed its finalisation and tabling in Parliament.
He said any matters referred for further investigation should now be handled by the institutions legally authorised to conduct those investigations.
At the same time, Sogavare cautioned against using the audit either to protect reputations or to prejudge individuals before investigations were completed.
“The report must neither be buried to protect reputations nor turned into a political weapon to condemn individuals before investigations are completed,” he said.
Sogavare said he would continue to defend the decision to host the Pacific Games and the legacy created by the event, but not the financial and procurement failures identified by the Auditor General.
“I will defend the decision to host the Pacific Games and the legacy it created.
“I will not defend the financial and procurement failures exposed by the Auditor General.
“The Games showed what Solomon Islands can achieve.
“This report shows where we fell short.
“We must confront both, establish how these failures occurred and ensure that the same weaknesses are not repeated in future major national events of this kind.”…. PACNEWS
FIJI – SURFING: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 28 Aug 2026
Aussie surfing trio fall in Fiji Pro second round
TAVARUA, 28 AUGUST 2026 (AAP) — Sally Fitzgibbons has fallen just short in her battle with five-time world champion Carissa Moore, while Jack Robinson’s tough year took another turn for the worse on a topsy-turvy day for Australians at the Fiji Pro.
Fitzgibbons was riding a wave of confidence after taking down eight-time world champion Steph Gilmore in the opening round at Cloudbreak, but Moore proved a tougher nut to crack on Thursday.
Moore’s early ride of 8.33 in the four-to-six foot conditions meant she was always in the box seat, and although her next highest scoring wave was only a 3.80, it was enough to eke out a 12.13 to 11.50 victory against two-time event winner Fitzgibbons.
“I have so much respect for Sally, and when I saw that I might come up against her, I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, she is one of the gnarliest competitors out here’,” Moore said.
“She has won out here more than anyone in the draw and I knew she was definitely not to be taken lightly.”
Competition was called off after Fitzgibbons’ heat, meaning fellow Australians Molly Picklum and Isabella Nichols will have to wait until at least Friday before returning to action.
Picklum will battle Brisa Hennessy for a spot in the quarter-finals, while Nichols is up against Spain’s Nadia Erostarbe.
The men’s second round was completed earlier in the day.
Morgan Cibilic defeated Joao Chianca 14.34 to 13.17 in an entertaining battle, while Callum Robson pipped Liam O’Brien by 0.16 of a point in a battle of the Australians.
But Robinson fell to Barron Mamiya and Joel Vaughan became another Australian to exit when he was swept away by star Brazilian Gabriel Medina.
Robinson has now slid to 13th in the live rankings, with his best result this year from eight events being the fifth-placed finish at the recent Tahiti Pro.
World No.1 Italo Ferreira and Griffin Colapinto were among the big names to make it through to round three.
Ferreira entered the competition under a question mark after needing stitches following a board to the face, but he recovered to beat South African Matthew McGillivray on Thursday.
“My board hit my face in a free surf the other day and it was hard to breathe through one side, so I’m glad to be feeling better,” Ferreira said.
“At the start I was still testing myself, and if I could still rip, and then once I felt good, I got that nice one and it just went on from there.”
Colapinto produced the highlight of the day when he pulled off a 9.50 ride with a deep barrel and a couple of sharp turns in his big win over Rio Waida.
“I just saw this freight train down the line and I had no option but to pull in,” Colapinto said…. PACNEWS
NZ – RUGBY: AP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 28 Aug 2026
New Zealand presses World Rugby on Springboks scrum tactics ahead of 2nd test
WELLINGTON, 28 AUGUST 2026 (AP) — New Zealand is hoping its grumbles to World Rugby about South Africa’s scrummaging last weekend will give it more hope in the set-piece this weekend in the second test.
The scrum was a potent penalty-earning weapon for the Springboks last Saturday at Ellis Park until the 56th minute, when the All Blacks forced a defensive scrum penalty in front of their posts for South Africa wheeling. New Zealand quickly turned a three-point lead into 10 and went on to shockingly win 33-16.
New Zealand coach Dave Rennie said on Thursday they brought up scrum issues with World Rugby and hopes they filter to Australian referee Angus Gardner for the match on Saturday at Cape Town Stadium.
“The expectation is our scrum will be a lot better,” Rennie said. “We think if they’re forced to scrum square, not allowed to step sideways and walk around us, then we’ll be able to stay in front of that and be able to get footy going off that.”
Tighthead prop Thomas du Toit, brought in to replace Zach Porthen in the Springboks reserves, said on Thursday there were two sides to what happened.
“We try and stay within the laws of the game as much as we can and as much as we perceive it,” du Toit said. “In hindsight everything is easier to look at. Yes, you could probably make a case both ways.
“As far as what New Zealand are speaking to the refs about, we just try and focus on what we do well and hopefully get reward for it.”
Another win by the All Blacks on Saturday would ensure them of at least a share of the spoils in the four-test series.
But the main theme of this week’s buildup has been about a backlash from South Africa. It hasn’t lost two tests in a row anywhere since November 2022, in Ireland then in France, and not at home since August 2015 against Argentina then New Zealand.
The All Blacks experienced reprisal from South Africa last September, when a narrow 24-17 win at Eden Park was overturned a week later after the Springboks dealt New Zealand its heaviest ever defeat by 43-10 in Wellington.
“The Springboks at their best are tough to beat anywhere,” Rennie said.
“But we’ve talked a lot about us being better. We think we can be a lot better than we were last weekend and that’s the key. We’ve got to be able to lift our level. We know they’re going to be better but we don’t want to focus totally on what South Africa are going to bring. We want to focus on what we can bring.”
Rennie made three changes to his starting XV, two enforced by concussions to prop Ethan de Groot and lock Josh Lord. Loosehead George Bower comes off the bench and Tupou Vaa’i moves from blindside flanker into the second row. Simon Parker replaces Vaa’i.
Vaa’i was effective roaming on the edges last weekend and Rennie believed he can continue that despite playing lock while Parker threw his weight around up the middle.
In the only backline change, Leroy Carter replaces Josh Moorby on the left wing in a straight swap from the reserves. Carter will be marking Kurt-Lee Arendse.
“Leroy is a better defender, I think that will be important,” Rennie said.
Into the reserves came prop Xavier Numia and lock Patrick Tuipulotu, who captained New Zealand on Tuesday in the 41-35 win over the Lions. Gardner refereed that match and on Thursday replaced Nika Amashukeli for this Saturday’s game after Amashukeli became ill. Amashukeli will control the third test next week.
Rennie doesn’t think South Africa will veer much from its Ellis Park game plan as it dominated the first hour but didn’t finish chances.
“I think they’ll just try and do what they did last week but try and do it better,” he said. “The mindset will be attack us at set-piece, put more ball in the air, get a big wall in front of us and try and spend as much time in our 22 as they can.”
Asked what the biggest mistake the All Blacks could make, Rennie said, “This is not going to happen, but us thinking what we did last week is going to be enough to win this week. We’re going to have to go deeper this week.”
South Africa named its team on Monday and restored captain Siya Kolisi after a hamstring injury among four changes to the run-on side. It will be the most experienced South Africa test side ever with 1,012 caps.
New Zealand: Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Leroy Carter, Ruben Love, Cam Roigard; Ardie Savea (captain), Luke Jacobson, Simon Paker, Tupou Vaa’i, Fabian Holland, Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, George Bower. Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia, Fletcher Newell, Patrick Tuipulotu, Peter Lakai, Kyle Preston, Anton Lienert-Brown, Josh Moorby…. PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 28 Aug 2026
Boselawa earns his Drua chance
SUVA, 28 AUGUST 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — Nadroga centre Kavekini Boselawa has earned a major opportunity to take the next step in his rugby career after signing as a Senior Development Player with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua.
Boselawa impressed new Drua head coach Brad Mooar and club officials during Round 1 of this year’s Skipper Cup competition in Lautoka, earning recognition for his physicality and versatility.
The signing reflects the Drua’s commitment to creating pathways for talented local players to progress towards Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific.
Boselawa, who hails from Naduri in Macuata and has maternal ties to Nadrala in Nadroga, is a latecomer to rugby. He played soccer throughout his primary and secondary school years before taking up rugby at 19 while studying Land Surveying at Fiji National University.
He quickly made an impression with Nadrala Rugby Club and Nadroga, establishing himself as a promising centre.
“I am happy and quite emotional and thank the Lord for this opportunity,” Boselawa said.
He credited his father, who played in the outside back and midfield positions, as his biggest influence.
“My Tou has had the biggest influence on me, as a man and on my rugby journey,” he said.
Boselawa said he was looking forward to the opportunity to play in front of his family and the Drua’s passionate home supporters.
Mooar said Boselawa immediately stood out when he watched him play in Lautoka and praised his attributes as a back.
“Kavekini immediately stood out when I watched him in Lautoka,” Mooar said…. PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 28 Aug 2026
Joey Manu joins the PNG Chiefs as Pacific’s newest code-switcher
WELLINGTON, 28 AUGUST 2026 (PMN) — Joseph ‘Joey’ Manu is coming home to rugby league and he is bringing his Pacific identity with him.
The Cook Islands and Māori star will become the first player from rugby union to join the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Chiefs, signing a two-year deal for the club’s inaugural NRL seasons in 2028 and 2029.
The 30-year-old is currently playing rugby union in France’s Top 14 for Racing 92, where his contract expires next May.
Manu has already made his mark in both codes but his move to the Chiefs is about more than a return to the game that made him a star.
With ties to Aitutaki through his father, Manu toured PNG last month and met with Prime Minister James Marape.
He said they shared a vision for the Chiefs to be more than a PNG club.
“Talking to the prime minister and how passionate he was about making it not just a PNG team, but a Pacific team and trying to get the Pacific nations behind this team, I think it’s going to be special,” ABC News reported.
“I’m a really proud Cook Island and Māori man, and I know my family’s real proud back in Tokoroa in New Zealand and also in the Cook Islands too.
“It’s a big decision to make, but bringing that positive impact to PNG but also young Pacific Island kids (is big).
“There’s so much talent in the Pacific Islands, and rugby league is taking over the islands, so it’s really cool to have a Pacific team.”
Manu joins a growing list of Pacific stars signed by the Chiefs including Brian To’o, Jarome Luai and Alex Johnston.
Lorna McPherson, PNG Chiefs chief executive, said Manu’s value goes beyond what he can produce on the field.
“Joey is another key signing for us and a further demonstration of the ambition we have for this club in making an impact for the people of Papua New Guinea,” McPherson said in a media release.
“His connection to the Pacific, his character, experience and standing in the game will have a profound impact on our club.”
McPherson says Manu also understands the responsibility that comes with representing something bigger than himself.
“We believe he can have a genuine impact on our young players and the next generation of Papua New Guineans, who we are proud to represent as a club,” she said.
Manu arrives with serious league credentials.
He won two NRL premierships with the Sydney Roosters, made 181 NRL appearances, played 17 Tests for the New Zealand Kiwis and won the 2022 Golden Boot.
Even while playing union, Manu has kept an eye on the NRL.
“I still keep a close eye on a few games and I get to watch a few games when I can,” he told the ABC.
“You miss certain things when you’re watching. I’m just grateful that I get to come back and play. I really enjoy playing rugby league, so I’m excited.
“Rugby league is a special game for myself, and to come back and play in the NRL is very special.”
Manu’s Racing 92 contract runs until next May, which means he could return to the NRL for part of next season before linking up with the Chiefs in 2028…. PACNEWS
PAC – PADDLING: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 28 Aug 2026
Va’a goes global as Pacific paddlers face rising cost of competing
WELLINGTON, 28 AUGUST 2026 (PMN) — Va‘a has travelled a long way from its Pacific home.
This week, more than 3100 paddlers from 30 countries are racing in Singapore at the first Va‘a World Sprints Championships to be held in Asia.
But while the sport is spreading around the world, the Pacific remains at its heart, and Pasifika are showing why.
Tahiti leads the medal table, followed by Aotearoa New Zealand and Hawai’i, while Sāmoa has brought its biggest-ever team to an International Va’a Federation (IVF) World Championship.
For Pacific nations, though, getting paddlers to the starting line overseas can come at a high cost.
Sāmoa has 32 athletes among a travelling party of 36, with most based at home.
Its elite men’s V6 crew reached the 500m world final, finishing sixth, while 13-year-old Handel Tupu Fua, the team’s youngest paddler, reached the J16 men’s V1 500m semifinals.
Auali’itia Leata Mailo, president of the Sāmoa Outrigger Canoe Association (SOCA), says the team’s presence reflects a deliberate push to develop talent at home.
“The talent has always been here. Our young people have the strength, the culture, the connection to the ocean and the natural ability,” Auali’itia told PMN News.
“What has been needed is opportunity, structure, exposure and belief.”
SOCA has spent recent years strengthening clubs, expanding domestic competition and investing in juniors.
But getting those paddlers onto the international stage is another challenge.
Auali‘itia says funding is the biggest issue facing Pacific va‘a nations.
“For countries like ours, travel alone can consume a significant portion of a sporting budget.”
Sāmoa received government funding and support from the Sāmoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee, but Auali’itia says athletes still covered a significant part of their own costs.
Papua New Guinea’s canoeing association has also described its first World Sprints campaign as the result of months of training and sacrifice, backed by families, clubs, sponsors and supporters.
The cost of international competition has sparked talks between va‘a organisations in Tonga, American Sāmoa, Wallis and Futuna, Sāmoa and Fiji about establishing a Va‘a Moana Pacific Cup.
The idea would give Pacific paddlers more regular regional competition without the cost of constantly travelling further afield.
“Pacific nations are stronger when we work together,” Auali’itia says.
Meanwhile, va‘a continues to grow beyond the Pacific.
Singapore has 257 paddlers competing, while first-time participant Malaysia has sent 107 and Germany 57.
Lara Collins, IVF president, says South America is seeing the sport’s fastest growth, particularly in Brazil, Peru and Chile.
Yet, the Pacific is still setting the pace.
As of 26 August, Tahiti had 29 gold, 17 silver and 13 bronze, followed by Aotearoa New Zealand with 13 gold, 17 silver and 13 bronze. Hawai’i was third with 10 gold, seven silver and 10 bronze.
Collins says the sport’s global growth does not change where it comes from.
“The sport is from the Pacific, and it will always be from the Pacific,” Collins told PMN News.
She says protecting va‘a culture is part of the federation’s strategy, including blessings of the va‘a and cultural events at its World Championships.
For Auali‘itia, Sāmoa’s presence in Singapore is proof of what Pacific paddlers can do when they get the chance.
“Sāmoa has the talent. What we need is sustained, strategic support to match that talent.”
As va‘a reaches more corners of the world, the challenge for the Pacific nations is ensuring their paddlers can afford to go with it…. PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 28 Aug 2026
Auckland FC’s FIFA Intercontinental Cup adventure ends in narrow defeat
AUCKLAND, 28 AUGUST 2026 (OFC) — OFC Pro League champions Auckland FC have suffered elimination in the first round of FIFA Intercontinental Cup™ 2026, after losing 1-0 to AFC Champions League Elite winners Al-Ahli FC at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
Tasting FIFA competition for the first time, Auckland struggled to adjust to the hot conditions and came unstuck to a second half goal from Al-Ahli substitute Abu Al-Shamat in the African-Asian-Pacific Play-off phase of the tournament.
OFC Pro League Golden Ball winner Daniel Normann started in midfield for Auckland FC, with five of his Pro League title-winning teammates on the bench, whilst Al-Ahli’s starting eleven featured a cast of former European headliners in contrast, including Ivan Toney, Francesco Trincao, Edouard Mendy, and Roger Ibanez.
The Black Knights did a good job of keeping their star-studded opposition at bay through a goalless first half though, creating the better of the chances in front of an intimidating crowd in Jeddah.
Both of their best opportunities fell to New Zealand international winger Logan Rogerson. First, he forced Mendy to divert the ball away at his near post from a run down the left-hand side of the box, before luring the goalkeeper into an acrobatic save from the top-right corner following a header from a free kick delivery.
Trincao and Galeno both had lively moments for the Asian champions, but it wasn’t until coach Marino Pušić turned to his bench in the second half that the Al-Ahli attack finally found the breakthrough. Al-Shamat pierced the back of the net with his first touch in the 63rd minute, poking the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Michael Woud after being played in-behind the Auckland FC defence by Eduard Spertsyan.
Al-Shamat almost set up a second five minutes later too, only for Trincao to pull his left-footed effort inches wide of the right post from inside the box.
His goal proved the game’s defining moment though, and things got worse for Auckland when Sam Cosgrove was shown a straight red card with three minutes of normal time to play for collecting an opponent on the follow-through.
Pro League-winning squad members Ronan Wynne and Van Fitzharris made appearances off the bench, but neither were able to get the OFC representatives back in the contest, as Al-Ahli progressed at Auckland FC’s expense.
Al-Ahli FC: 1 (Abu AL-SHAMAT 63’)
Auckland FC: 0
HT: 0-0…. PACNEWS
PAC – BEACH VOLLEYBALL: FIVB PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 28 Aug 2026
Vanuatu women’s beach volleyball team embraces world-class training facilities in Bangkok
BANGKOK, 28 AUGUST 2026 (FIVB) — For Vanuatu’s women’s beach volleyball team, the journey to international competition began with an inspiring opportunity in Bangkok, Thailand. Ahead of their trip to China, the team took part in a training camp at the ICoE in Bangkok, gaining access to a high-performance environment and facilities not readily available at home. The athletes embraced every opportunity to learn, grow and push themselves further before travelling onwards to China for the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and FIVB events.
From the sand to the gym, every part of the programme was designed to help the team perform at their best. Daily beach volleyball sessions were complemented by strength and conditioning, recovery and massage therapy, nutrition support and dedicated use of the centre’s facilities. The camp provided the team with valuable time in a high-performance environment and facilities that are not easily accessible in the Pacific.
The team had the opportunity to train alongside other teams, including a friendly match against Thailand’s women’s team and a cross-training session with the Northern Mariana Islands men’s team. This is a true example of the volleyball community working Together as One, a chance to improve skills, exchange experiences and learn from each other.
“We chose the ICoE in Bangkok as our training camp venue because of its easy accessibility,” said Debbie Masauvakalo, President of Vanuatu Volleyball Federation (VVF). “The venue exceeded our expectations: accommodation, meals, airport transfers, gym access, and recovery sessions were all provided in one seamless package.”
For the athletes, this went beyond training. Sherysyn Toko was inspired by seeing Thailand team’s daily environment, including its support for athletes pursuing higher education alongside volleyball. She noted, “that’s something we don’t have access to back home in the Pacific. It really opened our eyes to what’s possible.”
This was an empowering experience for Majabelle Lawac who described her time in Bangkok in three words: “friendship, commitment, and time”, adding that she would “definitely” return to Thailand.
For coach Pata, the greatest benefit was uninterrupted preparation time with fewer distractions as: “It gave us the space to really work on our game plan and prepare properly for the upcoming events in Asia.”
This is what Together as One looks like – opening doors for National Federations, connecting teams across borders and creating opportunities for athletes to learn, grow and dream bigger. The FIVB ICoE network is helping make high-performance environments more accessible and giving more athletes the chance to reach their full potential…. PACNEWS
FIJI – NETBALL: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 28 Aug 2026
Pearls coach calls for continued support
SUVA, 28 AUGUST 2026 (FBC SPORTS) — Fiji Pearls head coach Michelle Parsons has thanked supporters, parents and sponsors for standing behind the national team throughout its World Cup qualifying campaign, while urging them to continue their support ahead of next month’s qualifiers in Tonga.
Parsons says the team’s preparations have been strengthened by the encouragement received since the squad first assembled in June.
“A massive thank you to all the parents and supporters because we’ve felt the energy, support and love right from June. It’s been massive and we’re really grateful.”
The Pearls coach also acknowledged the contribution of major sponsor Crest, which has supported the team’s long-term ambitions.
“A massive thank you to Crest, who have really invested in us as a team and where we’re looking to go on the long journey, as well as for now.”
With the qualifiers fast approaching, Parsons says the players will need the backing of the nation as they chase a place at the Netball World Cup.
“We really need that support and energy from everybody. While we’re prepared to bleed for Fiji, we need the support behind us to be able to do that.”
The Fiji Pearls will travel to Tonga next month in search of a top-two finish and qualification for the Netball World Cup…. PACNEWS
VAN – RACING: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 28 Aug 2026
International Rally kicks off in Port Vila
PORT VILA, 28 AUGUST 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST) — The International Rally 2026 has kicked off in Port Vila, with teams completing a shakedown Thursday ahead of three days of competitive racing starting today.
The opening testing session took place around the Korman area, giving drivers and co-drivers the opportunity to test their cars and prepare for the demanding stages ahead.
A total of 14 rally cars are lined up for this year’s competition, with competitors travelling from New Zealand and New Caledonia alongside local drivers. The field features a variety of vehicles, including Subaru, Ford, Citroën and Renault rally cars.
Among the international competitors is four-time New Zealand Rally Champion Ben Hunt, who is expected to bring significant experience and competition to the event.
Rally Director Terry Bourgeois said the international field would provide a major challenge for local competitors, although Vanuatu drivers have one important advantage — their familiarity with the local roads and terrain.
“It will be a big challenge for the locals, but they have the advantage of knowing the roads and terrain. But again, only the time will tell,” he said.
The International Rally is an annual motorcar racing event in which competitors battle to complete the designated stages in the fastest overall time. The driver and team recording the best time will take the honours.
Following Thursday’s shakedown, the actual competition gets underway today, with crews set to tackle a series of stages across Efate.
The rally will start at Korman, before moving on to Takara, then Devil’s Point, with the final point of the competition around the Eton area.
Bouchois is calling on motorsport enthusiasts and rally fans to come out and support the competitors throughout the three-day event.
With international drivers, experienced local competitors and challenging Vanuatu terrain coming together, the rally promises plenty of action as teams fight against the clock for the fastest time…. PACNEWS
