In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — New Zealand government in talks to save rugby’s Moana Pasifika
2. RUGBY — Flying Fijians name 32-man squad for Nations Championship
3. RUGBY — Peceli Yato: The Epic Return of a Flying Fijian Warrior
4. RUGBY — Fijian Drua, Moana Pasifika look to the future after challenging Super Rugby Pacific campaigns
5. CRICKET — PNG Lewas are team of the year
6. ATHLETICS — Fiji Government working to retain athletics talent
7. SOFTBALL — New PNG softball facilities to boost sport development
8. RUGBY — Wallaroos players to align with PWR clubs in 2026
9. SPORTS — ‘Enough is Enough’: New Zealand sports boss warns sideline abuse is driving children away
10. RUGBY LEAGUE — Defensive mindset has Fa’alogo set to reach greater heights
11. RUGBY — Nominees revealed for HSBC SVNS Awards 2026
12. OLYMPICS — ‘Game on’ for Brisbane 2032 stadium
PAC – RUGBY: AFP PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 02 June 2026
New Zealand government in talks to save rugby’s Moana Pasifika
WELLINGTON/APIA, 02 JUNE 2026 (AFP)—New Zealand Foreign affairs minister Winston Peters said he had instructed officials to begin talks with New Zealand Rugby regarding Moana’s future.
The Auckland-based team was established in 2020 to provide a top-level pathway for players of Pacific heritage.
Owners Pasifika Medical Association said in April they would cease funding the team at the end of the season after failing to create a sustainable commercial enterprise.
Moana played their final match of the Super Rugby season against ACT Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday, winning 21-19.
Other parties have been reported as interested in acquiring the licence, but nothing concrete has been put forward.
Peters met Samoan Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Schmidt and Tongan Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua during Samoan Independence Day commemorations on Sunday.
He said Moana Pasifika had been a key topic of discussion.
“Rugby is a huge part of New Zealand and Polynesian culture and Moana Pasifika’s future is important to the governments and people of Samoa and Tonga, as well as to New Zealand’s Pacific communities and rugby fans,” Peters said.
“It would be seriously regrettable if Moana Pasifika were unable to take part in future Super Rugby seasons.
“We want to make sure every option is explored to try to find a sound business proposition and sustainable economic footing for the team.
“We indicated to (the prime ministers) that New Zealand shares Samoa and Tonga’s aspiration that Moana Pasifika can continue to play in future seasons.
“Accordingly, we have instructed our officials to engage with New Zealand Rugby and other stakeholders with urgency to explore all possible options for a financially sustainable future for Moana Pasifika.”
It costs more than US$5.9 million a year to run Moana Pasifika.
If the club folds, New Zealand sports minister Mark Mitchell said the government would need advice on how to recoup a US$1.6m loan.
“Obviously they’re in liquidation. We are on the list of creditors,” said Mitchell last week.
“Naturally it’s a concern because it’s taxpayers’ money,” he said……PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 02 Jun 2026
Flying Fijians name 32-man squad for Nations Championship
SUVA, 02 MAY 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—Fiji Rugby has named a 32-member FIJI Water Flying Fijians squad for the upcoming Nations Championship, with Acting Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula backing a blend of experienced internationals and players in strong club form for the demanding European tour.
The Flying Fijians will face Wales, England and Scotland in three Test matches across the United Kingdom in July as they begin their Nations Championship campaign.
Seruvakula said the squad was selected based on experience and current performance levels.
“I have chosen a team of players that have experience and are playing some of the best rugby in their current clubs,” he said.
“This is a tough campaign, but I am confident this group has the talent, the heart, and the discipline to represent Fiji with pride.”
The squad features several established Flying Fijians including Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra, Frank Lomani, Tevita Ikanivere, Eroni Mawi, Mesake Vocevoce, Peni Ravai, Jiuta Wainiqolo and Kalaveti Ravouvou.
The forwards will be led by hookers Tevita Ikanivere, Sam Matavesi and Zuriel Togiatama, while the props include Mawi, Atunaisa Sokobale, Ravai, Luke Tagi and Tim Hoyt.
The locking department features Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua and Tevita Ratuva, while the loose forwards are Lekima Tagitagivalu, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Levani Botia, Pita-Gus Sowakula and Peceli Yato.
In the backs, Fiji will rely on halfbacks Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli and Sam Wye, with Caleb Muntz and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula named as first five-eighths.
The midfield includes Tuisova, Filimoni Botitu, Selestino Ravutaumada and Semi Radradra, while the outside backs are Jiuta Wainiqolo, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Vinaya Habosi, Salesi Rayasi and Vuate Karawalevu.
The Flying Fijians open their campaign against Wales at Cardiff City Stadium on July 4 before travelling to Liverpool to face England at Hill Dickinson Stadium on July 11.
The tour concludes with a clash against Scotland at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on July 18.
The three-Test series is expected to provide a stern challenge for Fiji as they prepare to compete against some of the world’s top-ranked rugby nations….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FRU PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 02 Jun 2026
Peceli Yato: The Epic Return of a Flying Fijian Warrior
SUVA, 02 MAY 2026 (FRU)—In 2023, the rugby world watched as Peceli Yato, one of Fiji’s most dynamic back-row players, withdrew from the national camp before the World Cup. Fans were puzzled, and whispers circulated—had the Flying Fijians lost one of their most formidable talents for good?
Fast forward to 2026, and Yato’s name is back on the team sheet, ready to represent Fiji at the Nations Championships. His return is more than a comeback; it’s a story of adaptability, growth, and unwavering commitment.
Yato, now playing club rugby in France for USA Perpignan in the Top 14, brings a decade of European experience to the squad. After a long tenure with ASM Clermont Auvergne, Yato’s move to Perpignan has allowed him to refine his game, facing some of the toughest competition in club rugby. His performances in the Top 14 have been marked by relentless work at the breakdown, powerful carries, and leadership that inspires those around him. While statistics tell part of the story, it’s his presence on the field, the energy he brings and the standards he sets, that will be invaluable to the Flying Fijians in 2026.
When asked about receiving the call to return to the national team, Yato’s reaction was simple: joy and pride.
“I was happy. Like any other Fijian rugby player, it’s a privilege to wear the white jersey,” he said.
But behind that pride lies a journey shaped by challenges, sacrifices, and self-discovery.
Reflecting on his 2023 withdrawal, Yato admits that stepping away was a life lesson.
“Always have conversations calmly and in the right state of mind,” he says, acknowledging the maturity gained from navigating tough personal and professional decisions.
Watching Fiji compete from afar, including their historic win over Australia in St Etienne, was a mix of pride and motivation.
“Yes, families and especially fans motivated this comeback,” he adds, underscoring the personal drive that fueled his return.
Yato’s time in France has been transformative, both on and off the field. Arriving in Europe as a young player, he had to adapt to new tactics, cultures, and expectations. Off the field, he learned independence, living far from family while carrying the weight of responsibility as the eldest sibling.
“It’s probably leaving far away from families who are always supporting you in good and difficult times,” he reflects.
Yet, it is this very journey, marked by sacrifices and perseverance, that makes Yato’s return so compelling. From the humble beginnings in Nadroga, where his parents sold crops to fund his rugby gear and transport, to the bright lights of the Top 14, Yato’s story is a testament to determination, family support, and faith.
“God and Family” keep him grounded, he says, even on the toughest days
Now, as a senior player among younger teammates, Yato embraces a leadership role. He offers guidance not only in skills but in mindset: compete with yourself, learn from mistakes, and strive to improve. His vision extends beyond victories; he wants to leave a legacy of discipline, sacrifice, and inspiration for the next generation of Fijian players.
To the fans who have supported him through highs and lows, Yato delivers a heartfelt message: gratitude.
“I am grateful and thankful for those who are always rooting for me, especially on the lows,” he says.
The 2026 Nations Championships will see Peceli Yato back in white, carrying not just the pride of a nation but the lessons of a journey that spans continents, hardships, and triumphs. His return is a reminder that setbacks are temporary, resilience is key, and the heart of a Flying Fijian beats strongest when fueled by passion, family, and faith….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 02 Jun 2026
Fijian Drua, Moana Pasifika look to the future after challenging Super Rugby Pacific campaigns
AUCKLAND/NADI, 02 JUNE 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC)—Five months of weekly Super Rugby Pacific competition and commitment came to an end for the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika in Australia over the weekend.
The Drua took on the Reds in Brisbane and lost 45-24, but not after having put their hosts under a lot of pressure.
Moana Pasifika did one better, beating the Brumbies in Canberra in a match that showed the team’s combined resilience and fighting spirit despite the fact they were underdogs.
While the teams could not make it into the top six and faced a lot of challenges with key players injured in the later stages of the season, one thing stood out in the end: both teams showed they can compete against the best if they put their mind and heart to it.
Head coaches Glen Jackson and Fa’alogo Tana Umaga have finished off with the teams. Jackson has not indicated where he is going to. Umaga is joining the All Blacks coaching team.
There are news of some Drua players heading overseas for contracts, and the list includes tough number eight Elia Canakaivata, halfback Simione Kuruvoli and winger Ponipate Loganimasi.
Moana Pasifika have officially finished their participation in the Super Rugby Pacific competition as a club, with owners Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) putting the franchise up for liquidation last week.
The North Harbour-based franchise is now the centre of discussions between interested bidders and New Zealand Rugby (NZR).
RNZ Pacific has been reliably informed some players have been picked up by other Super Rugby clubs. Sources close to Moana Pasifika have also told us that there are two options offered by interested bidders.
Option 1 is from Kanaloa Consortium, which has offered $15 million (US$8.90 million) to buy the Moana Pasifika operation.
Option 2 is is led by former Moana Pasifika chief executive Pelenato Sakalaia, who is reportedly working with the New Zealand government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Samoa and Tongan governments to get some funding agreement going that would bail Moana Pasifika out and keep them running.
Meanwhile, both Jackson and Umaga said following their team’s performances that the focus is now on the future. They agreed, however, that the performances seen at the weekend augurs well for both teams as they head into the unknown future.
Jackson: It’s taken time for Drua players to mature
Drua’s stand-in captain Tuidraki Samusamuvodre said after Friday night’s match the team played hard and tried their best, but there were mistakes that caused them the game in the end.
“I feel like we started pretty well in the first two halves, just a lot of mistakes and errors that cost us the game.”
The Drua finished the competition at 10th position, with 21 points from five wins and nine losses – three points lower than the Highlanders and seven behind the Waratahs, who also registered five wins each but had better bonus points.
Jackson said the team showed a lot of promise in their last five matches, including the close loss to Western Force last week, adding that players were maturing.
He admitted it has taken some time for the young Drua players to realise what professional rugby is “because we’ve come from nothing”.
He pointed to flanker Kitione Salawa as an example of a player who started five years ago and has grown into a player who has been able to compete against Wallabies and All Blacks players in the Super Rugby competition.
“I think Kiti Salawa, it’s not often a seven can just carry on playing 80 minutes of rugby like he does, and he’s done it last four weeks,’ Jackson said.
“He’s certainly number one, where he started with us right back in the day, had a lot of injuries, and you know, his ability to get over the ball and speed. I hope he gets a good chance with the national team, because he’s been there and done it. But he’s now fully fit, and showing what he’s worth.”
Keep Drua separate
Jackson said his years with the Drua has been “a massive moment of my life”.
“[The players are] beautiful human beings, great people to coach. It’ll be a great moment to remember for the rest of our lives, my family and myself.’
Jackson’s parting message is for the Drua to remain a separate entity from the Fiji Rugby Union. He said the two – the Fijian Drua and the Flying Fijians – should be separate and keep it that way into the future.
“It’s important that the Drua remains part of the Drua and not part of Fiji Rugby. One of the really difficult things right now is you see the success of the Drua, has taken a long time to get success in a competition that is established.
“I can only speak from the Drua, it needs to be separated and needs to be run by two different entities. I think everyone in Fiji, especially in our club, would understand the importance of that.”
On the challenge Moana Pasifika is currently facing and the uncertainty around their future, Jackson said he feels for the players and management, hoping the club can be saved for the sake of Pacific rugby development.
“It’s obviously disappointing with what’s happening with Moana Pasifika,” he said.
Umaga sums up
Moana Pasifika finished the season last with just two wins this year.
Umaga said their win over the Brumbies on Saturday summed up their season, which has been one of more downs than ups, especially with their future remaining uncertain at the moment.
The former All Blacks captain said what the team went through this year was tough on the players, especially with their financial security playing out the way it has.
“We did it the hard way … going down to 14 men early on,” Umaga said post-match in Canberra.
“Some of the plays, our accuracy was just off, and we didn’t get some reward from some of our play in the early part, and we let in some easy tries.”
But he said their season finale showed there is a strong purpose from group despite the focus on the franchise’s future.
“We won’t see a lot of our group that we left behind, because we’re not getting back together again, because we can’t. So we talked a lot around our strong purpose of who we represent, we’re representing our culture, our people, and you saw that come through in the end, because I’m just so proud of the effort that everyone put in.”
Umaga said the players knew the game could have been their last and they wanted to put on a performance for their fans and all who stood by them throughout the season.
“I’d like to think that we’ve left something for them, because we’ve heard them and felt their support throughout the season, and especially with what’s happening with Moana Pasifika.”
With discussions ongoing to save the franchise, Umaga said he was hopeful, like the rest of the players and management, that something positive will come out soon.
“I don’t know how big that ray of hope is at this stage, but we live always in hope, and we talk about faith all the time. Now is more than anytime that we’ve got to have faith that the powers that be can keep our Moana movement alive,” he said.
“I know people are working tirelessly at that for now, and there has been some positive talk, but in this game when we talk about it quite a bit, until you get it written down on paper, talk kind of goes up into the air and gets mixed up with the atmosphere and doesn’t really give you any certainty.”
Veteran halfback Augustine Pulu told reporters the challenges they have gone through has united the team and drawn them closer as a unit.
He likened their challenge to being in the valley and getting tested, with players getting to be better individuals as they mature with the experience they have learned from.
“Faith is big for us. We start with God and we finish off with God,” the former All Black said.
“Massive credit to T (Umaga) and the staff, for keeping us accountable. We still have games like no one can explain how hard it is, we can work out not having certainty, but that’s not an excuse for us, it’s made us closer.”
“And we talked about being in the valley and on the mountain tops. You know the valley, you get to learn a bit more of yourself, and we grow as men, so when we do get to the mutton tops, and in different times and areas in the future, they won’t want to go back there. So that’s a big learning for us as young men, especially for the younger ones from the islands, that’s just something that you know we gotta take on board.”
Going forward, Umaga and Pulu both hope that positive news will come out sooner than later.
Umaga said Moana Pasifika has given Pasifika players who do not make it into other Super Rugby clubs a pathway.
“We’ve got a lot of players who haven’t played a lot of professional rugby before, and it’s still an opportunity to keep the Pacific Islands pathways open.’
So as the top six teams head into this weekend’s semifinal challenge, the Fijian Drua will be taking stock of what their last five months have been.
Some of their players head into the Flying Fijians campaign for the upcoming internationals against Wales, England and Scotland.
Moana Pasifika, meanwhile, will be hanging on to hope that someone will step in and give them the lifeline they need to keep playing as a team, driving the movement that has won the hearts of millions of fans around the globe….PACNEWS
PNG – CRICKET: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 02 Jun 2026
PNG Lewas are team of the year
PORT MORESBY, 02 JUNE 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Lewas have been honoured as the Carbine Club Team of the Year at the 2026 SP Sports Awards in Port Moresby, recognising their outstanding achievements and remarkable rise in international women’s cricket.
The award celebrates a stellar 2025 season in which the Lewas captured the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Championship and triumphed at the inaugural PacificAus Sports Cricket Invitational, proving their strength against some of the region’s best teams.
A defining milestone came when the International Cricket Council (ICC) granted the Lewas One Day International (ODI) status for the 2025-29 cycle, elevating PNG into the ranks of the world’s developing elite women’s cricket nations.
Throughout the season, the Lewas recorded memorable victories over higher-ranked opponents such as Thailand and the Netherlands, showcasing their growing confidence, talent, and determination.
For head coach Mahuru Dai, the award was meaningful as it coincided with his 42nd birthday.
“Today’s award is the best birthday present. As a coach, this is a big achievement,” Dai said, crediting the players’ commitment and teamwork.
Cricket PNG coard chairman Michael Harrison praised the team’s resilience and impact, noting that the Lewas have inspired young girls across the country and raised the profile of women’s cricket nationally and internationally.
Beyond their on-field success, the Lewas have become role models for aspiring female athletes in PNG, helping to grow the game and promote women’s sport.
The Team of the Year honour caps one of the most successful periods in PNG women’s cricket history, with future ICC tournaments promising even greater opportunities…PACNEWS
FIJI – ATHLETICS: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 02 Jun 2026
Fiji Government working to retain athletics talent
SUVA, 02 JUNE 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—Retaining Fiji’s top athletics talent after secondary school remains one of the biggest challenges facing the sport, according to Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Aliki Bia.
Bia acknowledged that many promising athletes often move to other sports, particularly rugby, after finishing school, as they pursue greater opportunities and support.
He said the challenge is evident every year, especially in athletics and other smaller sports where rugby continues to attract significant interest from both male and female athletes.
The Assistant Minister says the Ministry of Youth and Sports is working closely with the Fiji Sports Commission and national sporting organisations to find ways to keep athletes in sport and help them build long-term careers.
“The challenge is how we maintain the athletes after the Coca-Cola Games so that they continue to have a career in athletics.”
He reveals that efforts are being made to provide scholarship opportunities, with some athletes already benefiting from programmes that allow them to train and compete overseas.
Bia said international exposure through events such as the Oceania Athletics Championships is important in helping athletes gain valuable experience and continue their development.
However, he admits that securing sufficient funding for athletics and other national sporting organisations remains a key issue.
Bia said the long-term goal is to retain the country’s top athletes beyond the school system and ensure they remain competitive through major events such as the Pacific Games and future Oceania Championships….PACNEWS
PNG – SOFTBALL: TVWAN PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 02 Jun 2026
New PNG softball facilities to boost sport development
PORT MORESBY, 02 JUNE 2026 (TVNWAN)—Construction of new softball facilities at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) is expected to begin soon with the completion time set for October this year.
The Softball Facilities Development Project, funded by the Australian Government through the Economic and Social Infrastructure Programme (ESIP), will deliver two competition-standard softball fields and essential amenities at the UPNG campus. The project is expected to be completed by October 2026 this year.
Once completed, the facilities will provide safe and high-quality playing fields for athletes, officials and the wider softball community. The new complex will support training sessions, local competitions and future sporting events while helping develop the next generation of softball talent in the country.
Softball enthusiasts can expect modern softball diamonds, improved playing surfaces, and supporting amenities that will create a safe and accessible environment for players, particularly women and girls who actively participate in the sport across PNG.
The decision to locate the facilities at UPNG was made to provide a safe, secure and accessible venue for softball activities.
PNG Baseball and Softball Confederation President Jenny Paak, was grateful they will finally have a decent facilities which will help in the drive of luring more people to the sport.
“We’re looking forward to having the new fields to run our competitions. The location at UPNG will help provide a safe and secure place to play and being on campus may even help us attract new players from the student community,” Park said.
Commenting on this development, UPNG Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Findlay said the university was pleased to host the facilities, which will be shared between softball associations and the university. He said the project would benefit both softball players and the broader student population while strengthening sports development at the institution.
The project is a partnership between the Australian High Commission, UPNG, the PNG Baseball and Softball Confederation, and the PNG Sports Foundation. It aligns with PNG’s National Sports Policy 2020–2030, which promotes inclusive participation, improved sporting infrastructure and greater community access to sport.
During construction, priority will be given to PNG contractors, suppliers and tradespeople, creating opportunities for local employment and skills development….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY AUSTRALIA PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 02 Jun 2026
Wallaroos players to align with PWR clubs in 2026
SYDNEY, 02 JUNE 2026 (RUGBY AUSTRALIA) —A select group of Wallaroos squad members will align with England’s Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) clubs for part of the 2026/2027 season.
The collaboration between Rugby Australia, the players, Super Rugby Women’s clubs and the PWR will provide the Wallaroos group the opportunity to compete alongside some of the world’s leading players during the Australian off-season.
The PWR features nine clubs in England, playing from October through to June, with 18 rounds of competition before the finals.
Reigning Wallaroos Player of the Year Tabua Tuinakauvadra will join Leicester Tigers next season, the club announced on Monday evening (AEST).
Tuinakauvadra has signed a contract through the end of April, with the 23-year-old returning to Australia for the 2027 Pacific Four series and Super Rugby Women’s competition.
Additional Wallaroos players will be announced by PWR clubs throughout the coming months.
Rugby Australia’s Director of High Performance Peter Horne said:
“With a home Rugby World Cup on the horizon, Rugby Australia is committed to exposing the Wallaroos to world-class competition wherever possible.
“The opportunity to collaborate with PWR will allow a select group of Wallaroos to sharpen their skills during our off-season following a comprehensive ten Test program and Super Rugby Women’s season in 2026.
“Gaining experience in a competition like the PWR will be invaluable for the players’ development as we build a Wallaroos program with the goal of competing on the final weekend at the Rugby World Cup in 2029.”
Tuinakauvadra underwent knee surgery in February and is expected to make her return for the ACT Brumbies when the Super Rugby Women’s season commences on Saturday 06 June.
WALLAROOS 2026 TEST SCHEDULE
*March 27: Wallaroos 33 defeated Fijiana 15 at GIO Stadium
*April 11: Canada 24 defeated Wallaroos 0 at Heart Health Park, Sacramento, USA
*April 17: USA 33 defeated Wallaroos 12 at CPKC Stadium, Kansas City, USA
*April 25: Wallaroos 5 defeated by New Zealand 40 at Sunshine Coast Stadium
*August 22: New Zealand v Wallaroos at Go Media Stadium, Auckland – 1:05pm AEST (O’Reilly Cup)
WXV Global Series
*September 13: England v Wallaroos at CorpAcq Stadium, Salford – 12:00am AEST
*September 19: France v Wallaroos in Aix-en-Provence (Venue & kick off time TBC)
*September 26: Scotland v Wallaroos in Edinburgh (Venue & kick off time TBC)
*October 17: Wallaroos v Scotland at Accor Stadium, Sydney – 1:00pm AEDT
*October 23: Wallaroos v Scotland at GIO Stadium, Canberra – 7:30pm AEDT….PACNEWS
NZ – SPORTS : PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 02 Jun 2026
‘Enough is Enough’: New Zealand sports boss warns sideline abuse is driving children away
AUCKLAND, 02 JUNE 2026 (PMN)—Parents acting up on the sidelines of sports games aren’t helping their kids and a sports boss says it might even put them off playing.
Children aren’t vying for a place on the Chiefs, Warriors or Silver Ferns, Sport Waikato CEO Matthew Cooper says.
“Life will happen … it won’t be the parent’s voice on the sideline, it’ll be the talent of that child if he or she is good enough and will get identified.”
Cooper’s comments come after a wave of incidents that have plagued the Waikato sporting scene, stemming from allegations of parent-on-player violence in an under-14 rugby game to youth rugby league games cancelled on 24 May after reports of physical and verbal abuse in Hopuhopu.
Cooper, a former New Zealand Rugby president and All Black, applauded the decision of Waikato Junior Rugby League & Waikato Rugby to call out bad sideline behaviour.
“Enough is enough”, he said. “That’s where it needed to be called out and unfortunately the consequence is that a lot of others will miss out … that’s extremely disappointing.”
Council members across the Waikato have previously expressed their dismay against sideline abuse alongside Sport Waikato, which receives local government funding.
Too much negativity can tarnish the on-field experience – a defining factor in if a child continues to play sport, Cooper said.
‘The adults or those on the sideline aren’t playing the game but they’re affecting the game. They’re affecting the experience for the young person who just wants to play with their mates,” he said.
“They [adults] need to understand the impact of their behaviour because if the environment does become negative, aggressive and intimidating, they’ll stop enjoying it and sometimes they stop playing altogether.
That’s our real concern.” When asked why there’s been recent visible spikes of abuse in the Waikato, Cooper said the “actual physical and verbal abuse is not as high in the Waikato as it is around the country”.
He added the problem is felt worldwide, with parents wanting to achieve through their children.
“There’s no other choice but to turn up to support your child or support whoever’s on the field playing.”
The majority of the parents on the sideline are behaving respectfully, Cooper stressed, adding it’s a small minority that create the fallout, and ultimately lead to kids not being able to play on the weekend.
“We’ve got to remember it’s junior sport,” he added.
A clear outline of what is and isn’t acceptable sideline behaviour at the beginning of the season to all supporters is a solution Cooper suggested coaches and managers use.
In the same breath, he added hammering in what consequences will be enforced if standards aren’t met is critical.
“I would maintain that becomes not an option but a priority and action for every sports team… we can help provide those set guidelines,” he added.
Sport Waikato’s Positive Vibes Only initiative has helped create “greater coach awareness and accountability” across the region, Cooper said, by reinforcing the role coaches play in keeping players happy, engaged and wanting to participate through positive messaging.
But for parents on the sidelines this weekend, Cooper said the “one goal” should simply be making sure the player they are supporting is excited to come back and play again next week, regardless of the result….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 02 Jun 2026
Defensive mindset has Fa’alogo set to reach greater heights
MELBPURNE, 02 JUNE 2026 (NRL)—Sua Fa’alogo has always been a player that draws the eye when he has the ball in his hand. With his pace, goose step and youthful enthusiasm, the 23-year-old’s potential is obvious.
Now, after having been “outstanding” in recent weeks, coach Craig Bellamy believes he could go to the very top.
“He was great (tonight), but the last six weeks he’s been outstanding for us, not only his work rate but also some of his big plays,” Bellamy said post-match.
“He has come a long way in a short amount of time, Sua.
“As long as he can keep his head on his shoulders, he’s going to be a good player for a long time.”
Fa’alogo gained 325 metres in the Storm’s 18-4 win over the Roosters on Saturday.
His performance included three line breaks and seven tackle breaks, as well as consistently being able to nullify the Roosters’ aerial threats.
However, it was one of his three tackles that demonstrated just how much he has improved this season.
Late in the second half – with the game in the balance – winger Cody Ramsey looked destined to score a try in the corner. Enter Fa’alogo.
The decisive try saving tackle from the smallest man on the pitch was, in his words, the most satisfying part of the performance.
“If that was last year, I definitely wouldn’t make that tackle,” the Samoa international said.
“My work this year is mostly defensive. That’s what I’ve been working on the whole week, to be honest.
“The try saver is a big play for the boys. That’s more satisfying than a try.”
Fa’alogo credits his improvement this season to the coaching staff.
“It’s obviously great hearing that from the coach,” Fa’alogo said, when asked about Bellamy’s praise.
“I always try to try to ask questions, try to go up to him and ask him what I need to work on, and he will tell me.
“Without him, I wouldn’t be as good. He always encouraged me for what I need to work on. Full credit to him.”
With the Storm facing an uphill battle to make the eight this season, Fa’alogo said the win will give them immense confidence going forward.
“Getting that win tonight gives the boys confidence and joy, and hopefully we can go from here and get the win next week.” …PACNEWS
IRELAND – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 02 Jun 2026
Nominees revealed for HSBC SVNS Awards 2026
DUBLIN, 02 JUNE 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—The nominees for the HSBC SVNS Awards 2026 have been revealed ahead of the season-ending HSBC SVNS World Championship Final in Bordeaux.
The annual awards celebrate the outstanding individual performers from across the HSBC SVNS 2026 season, recognising excellence on and off the field following another thrilling year of international rugby sevens competition.
Three players have been shortlisted in each of the four major categories, with the winners set to be announced in Bordeaux following the conclusion of the HSBC SVNS World Championship Final.
Women’s SVNS Player of the Year in partnership with HSBC
*Maddison Levi (Australia)
*Jorja Miller (New Zealand)
*Ariana Ramsey (USA)
Men’s SVNS Player of the Year in partnership with HSBC
*Henry Hutchison (Australia)
*Tristan Leyds (South Africa)
*Vuiviwa Naduvalo (Fiji)
Women’s SVNS Rookie of the Year
*Anaick Konyi (France)
*Kennedi Stevenson (Canada)
*Tahna Wilfley (USA)
Men’s SVNS Rookie of the Year
*Kele Lasaqa (New Zealand)
*Harry Wilson (Australia)
* Finley Lloyd-Gilmour (Great Britain)
In addition to the four voted awards, a number of special honours will also be presented in Bordeaux, including the Women’s SVNS Top Try Scorer and Men’s SVNS Top Try Scorer awards in partnership with Gilbert. The Women’s SVNS Dream Team of the Year and Men’s SVNS Dream Team of the Year, both in partnership with HSBC, will also be unveiled, recognising the players who have consistently delivered world-class performances throughout the season.
The HSBC SVNS Awards 2026 will provide the perfect finale to an action-packed season, celebrating the athletes who have lit up the series and helped make the HSBC SVNS Series another unforgettable showcase of rugby sevens.
World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin said: “The HSBC SVNS Awards recognise the exceptional talent, commitment and performances that have defined another outstanding year of rugby sevens around the world. From season-long stand out performers to exciting new players making their mark on the international stage, these nominees represent the very best of our sport.
“Following a thrilling HSBC SVNS Series and World Championship, we look forward to celebrating the achievements of our nominees and announcing the winners in Bordeaux as we bring the 2026 season to a memorable close.” …PACNEWS
AUST – OLYMPICS: INSIDE THE GAMES PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 02 Jun 2026
‘Game on’ for Brisbane 2032 stadium
BRISBANE, 02 JUNE 2026 (INSIDE THE GAMES)— Premier David Crisafulli turned the first sod at the Victoria Park construction site on Monday, officially taking the first step in building the much-disputed Olympic venue after the last of the protesters were removed.
“It’s game on – we have a plan to deliver for the 2032 Games and beyond, and today, we get cracking on delivering it. We are going to create a world-class green space, bookended by a world-class stadium for a world-class event for a state on the rise,” the Queensland representative said at the ground-breaking event where children from the Wests Junior AFL team accompanied him.
The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority was handed control of the zone at midnight on Monday to finally begin works on the 63,000-seat arena, five years after Brisbane won the bid to host the Summer Games. Major delays have plagued the event’s organising committee, which needed an extension from the Olympic governing body to finalise its proposal for infrastructure projects for the Games.
When it finally unveiled the venue plan, it included the $3.6 billion (€2.2bn) stadium in Victoria Park, much to the surprise of Queenslanders. In 2024, Crisafulli campaigned for his seat with a ‘no-stadium pledge’. “When we signed on to the bid, there was a figure nearing 90% of existing venues. That’s what Queenslanders bought into… I want to restore faith in the process,” the politician said.
A year later, now firmly at the helm, Crisafulli went back on his word, explaining that “it became a choice between the embarrassment of hosting the games at (the run-down Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre) or a new stadium at Victoria Park.” In addition, Queensland parliament also introduced a bill that gave GIICA the power to override 15 planning laws, including the Environmental Protection Act, the Planning Act, the Queensland Heritage Act, and the Nature Conservation Act.
Since the announcements, locals have been scrambling to reverse the decision, with many activist groups banding together to save the green space, just a few kilometres from the city’s central business district and protected by State and Council heritage legislation. Several lodged applications with the federal government, some of which have already been rejected. Not to be deterred, protesters set up camp on the proposed construction zone, calling on local governments to protect the culturally significant site before further Olympics-related works proceed.
On Friday, local authorities moved to evict the groups gathered, resulting in several arrests. Despite the setback, protesters returned over the weekend, stressing that they had “not given up” and were “still fighting” to protect the site. The last protesters were removed in the early hours of Monday, with no charges or arrests made.
Save Victoria Park organiser Andrea Lunt said protesters were disappointed but still considering their next steps. “This space with its heritage and its history is such a special asset for Brisbane,” she said, according to the Canberra Times. “We’re not an anti-Olympics group, but we don’t support the Olympics in its current form, which is going to take away precious green space from future generations.” …PACNEWS
