In this bulletin:
1. IOC — ONOC welcomes IOC President Coventry to Oceania at XLVI Annual General Assembly in Auckland
2. RUGBY — Jackson proud of Fijian Drua’s response
3. RUGBY — Manusina’s new era: Bella Milo leading Sāmoa women with pride and purpose
4. UFC — Kiwi’s wild night after UFC title win in the U.S
5. FOOTBALL — Shaping Role Models | OFC Pro League’s Commitment to Safeguarding
6. FOOTBALL — Future-focused New Caledonia show resillience in first test outside Oceania
7. FOOTBALL — OFC Pro League can bring something new and unique to the global game
8. CRICKET — Coaches offer valuable experience
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — Vanuatu set to return to the international rugby league stage against Asian champions Singapore
10. RUGBY — NZ Sevens teams named for the 50th HSBC Hong Kong Sevens
PAC – IOC: ONOC MEDIA PACNEWS: Tue 14 Apr 2026
ONOC welcomes IOC President Coventry to Oceania at XLVI Annual General Assembly in Auckland
SUVA, 14 APRIL 2026 (OFC)—The Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC), in partnership with the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC), will welcome delegates from across the Pacific to Auckland for the XLVI ONOC Annual General Assembly, to be held from 17–23 May 2026.
ONOC President Baklai Temengil expressed her confidence in Auckland as 2026 host at this important time in Oceania Olympic Committee history.
“There is a strong sense of momentum across the region as we take the learnings from the Paris Olympic Games and transition towards LA2028 and on to Brisbane 2032, our Home Games. We look forward to New Zealand playing a role in bringing our Pacific and Oceania family together at next year’s General Assembly.
We also thank President Coventry for graciously accepting our invitation and we look forward to discussing the future of Olympic sport in Oceania with her,” said Temengil.
The official Preliminary Notice of the Assembly was issued to all ONOC Member National Olympic Committees in December 2025, in accordance with ONOC governance requirements.
The Assembly forms a key milestone in the delivery of the ONOC Strategic Plan, providing a regional platform to strengthen governance, enhance collaboration, and advance athlete-centred development across Oceania.
An expanded programme of strategic forums, workshops, and stakeholder engagements will take place from 17–23 May 2026, supporting ONOC’s long-term objectives of organisational sustainability, capability building, and collective leadership.
The XLVI ONOC Annual General Assembly will be marked by the inaugural visit of IOC President Kirsty Coventry to Oceania, during which she will attend and formally address the Assembly, underscoring the region’s growing role within the Olympic Movement.
For the first time, the Oceania Athletes’ Forum will be represented at the Assembly as observers, followed by a two-day Athletes’ Forum workshop commencing immediately thereafter.
This milestone reflects ONOC’s commitment to strengthening athlete-centred governance and embedding athlete voice within regional leadership and strategic direction.
Programme highlights include:
*17–18 May 2026 – LA28 Pre-Games Forum and delegate registration, supporting future Games preparedness and knowledge sharing.
*19 May 2026 – ONOC Executive Board Meeting, NOC one-on-one meetings, Commonwealth Sport Regional Forum, and NZOC Welcome Cocktail Reception, strengthening governance oversight and regional partnership.s
*20 May 2026 – ONOC Workshops, focused on capability development, operational excellence, and shared solutions.
*21 May 2026 – XLVI ONOC Annual General Assembly, followed by the ONOC President’s Dinner.
*22–23 May 2026 – Oceania Athletes’ Forum, ORADO Annual General Meeting, and Oceania Impact Network Meetings, reinforcing athlete representation, integrity, and sustainable impact
The ONOC Annual General Assembly remains the region’s principal governance forum, bringing together NOC leaders, athletes’ representatives, and strategic partners to review organisational performance, uphold strong governance standards, and agree on collective priorities aligned with ONOC’s strategic direction and upcoming Games cycles.
The New Zealand Olympic Committee looks forward to hosting the ONOC family in Auckland and providing a collaborative environment that supports shared leadership, regional alignment, and the continued advancement of the Olympic Movement in Oceania….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC NEWS PACNEWS: Tue 14 Apr 2026
Jackson proud of Fijian Drua’s response
NADI, 14 APRIL 2026 (FBC NEWS)—Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson has praised his side’s character and resilience following a challenging lead-up to their Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash in Lautoka.
The Drua faced a disrupted week in terms of preparation, limiting their time on the training field, but still managed to stay composed and deliver under pressure.
Jackson says the ability to push through those challenges showed the growth within the group.
“I thought the boys hung in there really well in terms of what’s gone through this week. It’s been an interesting week around our training and our ability to get on the field.”
He also highlighted the leadership of captain Isoa Nasilasila, who played a key role in guiding the team through tough periods.
“I thought Ice led really well… not only his leadership but his performance was top draw.”
Jackson added that the performance reflected the commitment of the players, who continue to give everything for the jersey.
“These men give it everything, so it’s nice to see them enjoy a victory.”
Meanwhile, former Western Force halfback Issak Fines-Leleiwasa earned praise from his old coach following a strong performance against his former side after their Super Rugby Pacific clash in Lautoka.
Now steering the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, Fines-Leleiwasa played a key role in controlling the tempo and keeping pressure on the Force throughout the contest.
His impact did not go unnoticed, even from the opposition camp.
Western Force head coach Simon Cron spoke highly of the halfback, highlighting both his character and influence on the field.
“Fines is a great man. He’s a great player. He ran really well. He kept the tempo up with the ball.”
Cron also acknowledged the strong connection Fines-Leleiwasa still has with the Force.
“We really like Fines. He is a big Force man and always will be.”
Turning attention to their next assignment, Cron admitted his side will need to address missed opportunities from the match.
“We’ll regroup, look at the opportunities we squandered and how we fix that, then move forward.”
The Force now shift focus to their upcoming clash against the Crusaders this weekend.
The Drua take on the Brumbies this weekend in Canberra….PACNEWS
SAMOA – RUGBY: PMN PACNEWS: Tue 14 Apr 2026
Manusina’s new era: Bella Milo leading Sāmoa women with pride and purpose
APIA, 14 APRIL 2026 (PMN)—A new chapter has begun for Sāmoa’s national women’s rugby team, with Fuimaono Bella Milo stepping in to lead Manusina into its next phase.
The former international and Sāmoan representative returns to the programme with a clear vision – one built on culture, connection, and raising standards.
For Bella Milo, the appointment is more than just a coaching role. It is a full-circle moment.
“There’s pride, excitement, honour, but also nervousness and anxiousness,” she said.
After two decades away from playing, she now faces a new challenge: guiding the next generation from the sidelines.
Her journey back has taken her across the world.
Bella Milo in action for Auckland against Wellington in 2014: She returns to Sāmoa rugby, bringing global experience and a fresh vision for Manusina. Photo/Photosport/Anthony Au-Yeung
Since the 2014 Rugby World Cup in France, she has been based in Hong Kong, where she initially planned to stay for just a year.
That turned into a decade, shaped by family and opportunities in the women’s game.
Now, she brings that global experience back to Sāmoa.
One of her biggest focuses is building connections across a playing group spread worldwide.
With many players based in New Zealand, Australia, and the United States, she describes the squad as a “satellite programme”.
That means communication is key along with honesty and shared responsibility between players and staff.
On the field, the message is just as clear. Manusina must lift their physical standards to compete with the world’s best.
Bella Milo believes Sāmoan players already have the natural skill and strength. The next step is improving fitness and conditioning to close the gap with top-tier nations.
Off the field, culture will sit at the heart of everything.
She wants Fa’a Sāmoa values particularly service and respect, to shape the environment around the team.
Building on the work of previous coach Puna, who created a safe cultural space, Bella Milo aims to take it further by linking identity closely with performance.
Another challenge is consistency. Limited resources have often made it difficult to bring together the strongest squad for every campaign.
To address that, she is pushing for more players to compete in high-level competitions like Super W and New Zealand’s NPC, giving them the experience needed before coming into national camps.
Her coaching approach is grounded in her background in strength and conditioning, with a focus on doing the basics well while bringing in ideas from international systems both in attack and defence.
Looking ahead, the goals are clear.
The immediate target is qualification for the 2029 Rugby World Cup, with qualifiers set for next year. Beyond that, the focus shifts to growing the player base and increasing the visibility of Manusina on the global stage.
A key part of that is telling the stories behind the players, many of whom balance rugby with everyday jobs in teaching, policing, and other fields.
It’s about showing what is possible for the next generation.
With Bella Milo now at the helm, Manusina’s new era is taking shape – one grounded in culture, driven by connection, and focused on competing with the best…..PACNEWS
USA – UFC: PMN PACNEWS: Tue 14 Apr 2026
Kiwi’s wild night after UFC title win in the U.S
MIAMI, 14 APRIL 2026 (PMN)—Carlos Ulberg should be in hospital.
Instead, the new Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light-heavyweight champion is waking up in Miami, Florida, unsure where his belt is, and only just starting to realise the toll of a stunning title win.
Ulberg was born in New Zealand and is of Sāmoan, Māori, and German heritage. His father was a boxer who represented Sāmoa at the Commonwealth Games.
Raised from the age of four by a foster family in South Auckland, Ulberg attended Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate.
Sport has always been central to his life. He played rugby league as a youngster and went on to represent Counties Manukau at a semi-professional level.
Before his rise in combat sports, he also appeared on reality TV, featuring on Game of Bros in 2018 and twice being offered a role on New Zealand’s The Bachelor.
Alongside fighting, Ulberg has also worked part-time as a model.
It has been less than a day since the Auckland fighter claimed the belt on a damaged right knee, defeating Czech Jiří Procházka in Miami on Sunday (NZT).
But while the celebrations have been loud, the concern is growing just as fast.
“I’ve lost the belt, bro,” Ulberg, who has Sāmoan, Māori, and German heritage, says with a smile, speaking from his hotel room. “Ah, I don’t know exactly where it is.
“Initially after winning, the plan was to not have a drink. But you know how these things go, right?
“First, someone gives you a champagne to celebrate. Then one thing leads to another and you’re doing shots.
“So it’s ‘OK, I’ll have another, and another, and another …’”
For Ulberg, it was a night to remember and one that reflects the journey of a fighter who has carried the hopes of many across Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific.
“We’ve got a big group of boys over here in Miami and, when the fight was done, we all went out to the afterparty at a nightclub,” he says.
“Then after that, it was back to one of the boys’ apartments and we all hung out there.
“I didn’t want to be carrying the belt around so I think it’s still there at the apartment somewhere. One of the boys probably has it in bed with him …”
But behind the jokes, there is a more serious reality.
Ulberg won the title fight while carrying what is now believed to be a significant knee injury. And he still has not been checked in hospital.
That raises real questions about what comes next for the new champion.
For fans across Aotearoa and the Pacific, the pride is clear. Ulberg’s rise is another major moment for the region on the global stage, following in the footsteps of fighters who have made their mark in the UFC.
But this moment also comes with uncertainty. Winning a world title is one thing. Staying champion is another especially with a possible long-term injury hanging over him.
For now, Ulberg is still soaking it all in.
The belt may be missing. The celebrations may still be going.
But very soon, attention will turn to his knee and how long the new champion might be out of action…..PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS: Tue 14 Apr 2026
Shaping Role Models | OFC Pro League’s Commitment to Safeguarding
AUCKLAND, 14 APRIL 2026 (OFC)—As the Pacific’s first professional football competition, the OFC Pro League is laying foundations that extend far beyond results on the pitch.
The league is using this landmark moment to build a safer football environment for all. Everyone involved, including players, coaches, officials, volunteers, and fans, have a responsibility to ensure safeguarding is prioritised on and off the pitch.
Spanning multiple countries and cultures, the OFC Pro League brings together people from a wide range of backgrounds, united by their love of football. With that diversity comes a shared responsibility to ensure that everyone involved can participate in a safe and respectful environment free from abuse, harassment and discrimination. From match days and training sessions, to travel and online spaces, everyone plays a part in upholding safeguarding and integrity principles.
Education sessions delivered to players and team staff emphasised personal responsibility as a cornerstone of player safety and wellbeing. Participants were reminded that safeguarding is not the responsibility of one individual or department alone, it belongs to everyone.
Ensuring personal behaviour does not place others at risk, and understanding how to seek support when concerns arise, were key takeaways. Players are also being introduced to multiple support pathways available throughout the season, reinforcing that help is accessible whenever it is needed.
“The response from players and coaches across the competition was overwhelmingly positive,” said OFC’s Head of Social Responsibility, Dr Teeny Aiken.
“Many players and team officials already had a strong understanding of safeguarding principles, having been exposed to similar education in previous environments.”
This familiarity allowed conversations to move quickly from awareness to action, focusing on recognising warning signs and supporting teammates when challenges arise.
Across the board, there was clear recognition that everyone involved in the Pro League shares responsibility for creating a safe and supportive football culture.
Alongside wellbeing, integrity education formed a central pillar of the league’s introduction.
Players were reminded of football’s core values: fair play, achievement by merit, and the uncertainty of outcome and how these principles are threatened by match manipulation, betting, doping, and corruption. Integrity rules, participants were told, apply every day of the year, not just on match day, and responsibility sits firmly with the individual.
Sessions explored what match fixing can look like and the factors that may place someone at risk, including financial pressure, gambling, lack of awareness, peer influence, or fear of exposure. Players were clearly informed that betting on football is prohibited at all times and at all levels, and that sharing inside information can have serious sporting, financial, legal and reputational consequences which not only affect individuals, but clubs, families, and the wider football community.
As the OFC Pro League continues its inaugural season, it does so with a clear commitment to protecting its people and the integrity of the game. In doing so, it is creating the Pacific’s first generation of professional football role models, figures who younger players across the islands can aspire to emulate, both for how they play, and how they conduct themselves beyond the touchline….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS: Tue 14 Apr 2026
Future-focused New Caledonia show resillience in first test outside Oceania
BANGKOK, 14 APRIL 2026 (OFC)—New Caledonia’s first senior international women’s match against a team from outside Oceania has ended in a 4-0 defeat to Thailand as part of the inaugural women’s FIFA Series at Ratchaburi Stadium in Thailand.
Composed mainly of U-20 players and led by U-20 women’s national team coach Léon Waitronyie as part of preparations for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026™ in September, New Caledonia delivered an admirable performance against a Thai side ranked 49 places above them, and who have qualified for two previous senior World Cup’s.
Thailand scored twice in each half to seal a comfortable win, but for long stages of the second half in particular, were frustrated by New Caledonia’s defensive organisation.
The hosts scored twice inside the first half hour – both from deliveries into the New Caledonian penalty box. The first came from Natalie Ngosuwan in the fourth minute, before Thawanat Promthongmee added the second in the 28th minute with a delicate backheel at the near post.
Throughout the contest, New Caledonia remained compact and disciplined defensively, something coach Waitronyie had emphasised would be a focus during their two games in Thailand.
It took until the 73rd minute for Thailand to find the back of the net again for their third, substitute Janista Jinantuya catching out Elizabeth Aben in goal with a long-range strike.
Another substitute, Alisa Rukpinij rounded out the scoring in second half stoppage-time, drawing out Aben and scoring from another low delivery into the penalty box.
New Caledonia face Indonesia next on Wednesday in the 3rd place play-off at the FIFA Series mini-tournament in Thailand, at 4:00pm local time and 8:00pm NCT.
Thailand: 4 (Natalie NGOSUWAN 4′, Thawanat PROMTHONGMEE 28′, Janista JINANTUYA 73′, Alisa RUKPINIJ 90+1′)
New Caledonia: 0
HT: 2-0 …..PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS: Tue 14 Apr 2026
OFC Pro League can bring something new and unique to the global game
SYDNEY, 14 APRIL 2026 (ABC PACIFIC)—“Oceania presents one of the few chances in world football to do something genuinely new,” writes former Papua New Guinea international, and former Football Australia Chief of Staff, Alex Davani, writing in the magazine Inside World Football.
And by something genuinely new, Alex was referring to the fledgling OFC Pro-League which reaches round five of its inaugural season in Fiji this weekend.
He goes on to say that with the Pro League there is a sense that the game still belongs to the people, that there is a closeness between players and communities that much of the global game has moved away from.
And that done properly, the league can be the spark for the engine that brings Pacific football to life. …PACNEWS
VAN – RUGBY LEAGUE: ABC PACIFIC PACNEWS: Tue 14 Apr 2026
Vanuatu set to return to the international rugby league stage against Asian champions Singapore
PORT VILA, 14 APRIL 2026 (ABC PACIFIC)—It’s been nearly eight years since Vanuatu fielded a national men’s rugby league team when they featured at the last Emerging Nations World Championship in Sydney.
After that COVID-19 and a player drift overseas to take up seasonal work put a dent in the local development programme.
But in the mean time, the women’s programme started to thrive, culminating in teams going to the 2023 Pacific Games, and taking part twice in the Fijian Cup.
Then finally an invitation came in from the Singapore Rugby League, whose head coach Dane Campbell was Vanuatu’s first coach back in 2011.
So now the date is set for a nine-a-side women’s match, and men’s full international – June 6th in Port Vila.
The men’s game will kick off nearly a decade after Vanuatu last played on home soil against Pacific neighbours Solomon Islands in 2016.
And so the search is on for players, led by the Vice-President of the VRL, and himself a former Vanuatu international, Dave Lolo. ….PACNEWS
PNG – CRICKET: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS: Tue 14 Apr 2026
Coaches offer valuable experience
PORT MORESBY, 14 APRIL 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Papua New Guinea’s next generation of cricketing stars is set to benefit from the engagement of Australian high-performance coaches Kelly Applebee and Megan Pauwels.
The pair are working with the PNG Under-19 women’s team, PNG Siales, and other Pacific sides during the International Cricket Council (ICC) U19 T20 World Cup Qualifiers currently underway in Port Moresby, which conclude this week.
Supported by the Australian government through PacificAus Sports, both coaches bring extensive experience from Australia’s elite domestic system, having represented Victoria in the Women’s National Cricket League and contributed to high-performance environments over many years. Their involvement will accelerate coach development and provide hands-on mentorship in a live tournament setting – enhancing capability, confidence, and long-term pathways for emerging female coaches across the region.
In a further boost for PNG cricket, the Australian government will also support the participation of the national men’s team in the Australian National Indigenous Cricket Championships. The games will begin today and end on Saturday.
The invitational tournament brings together leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players from across Australia, offering the Barramundis a unique platform for competitive match play, cultural connection and performance benchmarking.
This experience will be vital in preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in Japan.
Speaking at the ICC U19 T20 World Cup Qualifiers opening reception, Australian High Commission acting minister-counsellor Sally Kirby highlighted cricket’s role in strengthening Australia-PNG sporting ties.
“The Australian government is proud to partner with Cricket Australia and Cricket PNG to provide PNG cricketers with access to high-performance coaching and competition through PacificAus Sports.”…PACNEWS
NZ – RUGBY: NZ RUGBY PACNEWS: Tue 14 Apr 2026
NZ Sevens teams named for the 50th HSBC Hong Kong Sevens
AUCKLAND, 14 APRIL 2026 (NZ RUGBY)—The Black Ferns Sevens and All Blacks Sevens squads for the HSBC World Championship tournament at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park.
The tournament marks the 50th year of the Hong Kong Sevens with the top eight women’s and men’s teams from the HSBC SVNS joined by four teams from the HSBC SVNS 2 tournament.
The HSBC SVNS World Champions will be crowned after three tournaments starting in Hong Kong, then moving through Valladolid in Spain, then Bordeaux in France.
Auckland’s King Maxwell is set to make his All Blacks Sevens debut in Hong Kong after being called into the team this week.
The Black Ferns Sevens squad for Hong Kong is:
1.Manaia Nuku
2. Jorja Miller (VC)
3. Stacey Waaka
4. Mahina Paul
7. Risaleaana Pouri-Lane (C)
11. Maia Davis
12. Alena Saili
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee
23. Jaymie Kolose
82. Olive Watherston
88. Kelsey Teneti
95. Katelyn Vahaakolo
Unavailable due to injury: Jazmin Felix-Hotham, Le’Oxeayn Maiu’u
The All Blacks Sevens squad for Hong Kong is:
*Denotes potential All Blacks Sevens debut
2 – Brady Rush
3 – Tone Ng Shiu
4 – Akuila Rokolisoa
5 – Dylan Collier
11 – Michael Manson
12 – King Maxwell *
22 – Rob Rush
23 – Sam Clarke
41 – Kele Lasaqa
42 – Bradley Tocker
44 – Roderick Solo
89 – Riley Williams
97 – Fletcher Morgan …PACNEWS
