In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Sione Fukofuka appointed Wallaroos coach from 2027
2. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘Small countries, big hearts’: To’o excited for first taste of PNG
3. RUGBY — Wye excited to join Drua
4. RUGBY — Fijiana targeting response in Lautoka
5. RUGBY — Replacement hunt on for Flying Fijians assistant coach
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — Fiji yet to sign Pacific Rugby League Partnership
7. ONOC — ONOC President calls for united regional leadership as Oceania Sport charts course to Brisbane 2032
8. ONOC — ONOC Education Commission Strengthens Regional Collaboration with Oceania Sport
9. RUGBY — Wallabies suffer blow as Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii ruled out of Japan Test
10. NETBALL — ‘Beautiful to play with’ – tributes flow for former Silver Fern captain Ana Noovao
11. SURFING — Aussie up next: Slater’s sizzling double-barrelled show
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 12 Aug 2026
Sione Fukofuka appointed Wallaroos coach from 2027
SYDNEY, 12 AUGUST 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—-Rugby Australia has announced the appointment of Sione Fukofuka as head coach of the Wallaroos until the 2029 Rugby World Cup.
Fukofuka will officially take over the role in 2027 after his departure from Scotland, with a transitional coaching group to lead the team for the rest of the year.
This will include Olympic gold medal-winning coach Tim Walsh, along with Super Rugby W-winning boss Mike Ruthven, current Sevens coach Reg Tayler, former Wallaby and Brumbies assistant Ben Mowen and Waratahs assistant Duncan Chubb.
Fukofuka returns home after several years overseas, having started his international career as an assistant coach for the Wallaroos under Jay Tregonning.
This included the 2022 Rugby World Cup, and he moved into a role with the USA Eagles shortly afterwards for the following World Cup in 2025.
He departed his post with Scotland to return to Australia with his family, where he started his career in the Queensland system.
“I would like to express my gratitude to Scottish Rugby for their understanding of my family situation and desire to return home to Australia,” he said in a statement. “Although a difficult decision to leave the Scottish role, this opportunity allows me to be in Sydney closer to my family. I wish the players and staff all the best for the future.
“I know many of the players and coaches well from my time in the Queensland and Australian systems and, as we transition to a fulltime program this year, the opportunity for growth is enormous.
“The opportunity to align the 7s and 15s programs and work closely with Reg Tayler is an exciting prospect and one I am very much looking forward to.”
In the interim, the transitional coaching staff will guide the Wallaroos through the O’Reilly Cup and the WXV Global Series, taking over from Sam Needs and Gill Bourke after they took the team during the Pacific Four Series.
“Sione’s appointment to the position of Wallaroos Head Coach comes at an exciting time for the game in Australia as the program transitions to fulltime status for the first time in its 32-year history,” Walsh said.
“Sione is a pioneer among international coaches of Pasifika heritage and a proud product of the Australian Rugby coaching system. He is highly regarded by players and staff alike for his connection, team culture and driving high standards within the daily training environment and is well-positioned to lead the Wallaroos into a new era and a generational opportunity presented by the home Rugby World Cup in 2029.
“Sione’s deep passion for and knowledge of Australian Rugby, along with his outstanding international coaching resume, makes him the ideal person to take charge of the Wallaroos’ programme as it transitions to fulltime status and schedules a minimum of ten Tests per year through this World Cup cycle.
“I look forward to leading a transition team of Mike, Duncan, Ben and Reg for the remainder of an exciting three-month programme that includes the Wallaroos’ 100th Test match and the inaugural WXV Global Series.”
The Wallaroos will confirm their squad to face New Zealand later in the week, set to play in their 100th Test.
“An enormous amount of planning and effort has gone into remodelling and invigorating the Wallaroos programme as we look towards the home Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2029 and we are delighted Sione will lead the squad through this important phase in the position of Head Coach,” RA CEO Phil Waugh added.
“Sione is a leader with a comprehensive knowledge of Australian and international systems and a reputation for creating world-class team environments and standards.
“He also has a strong relationship with recently-appointed Director of Women’s Rugby Tim Walsh and is respected across Australian Rugby for his previous work with Queensland, the Australian Sevens and Wallaroos programmes.
“Tim has appointed a strong and experienced transition team to lead the Wallaroos until Sione’s commencement and I thank Sam and Gill for their commitment and contribution to the squad’s development for Tests against Fiji, Canada, USA and New Zealand this year,” he said….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 12 Aug 2026
‘Small countries, big hearts’: To’o excited for first taste of PNG
SYDNEY 12 AUGUST 2026 (NRL)—PNG Chiefs latest big-name recruit Brian To’o is looking forward to visiting Papua New Guinea for the first time when Toa Samoa meet the Kumuls during Rugby League World Cup 2026.
To’o became the second Samoa star to joins the Chiefs after former Panthers team-mate and close friend Jarome Luai and the pair are now looking forward to beginning their PNG journey together for the Toa on October 24 at Santos National Stadium.
The Test and Origin winger did not visit Papua New Guinea before signing with the Chiefs, believing in the vision presented by club bosses, and will experience his first taste of the rugby league mad country during the World Cup.
“I’ve never been to PNG before, but I’ve definitely seen all of the love and support they show for their team. I know that they’re definitely passionate and I know that it’s pretty crazy so hopefully I have the opportunity to play up there during the World Cup,” To’o said.
“It’s obviously going to be a massive rally for both sides. We both come from small countries with big hearts, and everyone is dialled into supporting their own teams so it’s going to be very exciting.”
To’o who has won four premierships with the Panthers and played 17 Origins for NSW, will join the Chiefs for their debut NRL season in 2028.
However, before then he is aiming to help Samoa go one better than their historic finals appearances at the last World Cup in 2022 and last year’s Pacific Cup.
“We’re obviously building towards that that moment and we’ve obviously got to do the little things first before we get to that, but I know that from the last World Cup until now there’s been so many changes with a few of the Samoan brothers that have put up their hands to pledge their allegiance to Samoa,” To’o said.
“It’s obviously going to be pretty tough to squeeze all that talent into one team.”
Payne Haas, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jeremiah Nanai and Murray Taulagi are just some of the stars set to play for Samoa at RLWC2 after previously having representing Australia.
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is also considering whether he will make the switch to play alongside the likes of To’o, Luai and Stephen Crichton, Simi Sasagi, Terrell May and Chanel Harris-Tavita at the World Cup.
“Being able to stand on one of the biggest stages in the world and be able to represent our culture and our families and friends is such a massive privilege.
“It’s more than just us putting on the jersey, it’s representing your parents, your family and your friends, as well. It’s also representing all the people in Samoa.
“A lot of people are doing it tough back in the islands, and I know that one thing that they look forward to is us boys putting on the jersey and representing them and our culture at the World Cup.”
Samoa begin their World Cup campaign at CommBank Stadium on October 16 against France in a double-header with Fetu Samoa and the Jillaroos.
The 2022 World Cup runners-up then travel to Port Moresby to play the Kumuls before returning to Sydney where they will face arch rivals Tonga at CommBank Stadium on November 1 in a match that could decide which of the Pacific powerhouses advance to the semi-finals.
“It’s definitely going to be wild, on the field and at the stadium as well, but even outside the stadium, with all the parades and just the love and support from both sets of supporters,” To’o said.
“I’m looking forward to that challenge and also that atmosphere. I can’t wait for that.”….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 12 Aug 2026
Wye excited to join Drua
NADI, 12 AUGUST 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has strengthened its backline with the exciting signing of Flying Fijians halfback Sam Wye ahead of the 2027 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
The 25-year-old joins the Drua following a strong rise through New Zealand rugby and onto the international stage with the Flying Fijians.
Wye, who has paternal and maternal links to Lau, brings extensive experience from New Zealand rugby, having represented Auckland, Hawke’s Bay and Counties Manukau in the National Provincial Championship.
He made the step-up to Super Rugby Pacific in 2023, debuting for Moana Pasifika against the Hurricanes.
Wye said: “I’m excited to be part of the Drua Vuvale for the upcoming 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.
“I’m truly grateful for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in it next year with the boys.”
The dynamic halfback had a breakthrough in 2025 when he was called into the Flying Fijians squad for the July Test series against Australia and Scotland.
He made his Test debut off the bench against Scotland at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva last year, helping Fiji close out an impressive 29-14 victory.
Wye continued his involvement with the national team in 2026, earning selection for the Nations Championship alongside fellow halfbacks Frank Lomani and Simione Kuruvoli.
Fijian Drua general manager rugby Baden Stephenson said: “Sam is an exciting addition to our Drua vuvale. He is a talented half-back who plays with great energy and has worked extremely hard for every opportunity that has come his way.
“He has developed through a very good rugby environment in New Zealand, has experienced Super Rugby Pacific and has now stepped into the international arena with the Flying Fijians.
“We’re excited about what he can bring to our group. He works hard around the field and has the ability to lift the tempo of a game. We believe there is plenty more growth in him and we’re looking forward to seeing him develop further in the Drua environment.”
Wye’s rugby journey began at junior level in New Zealand before he attended Auckland’s St Peter’s College, where he was part of the school’s First XV programme.
He later progressed into Auckland rugby and the NPC before spending two seasons with Hawke’s Bay and subsequently joining Counties Manukau.
He is the son of former Fiji football international Filipe Wye, who represented Fiji during the 1990s, adding another chapter to the family’s proud sporting connection with Fiji….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 12 Aug 2026
Fijiana targeting response in Lautoka
SUVA, 12 AUGUST 2026 (FBC SPORTS)–Fijiana XV captain Kolora Lomani says her side will use this week’s preparations to address the issues that contributed to Saturday’s defeat to South Africa as it looks to level the two-Test series in Lautoka.
The national side will have an opportunity to bounce back when it hosts the Springbok Women in the second Test at Churchill Park this Saturday.
Lomani believes discipline and the collision battle were key areas that let Fiji down in the opening encounter.
“I guess it was just our discipline and our collision that let us down.”
The experienced halfback says the team will review its performance thoroughly before turning its attention to the series finale.
“We’ve just got to go back now and watch our clips and see what we can do better leading into next week’s game.”
With another shot at the South Africans on home soil, Lomani says the squad is focused on learning from its mistakes and producing a stronger performance in Lautoka.
The second Test will be played at Churchill Park on Saturday, where the Fijiana will be aiming to end the series on a high.
…PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FRU PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 12 Aug 2026
Replacement hunt on for Flying Fijians assistant coach
SUVA, 12 AUGUST 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) is seeking a temporary replacement for former Flying Fijians assistant coach Aaron Mauger ahead of the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) next month.
Chief executive officer Koli Sewabu told SUNsports yesterday that he was awaiting an update from the Flying Fijians coaching staff before a decision is made.
“We need to check on the availability of some of the names that have been brought forward and once it’s been confirmed then we’ll be able to make an announcement,” Sewabu said.
Sewabu ruled out Fijian Drua head coach Brad Mooar and assistant coach Mike Catt, citing their commitments to the Super Rugby Pacific franchise.
“At this stage, we haven’t considered that, because we know we also respect as the Drua has a lot to be done,” he said.
“We’re awaiting some reports to come through from the management of the Flying Fijians and who they believe is the right fit to come in.
“It’s going to be a temporary announcement purely for PNC reasons to assist our parent coaching team while we go through the process of the advertisement of the Flying Fijians coach and then we’ll see how that takes us over the next couple of months.”
Sewabu said the appointment would take time, with the matter to be discussed at the FRU board meeting on Saturday alongside a review of the Rugby Nations Championship.
“We’re having a board meeting this Saturday where this will be thoroughly discussed,” he said.
“We’ll have a good review of the Nations Championship over the last couple of months.”
Mauger resigned on Sunday citing personal reasons.
Sewabu revealed that the FRU had requested Mauger to remain in his position until after the PNC campaign but was unsuccessful.
“We’ve had some discussions last week, and he mentioned his intention to resign at the moment so that he can focus on his family and business,” he said.
“It’s also at a time where we’re going through this transition with Fiji Rugby in terms of the PNC coming up and the RNC (Rugby Nations Championship) over the next couple of months ahead of us.”
He said managing the transition carefully was important with the PNC and National Championship scheduled within the next few months.
“It’s really important that we manage this time wisely and go through proper process while we’re going through this transition for Fiji rugby,” he said.
Sewabu confirmed the new assistant coach would only be appointed until the end of the PNC while FRU continues its search for the next Flying Fijians head coach.
The PNC will be held in Japan from 12-19 September….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY LEAGUE: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 12 Aug 2026
Fiji yet to sign Pacific Rugby League Partnership
SUVA, 12 AUGUST 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Fiji is yet to sign the Statement of Partnership with Pacific Rugby League Federations, an initiative backed by the Australian Government and the
Australia Rugby League Commission (ARLC) valued at about AUD$250 million (FJ$390.13m).
The partnership was signed by Samoa, Tonga and Papua New Guinea last month in Brisbane.
The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) signed the landmark agreement in the presence of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape, Samoa Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, and Tonga Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua.
Senior representatives from the respective governments were also present to witness the landmark moment.
Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru said yesterday Fiji would sign the agreement shortly.
“We will sign it soon,” Saukuru said.
“They (ARLC) will come to Fiji and meet Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.”
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys signed the historic document alongside counterparts from the PNG Rugby Football League, Tonga Rugby League XIII and Rugby League Samoa.
The Pacific Rugby League Partnership has three main pillars — community and grassroots, pathways and academies, and elite and international — with a strong focus on introducing young boys and girls to rugby league at an early age.
Initiatives under the partnership include:
* Expanding existing youth engagement and violence prevention programmes to reach more communities.
* Establishing primary and high school competitions in Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, supported by a network of teachers accredited as coaches.
* Setting up programmes in each country to promote girls’ competitions.
*Building men’s and women’s national competitions across age groups.
* Continuing to deliver Pacific Championship matches and identifying opportunities for NRL and NRLW matches to be played in the Pacific…..PACNEWS
PAC – ONOC: ONOC MEDIA PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 12 Aug 2026
ONOC President calls for united regional leadership as Oceania Sport charts course to Brisbane 2032
PAPE’ETE, 12 AUGUST 2026 (ONOC MEDIA)—ONOC President Baklai Temengil has called on Oceania’s sporting leaders to deepen regional collaboration and strengthen strategic alignment as the region prepares for the opportunity presented by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) President Baklai Temengil has called on Oceania’s sporting leaders to deepen regional collaboration and strengthen strategic alignment as the region prepares for the unprecedented opportunity presented by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
Opening the 2026 Oceania Sport Annual General Meeting in Papeete last week, President Temengil congratulated Oceania Sport on the development of its 2025-2028 Strategic and Operational Plan, describing it as a practical and forward-looking roadmap that aligns closely with ONOC’s own Strategic Plan 2025-2028.
Addressing Regional Federations, National Olympic Committees and sporting leaders from across the Pacific, President Temengil said the region had reached an important point where strategic alignment was no longer aspirational but essential.
“Our organisations may have different mandates, but we share one purpose – strengthening sport across Oceania by placing athletes at the centre of everything we do,” President Temengil said.
“These are not competing priorities. They are complementary. Together, our Strategic Plans provide a clear framework for strengthening our sporting system across the Blue Pacific.”
President Temengil said the close alignment between the two organisations would enable Regional Federations and National Olympic Committees to work more effectively together in supporting athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and sporting organisations throughout Oceania.
She highlighted advocacy, governance, leadership, capacity building and sustainability as shared priorities, while reaffirming ONOC’s commitment to working alongside Oceania Sport, the Pacific Games Council and international partners to maximise opportunities for the region.
A key focus of her address was Brisbane 2032, which she described as the greatest sporting opportunity Oceania has ever experienced.
“For the first time, the Olympic Games will truly be on Oceania’s doorstep,” she said.
“The legacy of Brisbane 2032 will not be measured only by medals. It will be measured by the strength of our organisations, the capability of our people and the opportunities we create today for future generations.”
President Temengil also outlined ONOC’s ongoing organisational Reset and Fit-for-Purpose programme, noting that stronger governance, financial stewardship and operational excellence would better position the organisation to support National Olympic Committees and strengthen athlete pathways throughout the region.
She encouraged sporting leaders to use the Annual General Meeting as an opportunity to make bold, collective decisions that would leave a lasting legacy for Pacific sport.
Concluding her address, President Temengil reaffirmed ONOC’s commitment to genuine partnership across the Olympic Movement and the wider sporting community.
“By combining the leadership of our Regional Federations with the strength of our National Olympic Committees, we can build a stronger, more connected and more sustainable sporting system across our Blue Pacific.
“Together, let us ensure Brisbane 2032 becomes not only Australia’s Games, but truly a Home Games for Oceania.”
The 2026 Oceania Sport Annual General Meeting is being held in Papeete, Tahiti, alongside the Pacific Games Council General Assembly, bringing together leaders from across the Pacific sporting movement for a week of strategic discussions on governance, regional collaboration and athlete development.
The meetings also mark an important milestone as the region prepares for the one-year countdown to the Tahiti 2027 Pacific Games, reinforcing a shared commitment to delivering a successful Games and building lasting benefits for sport across Oceania on the road to Brisbane 2032…PACNEWS
PAC – ONOC: ONOC MEDIA PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 12 Aug 2026
ONOC Education Commission Strengthens Regional Collaboration with Oceania Sport
PAPE’ETE, 12 AUGUST 2026 (ONOC MEDIA)—The ONOC Education Commission has reinforced its commitment to strengthening education, workforce capability and safeguarding across the Pacific, presenting its strategic priorities and opportunities for greater regional collaboration during the 2026 Oceania Sport workshop in Papeete, Tahiti.
Presenting the Commission’s report, Commission Member and Oceania Sport representative Regan Kama outlined the Commission’s achievements, strategic priorities and opportunities to strengthen collaboration between ONOC, the Oceania Sport Education Programme (OSEP) and Oceania Sport.
Kama highlighted significant progress achieved during 2025, including the endorsement of six new micro-qualifications in sport administration and workforce development, the continued expansion of education initiatives across the region, the adoption of Xero to strengthen financial management and reporting, and the delivery of a comprehensive OSEP calendar comprising 47 education events across 15 National Olympic Committees (NOCs).
These initiatives have supported stronger governance, workforce capability, gender equality, quality assurance and sustainable programme delivery throughout Oceania.
Looking ahead, she outlined the Commission’s priorities for 2026, including enhanced training and support for Sport Education Officers, redevelopment of the OSEP Learning Management System, development of new micro-qualification curricula, rollout of safeguarding education, continued Chef de Mission and entourage education, implementation of the APEX Relationship-building Toolkit, and ongoing professional development opportunities for trainers and OSEP staff.
Delegates were also presented with the Commission’s three Strategic Focus Areas for 2026-2028, centred on strengthening education systems and workforce development, expanding strategic partnerships and regional influence, and advancing Olympic Values Education, quality physical education and community engagement throughout Oceania.
A key feature of the presentation was the opportunity to deepen collaboration between ONOC, OSEP and Oceania Sport through practical initiatives that deliver lasting benefits for member organisations.
Among the opportunities identified were integrating the Safeguarding Well Programme into OSEP education pathways to strengthen wellbeing, safeguarding and health literacy, alongside expanded collaboration in technical officials’ education, workforce development and the sharing of expertise and educational resources across regional networks. The Commission also reaffirmed the value of Oceania Sport’s continued participation in Education Commission discussions to ensure shared priorities are translated into practical outcomes for members across Oceania.
The presentation came just one day after Kama was honoured with the 2026 Oceania Sport Merit Award, recognising her outstanding contribution to sport and sport education across the Oceania region.
Reflecting on the recognition, Kama paid tribute to the mentors and opportunities that shaped her journey and reaffirmed her commitment to developing future leaders.
“I was fortunate to begin my journey as an Australian Youth Ambassador with FIBA Oceania, and that experience opened the door to working throughout the Oceania region. Through basketball, athletics, ONOC and the Education Commission, I’ve been blessed to meet incredible people who have inspired and guided me along the way.”
“I always tell young people the importance of having leaders and role models to look up to. For me, this recognition is really about giving back and helping create opportunities for the next generation to come through and lead our region into the future,” Kama reflected.
ONOC President Baklai Temengil congratulated Kama on receiving the prestigious award, describing the honour as recognition of a lifetime of service to sport and education in Oceania.
“Regan’s recognition by Oceania Sport is richly deserved and reflects her unwavering commitment to strengthening sport across our region. Through her leadership, expertise and generosity in sharing knowledge, she has helped build the capability of sporting organisations and develop education pathways that continue to benefit our National Olympic Committees and the wider Oceania sporting community.”
President Temengil said the work of the Education Commission continued to be central to delivering the ONOC Strategic Plan 2025-2028 and strengthening partnerships across the region.
“Education is one of the strongest foundations of sustainable sport development. Through the ONOC Education Commission and the Oceania Sport Education Programme, we are investing in people who will lead the future of sport in our region.”
“Our partnership with Oceania Sport demonstrates what can be achieved when regional organisations work together with a shared purpose. By aligning our expertise and resources, we can strengthen governance, safeguarding, technical education and leadership development across Oceania.”
“As we prepare for the Tahiti 2027 Pacific Games and continue our collective journey towards Brisbane 2032, collaboration will be more important than ever. Together, we are building a stronger, more capable and more connected sporting community that will leave a lasting legacy for future generations of Oceanians,” President Temengil said….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 12 Aug 2026
Wallabies suffer blow as Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii ruled out of Japan Test
SUVA, 12 AUGUST 2026 (WORL RUGBY)—The Wallabies have been dealt a major blow, losing centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii for Saturday’s second Test against Japan in Townsville.
Suaalii picked up a minor hamstring strain during last week’s win over Japan in Osaka.
Watch every second of the Wallabies’ Tests against Japan live and on demand via Stan Sport.
His place will be taken by Queensland Reds midfielder Josh Flook, who has joined the squad in Brisbane.
Suaalii joins Len Ikitau (ankle) on the injury list, leaving the Wallabies to pick a brand-new centre partnership from the Nations Championship.
The 23-year-old has struggled with injury in 2026, featuring just five times for the Waratahs.
His withdrawal opens the door for Isaac Henry to make his debut start at Test level, or for Flook to make his first appearance in gold since last year’s Test in Japan.
Henry came off the bench last week in Japan, becoming Wallaby #999.
Meanwhile, Paisami and Flook have started together regularly for the Queensland Reds, with the pair leaving at the end of the year.
The inside centre told reporters in Osaka of his motivation to play one final match in his home state before he heads to Japan.
“It would be massive to get that opportunity (to play) again,” Paisami said.
“Always hungry and in this environment it’s very competitive; we’ve got some quality centres out there.
“The more we compete, the better we get as a team.”…PACNEWS
NZ – NETBALL: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 12 Aug 2026
‘Beautiful to play with’ – tributes flow for former Silver Fern captain Ana Noovao
SUVA, 12 AUGUST 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC)—Former Silver Fern captain Ana Noovao, who has died age 58, has been admired for the strength of her convictions and remembered as a trusted teammate by those who played with her.
The netball community is mourning the loss of Noovao, who died on the weekend after battling a long illness.
The midcourter played for New Zealand between 1989 and 1992, picking up 23 test caps.
She made her Silver Ferns debut in 1989, aged 21. When Waimarama Taumaunu retired in 1992, she was named the 15th captain of the Silver Ferns.
Former Silver Fern shooter Leoni Leaver came through the netball ranks in Auckland at the same time as Noovao.
“We both played together at College Rifles in the domestic league when it was known as the Bendon League, we were both really young. We also played in the New Zealand Young Internationals, Auckland Under 21, and then the Silver Ferns,” Leaver said.
Leaver said Noovao had natural leadership qualities.
“Oh gosh, like you trusted Ana, and she was a captain that was very loyal, a captain you could just rely on her. She gave it all she had on court, she was a real feisty wing attack and beautiful to play with and you always felt safe in the team with Ana.”
Noovao was a creative wing attack and Leaver said she was lucky to have been fed by her.
“I’m so blessed to have played with Ana, she was such a good wing attack and she was strong and she’d just come out for the ball and turn and release a pass in that mid-court, yeah it was amazing.”
Leaver said when Noovao was made Silver Ferns’ captain, it was a huge source of pride for her family and the Cook Islands community.
“She cherished her culture, where she came from, she was Cook Island through and through and did a lot for the community, and it would have been a proud moment for them to have Ana captain the Silver Ferns.”
Later, Noovao played two seasons for the Cook Islands, before coaching the national side to seventh place at the 2007 World Netball Championships in Auckland.
Generations of South Auckland schoolgirls also came through her coaching sessions at local schools, and after moving to Queensland she kept playing and building the game in her new community.
“She will be remembered as being so beautiful inside and out. She was very much into the church too and I always remember she had this big cross on her wrist,” Leaver said.
“The phone’s been ringing … we’ve all got on the phone and reached out to each other and the old College Rifles players, we’re looking at getting together to celebrate her and just remember all the moments that we had together.
“We did so much together and back in those days, we would go back to College Rifles and bring out the guitar, you know our social life was just as good as our playing life.”
Joan Hodson first met Noovao when they played together for Auckland, and were later Silver Ferns’ teammates.
“We both grew up in Manurewa, in South Auckland, and I knew of her. She started off as a wing defence and I think that’s why that made her such a gifted wing attack because of the pressure she used to play on them.”
Hodson said Noovao had a quiet natural leadership style and stood true to her convictions.
“Ana was very religious so she made a point that she was not going to play on a Sunday, sticking to her religious beliefs but she knew that it took her away from the team and those were probably the times we got the most flogging was on a Sunday.
“She stuck to her guns in terms of her beliefs and that was part of her leadership too, she quietly went about things and definitely made up for it when she could come back and play,” Hodson said.
Joan Hodson is a PE teacher and Dean at New Plymouth’s Sacred Heart Girls College.
Former Silver Fern Teresa Tairi paid tribute to Noovao in a social media post.
“I feel extremely fortunate to have had the privilege of playing with and alongside Ana, representing both Auckland and the Auckland Cook Islands netball teams,” Tairi wrote.
“Ana will always be remembered as one of the Cook Islands’ finest netballers of her time – admired for her determined spirit, tenacious skills, and the quiet humility of her faith. Her contribution to netball, her strength of character, and the beautiful person she was will not be forgotten.”
In a social media post, former Silver Margie Foster said Noovao was “inspiring”.
“Ana was one of the best roomys, she was an awesome captain, very calm and steady. I am devastated she has left our world early.”…PACNEWS
FIJI – SURFING: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 12 Aug 2026
Aussie up next: Slater’s sizzling double-barrelled show
PAPE’ETE, 12 AUGUST 2026 (AAP)—Jack Robinson has booked a mouth-watering, third-round battle with surfing’s GOAT Kelly Slater, who has found inspiration in his doubters to wind back the clock at the Tahiti Pro.
The Australian will next face 54-year-old Slater, the event’s five-time champion who has lit up the event after being handed a polarising wildcard into the field.
Robinson advanced after winning a high-scoring, all-Australian battle with Callum Robson, 18.20 to 17.40.
In pumping conditions, the American was twice hammered by waves early in his heat and broke a board.
But he kept charging, plunging over the falls and into a deep barrel, coming out with the spit to score a then competition-best 9.73 ride.
Slater backed it up with a 9.33 (19.06) in a near-perfect heat, 26 years on from his first Teahupo’o title, leaving Medina (16.10) with too much to do.
It was the latest chapter of a storied rivalry – the Brazilian leads 8-3 in career head-to-heads – stoking memories of Medina’s 18.96 to 18.93 win in an epic 2014 Teahupo’o decider.
“That was a very emotional heat. I almost started crying afterward,” Slater said, tipping his cap to “good friend” Medina.
“You see the comments; a lot of people doubting me or saying they should’ve given the wildcard to a local, and I get why people say that.
“Without pressure, you’ve got no diamonds. It fired me up, and even after all this time, yeah, I have something to prove.”
Two heats later, an inspired Griffin Colapinto scored a perfect 10 and gave an in-water interview before the clock had even expired on his 19.60 to 8.50 beat down of Rio Waida.
“It feels magical,” the American said after just the second 10-point ride of the season.
“This place has a lot of spiritual energy, and it’s really fun to tap into that and play around with it and imagine what’s possible out here.
“You’re playing on the borderline of life and death, moments where it’s just so scary.”
Australia’s George Pittar also eased into the third round while Ethan Ewing and Liam O’Brien will meet to ensure at least one Aussie reaches the quarter-finals.
Ewing (14.17) – the highest-ranked Australian at sixth with six events still to come – scored an early eight-point ride to take control of his all-Australian heat with Joel Vaughan (12.33).
A 9.33 total was enough for O’Brien to progress ahead of the next call on Wednesday morning (AEST)…..PACNEWS
