In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY LEAGUE — Roosters beat Knights to claim sweet 16th in NRL
2. RUGBY LEAGUE — Prime Minister’s XIIIs thrash PNG in 11- and 12-try victories in Port Moresby
3. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Junior Kumuls record historic win over Australian Schoolboys
4. FOOTBALL — Fiji wins Melanesia title after 26 years
5. RUGBY LEAGUE — Cook Islands to meet Tonga in Women’s international
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — Roosters star in tug of war makes World Cup call
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — Australian Schoolgirls claim dominant win over PNG Junior Orchids
8. RUGBY — Savea joins Blues for ‘last dance’ after Super Rugby’s tug-of-war
9. FOOTBALL — Cook Islands make history with landmark truimph over Tahiti
10. RUGBY — Flying Fijians job: Gatland linked among 31 applicants
11. HIV/AIDS/HEALTH — Fiji Sports bodies urged to strengthen HIV safety protocols
12. BOXING — Team Fiji boxers on track for historic Youth Olympics Debut
13. RUGBY — World Rugby confirms Executive Board election process
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 05 Oct 2026
Roosters beat Knights to claim sweet 16th in NRL
SYDNEY, 05 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—The Sydney Roosters have fulfilled the club’s mantra of playing for premierships, claiming their first in seven years with a 19-18 grand-final defeat of Newcastle.
After trailing 12-0 just before halftime at Accor Stadium on Sunday night, the Roosters dominated the second half before holding on late for their 16th title.
The result ended a fairytale run for the Knights, who had ridden a wave of emotion after going from wooden spooners last year to enter the finals in seventh spot.
But this was a moment of triumph for the Roosters, who produced one of the most complete halves of their season after the break as weight of ball and territory told.
While Newcastle were desperate in defence and produced some moments of first-half magic, the Roosters’ class told.
Rugby-bound winger Mark Nawaqanitawase scored a double, Naufahu Whyte and Spencer Leniu were immense up front and James Tedesco ran for more than 300 metres to claim the Clive Churchill Medal.
Then with the Tricolours leading 18-12 and 10 minutes to go, 37-year-old Daly Cherry-Evans nailed the 32nd field goal of his career to ice the match.
It proved the difference, and enough to see the Roosters hold on after a late Greg Marzhew try gave the Knights three minutes to pull off a miracle.
The Roosters have been one of the NRL’s heavyweights for 14 seasons under Trent Robinson, to the point where seven years without a title felt like an eternity.
That wait is now over.
“We have a slogan, we play for premierships, and it’s there and you feel that,” Robinson said.
“And that’s uplifting as well because it’s quite clear, the goal.
“But it also, when you don’t, you feel it a lot. And I’ve felt it a lot as well as Ted and the other players over the last six years.”
Cherry-Evans’ field goal also ensured he’d finish his NRL career as the oldest premiership winner in 104 years, with his 15-year gap between title also the longest in history.
“I’ve been chasing that moment, that feeling my whole career,” Cherry-Evans said.
“I’m extremely competitive, play to win.”
Cherry-Evans’ move to the Roosters at the start of this season had made them the early favourites again, but much like most of this year Sunday night did not come easy.
Newcastle had their moments of magic early, with one of the feel-good stories of the finals Francis Manuleleua scoring first when he cut back inside through a gap.
Ponga also turned it on with five minutes of brilliance, making a try-saver on Nawaqanitawase and running 95m to score and make it 12-0.
At that point, the Newcastle tidal wave of emotion appeared set to deliver the Knights their first title in 25 years.
But Nawaqanitawase got the Roosters back into the game before halftime when he toed a ball ahead for himself, before Leniu was the difference after the break.
With Newcastle holding on desperately and produced two try-saving tackles in one set, Leniu rocked Dom Young on Newcastle’s first touch and forced an error.
Newcastle couldn’t hold on again, and Billy Smith carried Jermaine McEwen and Dane Gagai over the line to get the ball down and make it 12-12.
And when a Cherry-Evans kick rebounded off the upright and Tedesco spread the ball right to Nawaqanitawase, he had his second and the Roosters led by six.
Newcastle were as gutsy as any team has been in a grand-final loss.
Some 84 percent of the game was played in the Roosters’ attacking half, and the Roosters’ only linebreak came when Smith carried over two defenders.
And while the Knights’ never-say-die approach was on show when they surged late through Marzhew, a last-minute shift ended in a Gagai error the Roosters were champions again.
“I’ve never watched a harder game of footy. I am so proud. But you just felt for them,” coach Justin Holbrook said.
“We were coming off our own line facing baseball bats there.
“If you can win anything on heart and effort, then we definitely won that. Because it was the hardest game of footy I have ever coached.
“But you don’t win off being proud, you win off being the better side. And we weren’t the better side today and we didn’t win.”
It proved a magnificent day for the Roosters, with their women’s team triumphant in the earlier NRLW grand final against Brisbane.
The 30-6 thrashing gave retiring legends Corban Baxter and Millie Elliott the perfect send-off and extracted revenge after a 2025 title loss to Brisbane.
A dominant performance by Roosters halves Jocelyn Kelleher and player of the match Tarryn Aiken set up with victory, while winger Brydie Parker scored a hat-trick….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 05 Oct 2026
Prime Minister’s XIIIs thrash PNG in 11- and 12-try victories in Port Moresby
PORT MORESBY, 05 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—A rag-tag Australian side has outclassed Papua New Guinea 60-10 in the annual Prime Minister’s XIII clash in Port Moresby.
The Australians scored 11 tries and exposed the PNG side’s defensive frailties almost at will in what was the 20th men’s Prime Minister’s XIII match.
It was hardly a conventional game at the National Football Stadium on Saturday, with Australia switching on and off as players became accustomed to their makeshift position.
Ezra Mam spent time at fullback. Jock Madden appeared to be playing on an edge. Jamal Fogarty stood in the centres, and Josh Curran kicked a goal.
At one stage they had three regular hookers on the field.
In one piece of consistency, captain David Fifita started and finished the match as a devastating left centre.
Commentator Cooper Cronk mused it was coach Ben Teo’s way of keeping the Aussies engaged after a long, hard season.
It was at times chaotic and they dropped the ball a lot, but it was fun. Less so for the PNG side, who were not just outclassed but also ill-disciplined, missing 47 tackles — 28 in the first half alone.
With the PNG Chiefs’ arrival in the NRL fast approaching, it is clear the next level of local players are still a long way from that standard.
On a positive note, earlier on Saturday the Junior Kumuls scored a historic first win over the Australian Schoolboys, 18-10.
If Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters hasn’t settled on his squad for this month’s Rugby League World Cup, several players put their hands up.
Regular back-rower Fifita, who showed his class and power in the centres on Saturday, first appeared in the PM’s XIII game seven years ago and looked destined for higher honours that never arrived. Maybe that time is approaching again.
Mam and fellow half Lachlan Galvin showed more than one glimpse of their brilliance, while hulking front-rower Tom Hazelton was one of the best players on the field.
For former NRL and current London Broncos coach Jason Demetriou, who will guide the PNG Kumuls at the World Cup, there was not a lot to love.
Sylvester Namo should be there, while uncapped centre Stanford Talita and fullback Sanny Wabo were dangerous at times and could find their way into Demetriou’s squad.
In the women’s game, Australia was also successful, dishing out a 66-6 thumping of their hosts.
PNG might have scored for the first time in three years, but Australia was a class above, crossing for 12 tries to one to rack up the biggest winning margin in the fixture’s history.
While the standard of PNG’s second-tier players has improved alongside the growth of the national women’s competition, the Santos Cup, so too has that of the Australians.
Several showed they would not be out of place if called up to coach Jess Skinner’s Jillaroos for this month’s 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
Jada Taylor scored three tries and was almost impossible to handle at times, showing her versatility by playing on the wing, despite playing her club football at fullback.
Half Kasey Reh, centre Tahlia O’Brien, hooker Taneka Todhunter and back-rower Tayla Preston were others who impressed in what was effectively an audition in front of Skinner for a grander stage.
PNG Orchids coach Craig Sandercock, who this year guided Wests Tigers to their first NRLW finals series, would also have enjoyed the opportunity to see the next generation of PNG players.
There was no doubt they were outclassed, and they struggled for time with the ball, having just 37 per cent possession.
However, they had an 85 per cent completion rate and tried hard in defence, before tiring late in each half…PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 05 Oct 2026
PNG Junior Kumuls record historic win over Australian Schoolboys
PORT MORESBY, 05 OCTOBER 2026 (NRL)—The PNG Junior Kumuls have recorded a historic win over the Australian Schoolboys, putting in a strong performance for their 18-10 victory.
Led by a controlled performance from their halves five-eighth Issac Paun and halfback and co-captain Ellyjah Birve, the home side were on the front foot early with tries in the first half to centre Jason Daniel bringing down a Birve kick and then Otto Thomas, who ran onto a good short ball from Paun at the line.
The home side were able to create and sustain pressure as the Australian side struggled to find their momentum, denied a number of tries to forward passes throughout the game.
There was also a long injury delay which would have rattled the visitors, with winger Cyrum Bloomfield assisted from the field after collecting the hip of a chasing Geordan Amaiu to his head. Amaiu was sent to the sin bin for the contact.
Despite being a player down, the Junior Kumuls went into the break leading 10-0 in a game full of physicality.
As expected, Australia fought back in the second half and were the first on the board, with centre Will Manning getting his side’s opening points.
However, despite some momentum swings back Australia’s way, the home side were able to handle most of what the visitors threw their way, despite letting in a try to rampaging prop Steven Nunn from a scrum play.
Jason Daniel also scored again in the second half to claim a double, but the result was put beyond doubt with a penalty goal from Queensland Under 19 and Penrith Panthers player Birve, who helped wind the clock down.
After coming close in recent years with close losses and a draw, the win under coach Joey Grima comes after many sesaons of progress in PNG’s male pathways and academy programs.
PNG Junior Kumuls 18 (Jason Daniel 2, Otto Thomas tries; Ellyjah Birve 2 goals; Ellyjah Birve penalty goal) def Australian Schoolboys 10 (Will Manning, Steven Nunn tries; Liam Challenor goal).
Halftime score: 10-0 (PNG Junior Kumuls)…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 05 Oct 2026
Fiji wins Melanesia title after 26 years
SUVA, 05 OCTOBER 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—It was a special night for the Bula Boys as they won their first MSG Prime Ministers title at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, beating Vanuatu 1-0 in the final.
The national side has never won the Cup since it was revived in 2022 under the current name.
However, the Roy Krishna-led team lifted the Melanesian title after 26 years and even the winning goal scorer, Thomas Dunn, was not even born then.
The last Melanesian title Fiji won was in 2000.
Navua star and goal scorer Dunn says he believed he would score before the final.
Dunn says teamwork made it possible for him to score.
‘Credit to the boys for the hard work feels good to win the MSG especially at home, I think it’s been 26 years since Fiji last won here at home so I think it was another boost to win at home’.
The 23-year-old delivered the winning goal in the 10th minute thanks to the vision of Krishna.
Isikeli Sevanaia Junior got the Golden Glove Award and Dunn was given the Golden Ball Award.
Vanuatu who won the women’s title, will host the 2027 tournament at Port Villa…..PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 05 Oct 2026
Cook Islands to meet Tonga in Women’s international
SYDNEY, 05 OCTOBER 2026 (NRL)—Cook Islands and Tonga Women’s teams may have missed a place at IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026 but the Pacific nations are determined to maintain momentum with a senior international in Sydney on Saturday, October 10.
The Vaine Moana lost to Fiji while Tonga were beaten by Samoa in World Cup qualifiers in Fiji in 2024 and with the annual Pacific Championships paused due to RLWC26 they will meet in a stand-alone fixture at St Marys Leagues Stadium (kick off 4pm AEST).
The two teams last met in the 2025 Pacific Bowl, with the Moana winning 42-24 at the National Stadium in Port Moresby to secure the first trophy won by Cook Islands in an elite sporting competition.
Cook Islands Rugby League President Charles Carlson said the match against Tonga was a step in the Moana’s campaign to qualify for the next World Cup in 2030.
“This fixture provides an important opportunity for our Vaine Moana to play meaningful international rugby league after missing out on the 2026 Rugby League World Cup,” he said.
“It is critically important that we maintain this level of competition, keep our players and programmes engaged, and continue providing genuine international opportunities.
“Looking ahead, this match will help maintain momentum, strengthen our respective programmes and keep our players competing at international level. It is an important step in our longer-term preparation and pathway towards the 2030 Rugby League World Cup.”
Tonga Rugby League Secretary General Tavake Fangupo said the match represented a commitment to the continued growth and development of women’s rugby league across the Pacific and to providing players with meaningful opportunities to represent their countries at the highest level.
“While Tonga and the Cook Islands did not qualify for this year’s Rugby League World Cup, we believe it is important that our Pacific women’s teams and players continue to have regular international fixtures,” he said.
“Our players deserve the opportunity to wear their national jersey with pride, gain valuable international experience and continue developing towards the highest levels of the game, including pathways into the NRLW.
“We are particularly proud that this match has been made possible through the commitment of both organisations to self-fund an international fixture.
“It allows players from Tonga and the Cook Islands, including those already playing in the NRLW and those working hard to reach that level, to continue representing their countries on the international stage.
“We want to create stronger pathways for all Pacific women and girls playing rugby league, particularly those playing in our Pacific nations, and help grow the game within our own communities.
“Providing regular international opportunities is an important part of keeping our programmes active, maintaining interest and inspiring the next generation of girls to play rugby league.”
Fangupo said that Tonga also had an eye on the next World Cup and the match against Cook Islands would help prepare the team and players for the RLWC30 qualifying process.
“Looking ahead to 2027 and beyond, annual international fixtures such as this will help Pacific women teams and players continue to build towards the Pacific Championships and prepare for the Rugby League World Cup qualifying pathway in 2028,” he said.
“On behalf of Tonga Rugby XIII, we are proud to support this fixture and proud to see Tonga and Cook Islands women leading the way for the continued growth of women’s rugby league in the Pacific. We hope this is the beginning of many more international opportunities for our Pacific women.”…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 05 Oct 2026
Roosters star in tug of war makes World Cup call
SYDNEY, 05 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—Australia has lost the World Cup tug-of-war for newly-minted premiership winner Rob Toia, with the Sydney Roosters centre declaring for Tonga.
Toia has been pursued by both Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters and Tongan coach Kristian Woolf as the global showpiece has drawn closer.
The 22-year-old has proved himself as one of the game’s most lethal centres either side of the ball on the Roosters’ run to Sunday’s 19-18 grand final win over Newcastle.
Walters is set to reveal his Kangaroos squad on Monday morning but Toia won’t be a part of it.
“I just thought of missing out on being a part of a special team and the team has what it takes to win the World Cup,” Toia told AAP. “’d be stupid to not want to be a part of it.
“I back myself to be in contention to play for Australia in any other year.
“I’d still love to achieve that Australian dream but I feel like I’ve still got so much footy to play and I still back myself to put myself in contention in any other year.”
Toia said he would keep his premiership ring in his room and look at it every day.
“It will sit next to my rookie of the year trophy and centre of the year trophy,” the Roosters centre said.
Fellow Roosters teammate Salesi Foketi has also indicated he will reject an approach from New Zealand at the World Cup.
Tonga open their tournament by facing England in Perth on Saturday 17 October, while Australia face New Zealand in Sydney two days earlier…. PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 05 Oct 2026
Australian Schoolgirls claim dominant win over PNG Junior Orchids
PORT MORESBY, 05 OCTOBER 2026 (NRL)–The Australian Schoolgirls have claimed a 32-0 win over the PNG Orchids, kicking off a huge day of rugby league at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
Playing as the opening match of a packed Prime Minister’s XIII schedule, the Australia side set up their victory with a strong first half, posting a 20-0 half-time lead thanks to four tries.
It was an even and physical opening to the match, but it was Leilani Kavapulu who was able to break through to score the opening try, wrestling her way out of the tackles on the line to get the ball down next to the left uprights.
While their first try came through the middle, their next try came via their edge, with the team going through the hands out to their left, with Lahni Moore scoring after a long run along the touchline.
They next try was a team effort after their dominant defence kept the Orchids camped in their own 20 metre zone, giving Australia a perfect attacking platform which was finished by Gloria Isaraelu.
Their last of the half was simple dive over from dummyhalf from Halo Matthews, set up by a great run from Anastasia Leatupue, cutting through the field.
The Junior Orchids side were finally able to find their rhythm at halftime approached and enjoyed their best period with the ball either side of the break.
While they put together some strong runs and nice looking attack, the Australian Schoolgirls defence was to be commended, keeping them out with good efforts on their tryline and also forcing errors.
They were able to absorb the attack of the home side and then were able to show their attack again toward the end of the second half to score three tries to post a dominant score.
Australian Schoolgirls 32 (Leilani Kavapulu, Lahni Moore, Gloria Isaraelu, Halo Matthews, Macey Lahrs, Sienna Sullivan, Lilianah Lewis tries; Leilani Kavupulu 2 goals) def PNG Junior Orchids 0
Halftime score: 20-0 (Australian Schoolgirls)….PACNESS
PAC – RUGBY: RNZ/PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 05 Oct 2026
Savea joins Blues for ‘last dance’ after Super Rugby’s tug-of-war
AUCKLAND, 05 OCTOBER 2026 (RNZ/PMN)—All Blacks captain Ardie Savea has fended off interest from other parties and signed a one-season Super Rugby Pacific deal with the Blues.
The 32-year-old ended speculation over his allegiance on Friday, announcing his move on a live YouTube stream describing it as the “last dance”
He had earlier attempted to build the tension by appearing in various Super Rugby jerseys, first wearing the Highlanders colours, then the Chiefs, the Blues, the Crusaders and Hurricanes, saying he was “just trying them out for size… and seeing how they look”.
Explaining his unorthodox announcement, Savea told the more than 1900 watching the stream: “With me being injured, I thought I’d change it up and do something different.”
Blues chief executive Karl Budge told RNZ: “It’s going to be transformational for us and it probably epitomises the change we’re trying to go through at the Blues.
‘We want to play an incredibly attacking style of rugby that’s attractive and gets people wanting to come along and watch the best of rugby.
“But, equally important, I think he’s going to help us connect with fans that we’ve not been able to do before. He is rugby’s biggest star and I think we can really leverage that connection and embrace it and let him really push us into being a modern fan-first organisation.”
Budge, asked whether he was hopeful Savea could extend his one-year deal, added: “I’ll keep close to Ardie – it’s been an awesome conversation from our very first meeting.
“We really hit it off and are really aligned around fandom, the future of rugby and what organisations like ours need to be. I think there’s a lot of trust between us and there’s a lot of trust with [head coach] Jason Holland and Ardie, and he’s got some of his best mates like Rieko [Ioane] lining up alongside him.
‘The ingredients are there. If we can do our job and make sure this is a really prosperous time for him, then who knows where it may go next?”
Savea is only contracted to New Zealand Rugby until after next year’s World Cup in Australia so any extension at the Blues would require a larger body of work; a return to Japanese club Kobelco Steelers is also a possibility.
Savea, named as All Blacks captain this year by incoming head coach Dave Rennie, comes to the Blues via a season at Moana Pasifika, where he was at his inspirational best, and a short stint under Rennie at the Steelers, where the pair won a championship this year.
Moana Pasifika’s demise this year sparked a contest for the loose forward’s services and there was little surprise that he settled for the Blues, based in Auckland, given his establishment in the city and proximity to brother Julian, the former All Blacks wing. Julian also appeared – remotely – on Ardie’s livestream, along with Crusaders and All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams and former All Black Lima Sopoaga.
He will play an important on-field role for the side, coached for the first time by Holland, the former All Blacks assistant who has joined from the Hurricanes, but just as important will be his influence off the field, especially via his high profile and connection with fans, young and old, around the country but also the world.
However, Savea, who has played 112 tests, will not play until February at the earliest due to his recent surgery on a dislocated shoulder suffered during the third test loss to the Springboks in Soweto. His injury, suffered in a ruck cleanout, came after he scored two first-half tries for the All Blacks.
Savea’s decision will come as a disappointment in particular to fans of the Hurricanes after his 131 appearances for the franchise across a decade.
It is clear that Savea will be given room to develop his growing personal brand and social media influence and he will play an important role in the development of fellow Blues loose forwards Anton Segner and rising talents Malachi Wrampling and Torian Barnes in the wake of the departures of the experienced Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu.
His combination with the versatile Segner will be especially interesting. The German-born Segner, 25, was outstanding in the recent series against the Springboks and was pushing hard for a test role before suffering an ankle issue which resulted in his departure from South Africa.
He will play an important on-field role for the side, coached for the first time by Holland, the former All Blacks assistant who has joined from the Hurricanes, but just as important will be his influence off the field, especially via his high profile and connection with fans, young and old, around the country but also the world.
However, Savea, who has played 112 tests, will not play until February at the earliest due to his recent surgery on a dislocated shoulder suffered during the third test loss to the Springboks in Soweto. His injury, suffered in a ruck cleanout, came after he scored two first-half tries for the All Blacks.
Savea’s decision will come as a disappointment in particular to fans of the Hurricanes after his 131 appearances for the franchise across a decade.
It is clear that Savea will be given room to develop his growing personal brand and social media influence and he will play an important role in the development of fellow Blues loose forwards Anton Segner and rising talents Malachi Wrampling and Torian Barnes in the wake of the departures of the experienced Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu.
His combination with the versatile Segner will be especially interesting. The German-born Segner, 25, was outstanding in the recent series against the Springboks and was pushing hard for a test role before suffering an ankle issue which resulted in his departure from South Africa….PACNEWS
COOKS – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 05 Oct 2026
Cook Islands make history with landmark truimph over Tahiti
RAROTONGA, 05 OCTOBER 2026 (OFC)—The Cook Islands have defeated Tahiti in a senior men’s international match for the first time in their history, winning 3-2 in the second of the two-game series between the two nations in Rarotonga.
Playing at home for the first time in 28 years during this year’s extended September-October international window, it’s the Cook Islands first win on home soil since a 4-3 victory over America Samoa at the Polynesian Cup on the 3rd of September 1998, and comes in just Rhys Ruka’s second game in charge as the new head coach of the men’s national team.
“I wasn’t expecting to get a result like this when I came over here to take charge of them to be honest,” Ruka told Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) Media after the historc win at the CIFA Complex.
The Cook Islands had lost the first match of the two-game series 1-3 to Tahiti just four days earlier, but turned it around to produce arguably the nation’s greatest result in their football history.
“We’re very new together. I’m a new coach, there’s some new players, there’s some younger ones coming through, and this first window has been very experimental. This result is massive for us. In a very short space of time we’ve created a really good environment,” said Ruka.
The Cook Islands celebrate with captain Ben Mata after scoring. Photo credit: CIFA Media.
“Although we lost the first match, we established that we could compete against one of the better teams in the region, and that gave us belief heading into this second game.”
Two goals inside the first ten minutes gave the Cook Islands the perfect start, captain Ben Mata and Tremaine Rimene-Albrett both finding the back of the net. Kamalani Benett responded with two quick goals of his own to level it up for Tahiti at 2-2, but Mata scored his second goal of the evening to clinch the victory for the Cook Islands in the 49th minute.
“They were two very different games. We weren’t suprised at the level of the Cook Islands, and I need to recognise the level of spirit they showed,” Tahiti coach Joel Frechet told CIFA Media after the second match. “They deserved the win, and they stopped us from playing our short passing game.”
It’s also the first time that the Cook Islands have defeated a full OFC Member Association other than Samoa, Tonga, or American Samoa, and is just their third win at senior level in a decade.
The result should give Ruka and his side plenty of confidence as they build towards OFC Men’s Nations Cup 2028 – Qualifying (to be held in Rarotonga next year), and FIFA World Cup 2030™ qualifiers after that.
The two nations are scheduled to lock horns again in another two-match series in Tahiti in the next window in November 2026….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 05 Oct 2026
Flying Fijians job: Gatland linked among 31 applicants
SUVA, 05 OCTOBER 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Former Wales rugby head coach Warren Gatland has been linked to the Flying Fijians head coach’s job. It is understood that Gatland is among the 31 applicants who had applied for the job.
When contacted Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) chief executive officer Koli Sewabu said: “Due to the integrity of the recruitment process, I will not be able to disclose any further information until we’ve completed due process.
“We’re looking to make the appointment by the end of next week once all has been completed and with the final approval from our board.”
Gatland, who is from Hamilton in New Zealand had coached Wales from 2011 to 2019 and again from 2022-2025.
He also coached the British & Irish Lions from 2013-2021; Gatland was also appointed coaching director for Super Rugby club Chiefs from 2021-2022.
According to Wales Online report dated September 18, 2026 Gatland openly admitted that he needed a little bit of a break to recharge and be around positive people. He had taken the opportunity to spend time away from the relentless pressure of international rugby in the months that have followed his exit from Wales.
Heartwarming social media posts showed Gatland all smiles as he enjoyed a family holiday in Fiji in August, following visits to Disneyland Tokyo and the Pyrenees, in Europe.
In an interview with Wales Online, the 63-year-old admitted that he had spent much of the past 18 months resetting. The New Zealander has also openly expressed his interest in returning to rugby soon.
In May last year, he took up a surprise role with Uruguayan club side Peñarol, working in a short-term advisory position as they clinched the Super Rugby Americas title. However, he has long had his sights set on a return to Test rugby and has expressed hope of landing a new role ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup.
In his column for The Telegraph at the end of last year, Gatland wrote: “Since February, I have been enjoying a break. I feel now, though, that some sort of role with a national team going into the next Rugby World Cup could be a good challenge given my experience in preparing sides for these tournaments.
“It is the one time when an international head coach has his players for an extended period, almost like a pre-season with a club side.”
There has been no shortage of speculation linking the former Wales boss with a return to coaching over the past year, with his name mentioned in relation to the vacant Georgia head coach role, which was ultimately filled by Pierre-Henry Broncan earlier this year.
According to the article, Gatland also sent tongues wagging when he was spotted in the stands watching Portugal and Romania in the Rugby Europe Championship in February, sparking speculation that he could be in line for a role with one of the teams ahead of the World Cup.
Another door opened for the Kiwi coach last month after Uruguay sacked their head coach, just over a year out from the tournament. Gatland’s name was strongly linked to the role given his close ties with Uruguayan rugby.
However, Gatland who has also been linked to roles with Harlequins and Japanese side Urayasu D-Rocks during his time away — remains out of rugby, with Uruguay since appointing Guzmán Barreiro as their new head coach…..PACNEWS
FIJI – HIV/AIDS/HEALTH: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 05 Oct 2026
Fiji Sports bodies urged to strengthen HIV safety protocols
SUVA, 05 OCTOBER 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Fiji’s human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) emergency is putting the spotlight on sport, with sporting organisations urged to strengthen safety protocols, particularly in contact sports such as boxing.
Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services Penioni Ravunawa said universal precautions remained the general rule, particularly in sports where there was a greater risk of blood contact.
Universal precaution means treating all human blood and certain body fluids as if they are infected with HIV and other bloodborne pathogens, regardless of a person’s known diagnosis.
He said while they can’t stop competitions and boxing promotions from happening, sporting bodies can have their own policies to encourage for testing and treatment.
“That’s why they have sporting organisation, the boxing commission, that look after the sports and the athletes to see that they would develop their own guidelines and their own policy, operating procedures of how they roll out their sporting activities,” he said.
He said the ministry will be available to provide technical advice and support to the sporting bodies.
Sports Minister Jese Saukuru said the seriousness of the HIV situation meant athletes should be encouraged to know their status.
“To call it a HIV epidemic in Fiji, that’s very serious. It’s a serious issue that everyone must take a serious stand on,” he said.
He said testing should not be limited to contact sports, but extended across all sporting disciplines to protect athletes.
“I would love to see that for the safety and wellness of our athletes; they should go through that test.”
Saukuru said promotions for sports such as boxing should not be stopped because of HIV concerns, but testing organisations should be more proactive in reaching athletes across all sports.
The comments come as Fiji confronts a significant rise in HIV cases with 2016 new diagnosis recorded in 2025, prompting calls for a wider public-health response and a whole-of-society approach.
Also, there were concerns after some Fiji boxers recently failed Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B test in Australia and were stopped from participating. ..PACNEWS
FIJI – BOXING: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 05 Oct 2026
Team Fiji boxers on track for historic Youth Olympics Debut
SUVA, 05 OCTOBER 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Preparation is on track for Team Fiji boxers Merewalesi Kolitapa and Norman Amram as they prepare for the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
The Games will be held from October 31 to November 13, with the duo set to make history as Fiji’s first boxers to compete at the Youth Olympics.
Head coach Cameron Todd said the pair were progressing well as they sharpened their skills ahead of the tournament.
“They are doing regular training, and we are just getting them sharp, getting prepared for the Youth Olympics, which will be a massive challenge,” Todd said.
“I’m excited for Fiji to have boxers for the first time at the Youth Olympics.”
Held every four years, the Youth Olympics have provided a platform for some of the world’s top boxers to begin their amateur careers.
“I’m looking for some good solid performances and to show the rest of the world that Fiji is on the map and is coming,” Todd said.
“At the moment we are just sharpening up. We leave on October 26, and boxing starts on November 7. That’s good for us; we get at least a week to acclimatise to the weather and the change of time.
“At this time, both boxers are on track. They both had three good fights in Samoa during the Oceania Championship.”
Todd said he was pleased with the team’s performance at the Oceania Championship in Samoa.
“Pretty happy with our results from the Oceania Championship. We came away with four gold, three silvers and two bronze, especially getting the first elite gold in 25 years,” he said.
“We are just doing a bit of work with some of the newer boxers for next year’s Pacific Games.”….PACNEWS
IRELAND – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 05 Oct 2026
World Rugby confirms Executive Board election process
DUBLIN, 05 OCTOBER 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—World Rugby has opened nominations for two positions on its Executive Board, with the governing body confirming that elections for the vacant seats will be held in Dublin on 19 November.
The positions are being vacated by South African Rugby Union President Mark Alexander and New Zealand representative Bart Campbell, who are both stepping down from the Board.
Alexander is leaving after reaching the maximum cumulative term of eight years, while Campbell is stepping down after six years following the end of his mandate as New Zealand Rugby’s representative on the World Rugby Council.
Both will formally leave their positions following the November Executive Board meeting and ahead of the Council meeting.
World Rugby said the two officials had contributed to the development of the sport, including overseeing Rugby World Cups, the introduction of new international competitions and the implementation of a strategy aimed at sustainable growth of rugby.
Under governance reforms adopted in 2024 to broaden representation, the Executive Board comprises two representatives from northern hemisphere high-performance unions, two from southern hemisphere high-performance unions, one performance representative, one regional representative, two independent player representatives, four independent directors, the World Rugby Chair and the CEO.
For the two positions becoming vacant, eligible candidates must be Council members from Australia, Argentina, South Africa or New Zealand.
World Rugby said unions and regions had been invited to submit nominations, with nominees expected to be confirmed by the end of October following a vetting process.
The successors to Alexander and Campbell will be elected by ballot by the World Rugby Council at its 19 November meeting in Dublin….PACNEWS
