In this bulletin:
1. FOOTBALL — Small islands, big dreams: Tuvalu’s Jason Alama gets his chance in Europe
2. RUGBY — Fijian Drua confirm 2027 home fixtures accross Suva, Lautoka and Ba
3. RUGBY LEAGUE — Australia awaits as Bati seek improvement
4. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘Remember the words’: Olakau’atu’s proud first Sipi Tau
5. RUGBY LEAGUE — David Fifita beats ‘very hard times’ to make Australia Rugby League World Cup debut
6. RUGBY — Ellis targets defensive discipline for Flying Fijians
7. RUGBY — FRU board to decide on 2027 competition
8. RUGBY — FRU proposes 70-30 ownership deal with landowners for stadium project
9. FOOTBALL — Building Confidence, Knowledge and the Next Generation of Goalkeepers
10. FOOTBALL — Morocco awaits as Papua New Guinea’s FIFA Women’s World Cup play-off schedule confirmed
11. FOOTBALL — Diz double leaves New Zealand facing uphill battle at FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
12. PLAY FOR EQUITY — Vanuatu chiefs launch support project to promote inclusion
13. ONOC — ONOC strengthens Pacific coaching pathway with athlete safety, safeguarding and inclusion at its core
14. ATHLETES — IOC outlines opportunities for Fiji athletes
15. RUGBY — World Rugby appoints Megan Rose to lead Men’s Rugby World Cup 2031 in the U.S
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 22 Oct 2026
Small islands, big dreams: Tuvalu’s Jason Alama gets his chance in Europe
AUCKLAND, 22 OCTOBER 2026 (OFC)—The second-smallest nation in the Pacific by landmass, the reefs and atolls of Tuvalu could scarcely feel more removed from the bright lights of European football, a stage that few footballers from the tiny South Pacific nation could ever dream of reaching.
Jason Alama will get to live that dream for two weeks though, when he travels to train with professional Dutch club VVV-Venlo this month.
“Tuvalu is a tiny island, that few people know about,” says Alama. “Just being able to represent my nation at this level means a lot.”
The 23-year-old will spend time with the club’s U-23 group during his stay in the Netherlands, arriving on 29 October, and staying for two weeks, as part of a training internship arranged by Michiel van der Werf, the General Secretary and Technical Director of the Tuvalu Islands Football Association (TIFA) – whom are currently associate members of OFC.
Alama has three international caps for Tuvalu, all coming at the 2023 Pacific Games, and has previously spent most of his career playing in New Zealand’s domestic leagues. He recently concluded his club season in New Zealand by securing qualification to the 2027 National League with Western Springs AFC.
The opportunity came about when van der Werf watched Alama’s highlights and enquired about a trial for the player through his connections in the Netherlands. A friend of his at VVV-Venlo was willing to give Alama the chance.
“I wasn’t expecting the news. I’m stoked to have this opportunity and am really excited to play football over there,” says Alama.
“I know the intensity will be higher and very professional, but I just can’t wait to get there and experience football in a different country.”
Established in 1903, VVV-Venlo were among the clubs involved in the formation of professional football in the Netherlands and have spent multiple seasons in the Dutch Eredivisie top flight, including as recently as 2020/21.
They are one of the most historic clubs in the country and previously played a part in the development of Japanese superstar Keisuke Honda in the late 2000s. It’s a far cry from where Alama first tied his bootlaces and began playing football at West Auckland club Ranui-Swanson when he was just five years old.
“It’s a great opportunity for Jason,” says van der Werf. “It will be a great learning internship for him and if all goes well there might be more Tuvaluans following to the Netherlands.”
“Our players need more challenges to develop themselves. And to give them a chance in Europe is definitely good for their development.”
Alama made his Northern League debut with Waitakere City when he was 16, and previously captained Waitakere United’s youth team in the New Zealand National Youth League before stints with West Coast Rangers and Western Springs.
His career path has now led him to the doorstep of European football, but he isn’t the first Tuvaluan international to train in the Netherlands. Alama follows in the footsteps of Alopua Petoa and Vaisua Liva, who both spent time with the reserve team for RKVV Brabantia in the lower levels of Dutch football back in 2012.
Unlike them, he hopes to become the first footballer from Tuvalu to earn a fully professional contract anywhere in the world. “I want to do my family and islands proud and become the first Tuvaluan to have a professional contract,” he says.
Van der Werf echoes that sentiment, and in doing so, also hopes to inspire the next generation of players from Tuvalu. “One of our goals is to create the first full professional Tuvaluan athlete and we think that that person might be Jason,” van der Werf says.
“His success might be a good story for future Tuvaluan football players so they can dream of also becoming a fully professional football player.”
Whatever the outcome of his two weeks in the Netherlands, Alama’s opportunity represents another small but significant step towards bringing Tuvaluan football closer to the professional game. …PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: PACNEWS PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 22 Oct 2026
Fijian Drua confirm 2027 home fixtures accross Suva, Lautoka and Ba
NADI, 22 OCTOBER 2026 (PACNEWS)—The Fijian Drua will host eight home matches across Suva, Lautoka and Ba in the 2027 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season, bringing five Australian and three New Zealand opponents to Fiji.
The Drua have confirmed three matches at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium, three at Ba’s Four R Stadium and two at Lautoka’s Churchill Park.
Their home opponents will include defending champions the Hurricanes, Highlanders, Queensland Reds, Blues, Western Force, ACT Brumbies, Crusaders and NSW Waratahs. The Chiefs are the only Super Rugby Pacific team not scheduled to play in Fiji during the regular season.
Drua chief executive Jeff Miller said staging matches across the three venues would bring top-level rugby closer to supporters around the country.
“Bringing our fixtures across Suva, Lautoka and Ba means taking top-tier rugby directly into our communities,” Miller said.
“Every home venue is a fortress for us because our fans make it so. When you fill those stands and the embankment, you become our 16th player on the field and make Fiji one of the toughest away trips in the sport.”
Miller said the season was about national pride, inspiring the next generation and demonstrating Fiji’s ability to compete against the world’s best.
Head coach Brad Mooar said the team was looking forward to playing in front of home supporters eight times.
“To our fans, your support means everything to us, whether you are singing in the stands in Fiji or cheering from home. We can’t wait to see you out there,” Mooar said.
The Drua’s 2027 home fixtures are:
– 13 February: Highlanders, Four R Stadium, Ba, 3.35pm FJT.
– 27 February:Queensland Reds, HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, 3.35pm FJT.
– 20 March: Blues, Churchill Park, Lautoka, 3.35pm FJT.
– 10 April:Western Force, Four R Stadium, Ba, 4.35pm FJT.
– 30 April: Hurricanes, HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, 7.35pm FJT.
– 15 May:ACT Brumbies, Churchill Park, Lautoka, 3.35pm FJT.
– 21 May: Crusaders, HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, 7.35pm FJT.
– 29 May: NSW Waratahs, Four R Stadium, Ba, 4.35pm FJT.
The Drua will also play eight away matches during the regular season, travelling to face the Waratahs on 20 February, Brumbies on 6 March, Hurricanes on 13 March, Reds on 28 March, Highlanders during Super Round on 4 April, Chiefs on 16 April, Blues on 7 May and Western Force in Perth on 4 June.
The 2027 season will feature a revamped three-week finals series involving the top six teams. The top two sides will advance directly to the semi-finals, while teams ranked third and fourth will host elimination finals.
The Grand Final is scheduled for Saturday, 26 June 2027.
Ticket release dates and hospitality packages for the Drua’s home matches are expected to be announced in the coming weeks…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 22 Oct 2026
Australia awaits as Bati seek improvement
SYDNEY, 22 OCTOBER 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—Fiji Bati must maintain their intensity for the full 80 minutes if they are to protect their Pool A lead when they face defending champions Australia at the Rugby League World Cup this weekend.
Coach Mick Potter has challenged his side to address their second-half shortcomings after Fiji’s commanding opening victory, warning that stronger opposition will punish any drop in standards.
The Bati surged to a five-try first half against the Cook Islands but lost some of their momentum after the break, leaving Potter far from satisfied despite the result.
“The second half we probably weren’t great,” Potter said.
Potter acknowledged the possibility that his players had eased off after establishing a substantial lead, but stressed there was still plenty to work on following their limited preparation for the tournament.
Captain Api Koroisau said Fiji’s first-half dominance came from keeping their approach simple and executing the fundamentals.
“We tried to simplify everything and just keep the game to its fundamentals pretty much,” Koroisau said.
That formula will be tested against an Australian side capable of absorbing pressure and capitalising on mistakes.
The Kagaroo’s showed resilience and a champions heart to overcome a determined Kiwi’s side 24-22 in their opening match.
For Fiji, the challenge is to combine their attacking flair with defensive discipline, sustained concentration and consistent execution and deny the defending champions any chance of getting their flow and confidence in the match.
Maintaining their pool lead will require more than a strong start; the Bati must prove they can deliver across the full 80 minutes against the world’s best….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 22 Oct 2026
‘Remember the words’: Olakau’atu’s proud first Sipi Tau
SYDNEY, 22 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—Haumole Olakau’atu had never performed a Sipi Tau until he was proudly leading his nation on the World Cup stage.
As well as preparing to play, the Tongan had to practise to make sure he remembered all the words to lead the traditional war dance.
“I was just trying to remember the words as I was saying the Sipi Tau,” Olakau’atu told AAP.
“It’s a lot of emotions going through your mind, and just the adrenalin rushing through your body … but it was more so just trying not to forget the words and taking my time.”
Olakau’atu’s stirring rendition of the Sipi Tau was the curtain-raiser to the Pacific nation’s dominant 30-12 victory over England in Perth on Saturday.
The six-foot-five (196cm) giant was approached by co-captains Jason Taumalolo and Addin Fonua-Blake on day two of Tonga’s pre-tournament camp to lead the traditional war dance before their World Cup matches.
The Manly forward isn’t sure why he was chosen, especially with no experience, but felt incredibly honoured by the selection.
“Addin and Jason came up to me and it wasn’t really an offer, it was more like a tell me to do it,” Olakau’atu said.
‘Especially coming from them, it’s a such a huge privilege to get to lead it.
“Very proud experience, not only for me, but for my family as well, especially Mum and Dad.”
The responsibility of the moment weighed on the now nine-capped Tongan before the match – he was brought to tears while belting out the national anthem.
“It’s very emotional when you get to sing your national anthem … playing for your family and country and faith,” the barn-storming back-rower said.
His tears continued after a monster match, playing all 80 minutes and scoring two tries.
However, Olakau’atu hopes to improve on his pre-game performance of the Sipi Tau when Tonga play Lebanon on Friday.
“I’ll go again in game two, and this time hopefully I’ll do it with a bit more enthusiasm and a lot more emotion,” he said.
“I got a lot of positive feedback from the boys in the squad, so as long as they’re happy, that’s all that matters.”
Olakau’atu’s 80-minute performance against England was several years in the making.
After dominating recent seasons at NRL level with Manly, and having made three State of Origin appearances for New South Wales off the bench, he was thrilled for a chance to play an entire match for his nation in his preferred position.
“Just a lot of gratitude towards the coaching staff and Woolfey (coach Kristian Woolf) for believing in me and trusting me to fulfil that position and play the full 80,” Olakau’atu said.
“There were a couple of times in the game where it was very hard and we were on the back foot.
“And just going off my experience with an Origin campaign, you get that second wind a bit earlier and back yourself a bit more with a lot more confidence,” he said…. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 22 Oct 2026
David Fifita beats ‘very hard times’ to make Australia Rugby League World Cup debut
SYDNEY, 22 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—David Fifita has credited his resurgence from a tough 2025 season to Australia debutant in the space of 12 months to a full-circle career progression under two coaches who have always believed in and supported him.
The 26-year-old second-rower had a stellar 2026 season at new club South Sydney under Wayne Bennett, who gave him his NRL debut in 2018.
Fifita will debut for the Kangaroos against Fiji in Brisbane on Sunder under Kevin Walters, his old Broncos assistant coach and the Queensland mentor when he debuted in State of Origin in 2019.
At the Titans last year Fifita battled a recurring ankle injury and was heavily criticised by those who did not understand the gravity of the complaint.
“This time last year was very, very hard for myself and my family on a personal level,” Fifita said.
“To be here and look back on how far I have come, I am so blessed and grateful for the people who stuck beside me through the hard times … coaches, close mates and a big shout-out to my family and my partner who would see me behind closed doors and what I experienced.
“I had a bad ankle injury and that has been well documented around the media. I had a good support system around me with people who loved me and cared for me.”
Fifita acknowledged that the hard times “made me the person I am today”, while crediting the Rabbitohs and now Walters for giving him a boost.
“It is just Wayne Bennett. He understands the person and he understands family. It is just about being in an environment that is really professional and that I missed,” he said.
“Kevvie was at the Broncos early on when I started in my career under Wayne, and in fitness (drills) he would run with me when I was a 17-year-old boy.
“We’ve had that relationship from there. He is a great person and similar to Wayne in that he cares about the person.”
Fifita captained the Australia Prime Minister’s XIII to a 60-10 win over Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby this month, but Sunday will be his first hitout for the Kangaroos after previously representing Tonga at the 2022 World Cup to honour his late father.
“I enjoyed my time playing for Tonga. My dad is Tongan,” Fifita said. “This time I get to represent my home country. I was born in Brisbane and to do it for my other side means a lot. I loved putting the Tongan jersey on and I can’t wait to put the Australian jersey on.
“I am looking forward to running out at Suncorp Stadium where it all began for me as a young boy. All my family will be at the game,” he said…. PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 22 Oct 2026
Ellis targets defensive discipline for Flying Fijians
TOKYO, 22 OCTOBER 2026 (OFC)—-For Flying Fijians’ new defense coach, David Ellis, the challenge is clear, and that is to bring greater structure to the defensive line.
Not only that, one of his key focuses is helping the team give opponents fewer chances to move forward through penalties.
The national team will play Japan to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Japan Rugby Football Union.
Ellis recently joined the team for its Pacific Nations Cup games against Canada and Japan.
He says his experience coaching at international level has given him a strong understanding of Fijian rugby, both from afar and now from up close.
“The objective is to put more structure and organisation into the defensive system of the team, and also work really, really hard on the discipline of the team so that we’re not giving penalties away.”
Since joining the squad, Ellis has set clear standards for the players.
The focus is on staying organised, working together and avoiding the costly infringements that can hand an opponent easy territory.
He says the team is beginning to meet those standards and reduce the number of penalties it concedes.
Ellis also believes that Fiji’s discipline is more than avoiding the referee’s whistle.
It’s a way to stay in the contest and give the team’s attacking strengths more time to make an impact.
The Flying Fijians play Japan at 5:50 pm on Saturday and you can watch the match live on FBC Sports….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 22 Oct 2026
FRU board to decide on 2027 competition
SUVA, 22 OCTOBER 2026 (FIJI SUN)—A decision on the future of Rewa and Kadavu teams will be made by the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) board.
This was confirmed to SUNsports by FRU tournament director Ben Takubu.
Rewa and Kadavu are likely to be relegated to next year’s Vanua Championship, while Ra and Northland are set to join the
Takubu said the final decision was subject to board approval. He also said the Skipper Cup competition format was expected to remain unchanged next year.
A new winner will be crowned in the Skipper Cup senior men’s division after defending champions Malolo lost to Naitasiri in last Saturday’s quarter-final…PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 22 Oct 2026
FRU proposes 70-30 ownership deal with landowners for stadium project
SUVA, 22 OCTOBER 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has proposed a 70-30 equity ownership arrangement with landowners for its planned stadium development project in Saweni, following what chairman John Sanday described as a fruitful meeting with the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB).
Sanday said the meeting focused on finalising outstanding matters before TLTB issued a formal letter of offer for the land.
“It was a very fruitful meeting. In a nutshell, the TLTB wanted to just sit with us to finalise some fine points before they gave us the letter of offer of the land,” he said.
Under the proposed arrangement, FRU would initially hold 70 per cent ownership in the development, while landowners would own the remaining 30 per cent.
Sanday said the arrangement was intended to establish a partnership between the rugby union and the landowners.
“So 70 percent is owned by Fiji Rugby Union, and 30 percent is owned by the landowners for this development. So it’s a partnership between us and them.”
He said discussions also focused on determining the most appropriate ownership structure for the proposed investment.
Following deliberations, both parties agreed that a straightforward equity ownership model would be the preferred approach.
“I think at the end we resolved that it’s best that we just have a simple or plain equity ownership,” Sanday said.
He explained that a company or special purpose vehicle established for the project would initially allocate 30 per cent of its shares to landowners and 70 percent to FRU.
However, Sanday acknowledged that the ownership structure could change as the project progressed towards capital raising and financing.
He said additional investors would likely be brought into the development, resulting in some dilution of the initial shareholdings.
“As we move forward and as we get into the capital raising and the financing side of things, obviously there will be some changes.”
Despite the potential changes, Sanday said FRU and the landowners would remain the key shareholders underpinning the project.
“We, the two of us, will be the critical major shareholders that will anchor this whole structure.”
Sanday reiterated that the discussions with TLTB had been productive as the rugby union moved closer to securing the land for its proposed development….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 22 Oct 2026
Building Confidence, Knowledge and the Next Generation of Goalkeepers
RAROTONGA, 22 OCTOBER 2026 (OFC)—Goalkeepers across Oceania are being shaped by coaches committed to learning, growing and inspiring the next generation, as participants from across the region took their first steps on the goalkeeping coaching pathway at the OFC Goalkeeping C Licence course in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, in early October.
Hosted at the Cook Islands Football Association, the course brought together coaches representing their respective Member Associations to strengthen their knowledge, develop their coaching skills and build the foundations for a new generation of goalkeeping development across the Pacific.
Through a combination of practical training sessions, classroom learning and group discussions, participants explored match analysis, training session planning, coaching interventions and ways to create positive learning environments. Just as importantly, they were encouraged to reflect on their own coaching philosophies and understand how their approach can influence a goalkeeper’s confidence, development and future in the game.
OFC coach educator Chris Marsh said investing in goalkeeper-specific education was vital to raising standards across the region and ensuring players receive the support they need to reach their potential.
“Goalkeepers play a unique and increasingly influential role in the modern game, so investing in goalkeeper-specific coach education is essential to raising the overall standard of football across Oceania,” Marsh said.
“Modern goalkeeper coaching is built around realistic, game related practice involving both goalkeepers and outfield players, meaning the impact of these courses is felt across the whole team, not just in the goalkeeping position.”
For the participating coaches, the course was an opportunity to take new knowledge back to their communities, inspire young players to embrace the goalkeeper position and help create stronger development pathways within their own countries.
Fédération Tahitienne de Football representative Turana Poroni knows first-hand the impact a coach can have on a player’s journey, crediting her own coach, Laurent Ennis, with helping her develop the confidence that now shapes her approach to coaching.
“My coach, Laurent Ennis, really strengthened me mentally and taught me to have confidence in myself,” Poroni said.
Now, she hopes to pass those lessons on to the next generation, using her experience to help young goalkeepers grow both on and off the pitch. Her ambitions include becoming a goalkeeper coach for a women’s national team.
For Papua New Guinea Football Association representative Jerry Seriba, coaching became his way of staying connected to football after injuries interrupted his playing career. Now in his second year of coaching, the course has given him practical tools to develop his sessions and continue progressing towards his long-term goal of coaching an OFC Pro League team.
Meanwhile, Tonga Football Association representative Madison Tenifa hopes to become the kind of role model who inspires more young people in her country to take up goalkeeping.
“I want to lead with great examples,” Tenifa said. “If I’m able to share my experience with them, even though it’s small, I would love to do that with them.”
Inspired by her own coach, Tangi Mausiapatolo, one of Tonga’s few female goalkeeper coaches, Tenifa wants to follow in her footsteps and show the next generation what is possible.
Her ambition reflects the wider opportunity the course creates by developing coaches who can open doors for others, particularly in communities where access to specialist goalkeeping coaching remains limited.
Marsh said the OFC Goalkeeping C Licence provides coaches with the knowledge and confidence to support goalkeepers from junior through to senior football, creating a foundation for continuous improvement.
“Through realistic, game-related training and guided reflection, coaches leave with greater confidence in their approach and a clear framework for continuous improvement,” he said….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 22 Oct 2026
Morocco awaits as Papua New Guinea’s FIFA Women’s World Cup play-off schedule confirmed
PORT MORESBY, 22 OCTOBER 2026 (OFC)—Papua New Guinea will travel to Rabat, Morocco, later this year for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Play-Off Tournament preliminary phase.
The match schedule and venues for the preliminary phase of the Play-Off Tournament, to be held from November 28 – December 5, were confirmed on the 20th of October by FIFA.
All matches will be held at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, which is also currently hosting FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026™, and was inaugurated in 2019 as part of a national initiative to promote and modernise football infrastructure in Morocco.
Six nations, including Papua New Guinea, will each play three matches, with the top two on a combined ladder progressing to the final stage of the Play-Off Tournament due to be held in February 2027.
The Bilums will play matches against Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei, and Ghana, during their campaign in Morocco.
Papua New Guinea FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Play-Off Tournament Preliminary Phase Match Schedule
Uzbekistan v Papua New Guinea
Saturday 28th November, 4:30pm local time (Sunday 29th November, 1:30am PGT)
Mohammed VI Football Complex (Pitch 3), Rabat, Morocco
Papua New Guinea v Chinese Taipei
Tuesday 1st December, 2pm local time (Tuesday 1st December, 11pm PGT)
Mohammed VI Football Complex (Pitch 8), Rabat, Morocco
Papua New Guinea v Ghana
Saturday 5th December, 5pm local time (Sunday 6th December, 2am PGT)
Mohammed VI Football Complex (Pitch 3), Rabat, Morocco…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 22 Oct 2026
Diz double leaves New Zealand facing uphill battle at FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
RABAT, 22 OCTOBER 2026 (OFC)—A brace from Argentina striker Mercedes Diz has condemned New Zealand to a second successive defeat at FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026 in Morocco.
The 2-0 loss leaves the Young Football Ferns on the brink of elimination, needing victory over Germany in their final Group A match on Saturday (NZT) to keep their Round of 16 hopes alive.
Argentina dominated from the outset, creating numerous chances before Diz headed home in the 42nd minute to open the scoring. She doubled the lead with a powerful volley in the 69th minute to seal a comfortable victory – Argentina’s first at a FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Following a 4-0 opening defeat to hosts Morocco, New Zealand’s remaining route to the knockout rounds appears to be as one of the four best third placed team, who progress alongside the top two teams in each group.
Argentina: 2 (Mercedes DIZ 42’ 69’)
New Zealand: 0
HT: 1-0…PACNEWS
VAN – PLAY FOR EQUITY: PACNEWS PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 22 Oct 2026
Vanuatu chiefs launch support project to promote inclusion
PORT VILA, 22 OCTOBER 2026 (PACNEWS)—The Teoumaville Community Council of Chiefs has launched a new project in Vanuatu aimed at expanding access to sport and recreation and strengthening inclusion across the community.
The Play for Equity project was launched during the council’s first anniversary celebration at Kavirere School in Port Vila, attended by community members, chiefs, faith leaders and development partners.
The event, held under the theme “An Inclusive and Resilient Community”, was also attended by Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat and Australian High Commissioner Max Willis.
The project aims to create more accessible opportunities for people of all ages to participate in sport, recreation and community life.
It is part of the fourth round of Play for Equity, supported through a partnership between the Australian Government’s Team Up programme and the International Olympic Committee’s Olympism365 initiative.
The initiative also contributes to the objectives of the Oceania Impact Network.
Team Up said partnerships of this kind support locally led projects that use sport and play to promote inclusion, participation and stronger community connections.
The launch highlights the role community organisations and traditional leadership can play in creating opportunities for wider participation in sport and community activities…PACNEWS
PAC – ONOC: ONOC MEDIA PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 22 Oct 2026
ONOC strengthens Pacific coaching pathway with athlete safety, safeguarding and inclusion at its core
NADI, 22 OCTOBER 2026 (ONOC MEDIA)— A five-day OSEP Strength and Conditioning Curriculum Validation Workshop has concluded in Nadi, strengthening a three-level coaching pathway that connects physical preparation with athlete safety, safeguarding and inclusion.
Held from 12–16 October, the workshop brought curriculum developers and validators together to review content, clarify progression and strengthen its relevance to Pacific coaching environments.
The Community and Development courses already form part of OSEP’s current suite and were reviewed and updated during the workshop. The National-level course is new, extending the pathway into elite Strength and Conditioning coaching.
Across the three levels, the review addressed safeguarding, gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), athlete welfare and technical coaching competence.
OSEP Quality Officer Varanisese Karisitiana said the curricula had undergone rigorous scrutiny during the five-day workshop to ensure they met the required standards of quality, consistency and relevance and were competency-based.
Coaching education within the Pacific
Technical Lead Dr Trevor Clark highlighted the accessibility of Community-level education, with knowledge participants could begin applying immediately.
“What that means is it’s more accessible, it’s more inclusive and that anybody can come along and learn about strength and conditioning,” Dr Clark said.
He emphasised introductory activities that do not depend on specialist equipment and the value of locally delivered education through people who understand Pacific cultures and communication needs.
OSEP Regional Master Educator and Community curriculum developer Makelesi Bulikiobo said the introductory course was intended for people with little or no coaching background, including parents interested in understanding their children’s physical preparation.
Bulikiobo said the process challenged her to set aside assumptions based on her coaching experience and view the curriculum from the perspective of someone with no background in Strength and Conditioning.
She looked forward to piloting and implementation following the remaining refinements.
Validator Marica Togayali, an athlete representative with Fiji Volleyball, welcomed the emphasis on safe and inclusive participation, reflecting her focus on athlete wellbeing.
She said simplifying the Community-level curriculum would make it more accessible to aspiring coaches and encourage them to progress through OSEP’s coaching pathway.
A new step into national-level preparation
National curriculum developer Saiasi Bose described the new course as an important milestone, creating further opportunities for coaches who may have limited access to international coaching education.
He said it would bridge the gap between Development and National-level preparation while recognising the facilities, equipment and resources available across the Pacific.
The intention is to prepare coaches to work to appropriate national-level expectations through education that can be delivered within their own region.
Fellow National curriculum developer Sharon Arua, a rehabilitation therapist from Papua New Guinea, emphasised collaboration between S&C coaches, physiotherapists and rehabilitation professionals.
She highlighted the importance of clear roles in supporting injured athletes: clinical assessment and diagnosis inform rehabilitation, while coordinated physical preparation supports an appropriate return to sport.
Her contribution reinforced that advanced S&C coaching requires professional boundaries and collaboration, with athlete health guiding decisions throughout recovery.
Removing barriers to participation
Inclusion & Adaptive S&C Validator Joave Nainoca, Disability Coordinator at the Fiji National Sports Commission, said the revised curricula could better equip coaches to support athletes with disabilities from community participation to high performance.
“I think the biggest impact that this curriculum will bring is breaking down social barriers,” Nainoca said.
He identified accessible facilities, suitable training spaces and changing attitudes as practical priorities. Better-prepared coaches could enable athletes with and without disabilities to train alongside one another and create opportunities for participation and progression.
Nainoca encouraged interested coaches to work with their National Olympic Committees and National Paralympic Committees.
Protection alongside performance
The review distinguished physical training safety from safeguarding responsibilities, including protection against harassment, abuse, coercion and humiliation.
It also addressed professional boundaries, athlete voice, appropriate reporting and referral, and equitable opportunities regardless of gender, disability or social circumstances.
At National level, these responsibilities include coordination between the S&C coach, head coach and relevant support practitioners in demanding performance environments.
OSEP Chief Sport Education Programme Officer Meli Vunivuwai Cavu emphasised that the athlete’s experience must remain central to coaching education.
“Does the coach listen? Are professional boundaries clear? Can an athlete raise a concern without fear?” he asked in his opening address.
He also called for meaningful consideration of women and girls, athletes with disabilities and athletes with different needs, with protective and inclusive practices reflected in assessment.
OSEP Mentor Talemo Waqa contributed as Technical & RME/Delivery Validator, examining delivery across Pacific settings and emphasising the importance of keeping curriculum content current.
Strength and Conditioning is one of OSEP’s six training streams, alongside Administration, Technical Coaching, Games Team Management, Trainer and Safeguarding.
Cavu said OSEP would finalise the three curricula and complete the supporting training materials by the end of 2026, ready for piloting in the first quarter of 2027…..PACNEWS
FIJI – ATHLETES: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 22 Oct 2026
IOC outlines opportunities for Fiji athletes
SUVA, 22 OCTOBER 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has highlighted funding and development opportunities for Fiji athletes, including programmes supporting young talent, scholarships and team preparation to strengthen sport across the Pacific.
Speaking during an informal talanoa session hosted by the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) , IOC head of sport development unit Stephens Desbans said athletes could benefit from programmes designed to support their development and sporting ambitions.
“It’s really an honour to be here and sharing views with other athletes, to help the sport grow,” Desbans said.
She said Olympic Solidarity provided about 20 programmes through National Olympic Committees, covering areas such as Olympic values, sports management, youth athlete development, scholarships and team support grants.
Desbans also highlighted the role of the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) in providing sports equipment, human resources grants and support for national and regional Games.
With the Pacific Games approaching, she said athletes should recognise the value of continental competition as part of their sporting journey, even if reaching the Olympic Games was not every athlete’s ultimate destination.
FASANOC president Cathy Wong said athletes remained at the centre of the organisation’s work.
“The key focus of what we do must be about our athletes. Athletes remain at the centre of everything that we do. A high-performing athlete requires a high-performing support system, high-performance framework, high-performance entourage,” Wong said.
“So working within that space, not only in Fiji, but with our Oceania family, with president Baklai sitting here, as we’re having the meeting this week — that is working in that space to identify what are our gaps. We have lots of gaps.”
ONOC president Baklai Tenegil highlighted the wider impact of sport on Pacific communities, saying it provided opportunities for people to travel, learn and bring new experiences back to their communities.
“But sports allow the opportunity to enable us to travel, to learn about different things around the world through sports that we learn as young athletes, but also coaches, families, and friends, and then bring back home to your communities,” Tenegil said.
He also recognised the commitment of coaches, saying they played a vital role in supporting athletes…PACNEWS
IRELAND – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 22 Oct 2026
World Rugby appoints Megan Rose to lead Men’s Rugby World Cup 2031 in the U.S
DUBLIN, 22 OCTOBER 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)–World Rugby has appointed Megan Rose as Managing Director of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2031, a landmark leadership appointment as preparations gather pace to deliver an iconic event in the U.S, powering rugby’s domestic and global impact.
Rose will lead delivery planning for the sport’s biggest and most ambitious Rugby World Cup to date and the first in one of the world’s most important sports markets, creating an unprecedented platform to accelerate rugby’s global growth.
The appointment comes as momentum continues to build behind the USA hosting programme. Twenty-five cities are currently progressing through the Rugby World Cup 2031 applicant phase, while international rugby continues to demonstrate the sport’s growing appeal across North America, with record attendances tumbling for every marquee match hosted in the U.S, culminating in 68,000 attending the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series final test between South Africa and New Zealand in Baltimore last month.
The U.S hosted Rugby World Cups are central to World Rugby’s strategic ambition to grow participation, audiences and commercial revenues by unlocking rugby’s full potential in sport’s biggest global market.
A former professional tennis player, Rose is one of U.S sport’s leading major-event executives, with a proven track record of delivering high-profile global competitions, driving innovation and building commercial impact.
At the United States Tennis Association (USTA), Rose led globally renowned major events including the U.S Open Series, Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup, served as Team Leader for Team USA Olympic Tennis at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, and pioneered the integration of professional wheelchair tennis into able-bodied operations. Most recently, she helped build and launch USTA Coaching, a new national coaching organisation for the U.STennis industry.
Rose said: “Rugby World Cup is one of the iconic events in global sport, defined by unforgettable moments on the pitch and the passion of fans around the world. To be entrusted with bringing Men’s Rugby World Cup to the United States for the first time is an extraordinary honour, and I’m thrilled to join this team.
“This tournament represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring millions more Americans into the game and create a lasting impact for rugby in this country. I look forward to working closely with USA Rugby, and the clubs, players, supporters, and stakeholders who have built rugby across the United States, alongside the global rugby community, to deliver an incredible Rugby World Cup and build something that lasts well beyond 2031”
World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin added: “The USA represents one of the most exciting growth opportunities in global sport, and Rugby World Cups 2031 and 2033 have the potential to transform rugby’s profile and reach on an unprecedented scale.
“Megan is an outstanding leader with a proven track record of delivering world-class sporting events and driving innovation. She joins us at a pivotal moment as our U.S. project enters its next phase – an appointment that reflects the scale of our ambition. Her experience, vision and deep understanding of the U.S. sports landscape make her ideally placed to deliver a defining chapter for rugby in the United States and around the world.”
With more premium match content being played in the U.S than ever before, 25 highly engaged cities involved in the applicant process and, stakeholder engagement building and fan and media interest continuing to grow, the U.S is poised to provide an unprecedented stage for Rugby World Cups that will redefine the sport’s future and support the ambitions of its global growth strategy….PACNEWS
