In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — ‘Don’t give up’: Moana Pasifika CEO opens door to rescue as new interest emerges
2. RUGBY — ‘Make it simple’: Calls for streamlined Super Rugby format after Pasifika’s collapse
3. RUGBY — Jackson keeps Fijian Drua grounded ahead of Brumbies test
4. RUGBY — Hong Kong celebrates 50 years of sevens magic with high-stakes HSBC SVNS World Championship opener
5. RUGBY — Fiji 7s coach Kolinisau hopes to help player’s taste victory at Hong Kong
6. FOOTBALL — New Zealand qualify for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027
7. RUGBY — It’s the Wright time! ACT Brumbies name team to face Drua this Saturday
8. RUGBY LEAGUE — Luai returns for high-flying Tigers as big names back on deck
9. FOOTBALL — Auckland FC prove too strong for PNG Hekari FC
10. BOXING — Teremoana wasting no time in pro climb
PAC – RUGBY: PMN PACNEWS: Thu 16 Apr 2026
‘Don’t give up’: Moana Pasifika CEO opens door to rescue as new interest emerges
AUCKLAND, 16 APRIL 2026 (PMN)—Moana Pasifika’s future may not be over yet.
Chief executive Debbie Sorensen says there is still hope the club can survive beyond 2026.
She said new interest is emerging behind the scenes as the search for investors gathers pace.
Sorensen’s comments come after the club’s announcement earlier on Wednesday that Moana Pasifika will exit Super Rugby Pacific after the 2026 season.
The club says it is leaving the competition due to ongoing financial pressures and the inability to sustainably fund the franchise beyond the 2026 season.
New Zealand Rugby says it is disappointed by the decision and remains open to engaging with any parties interested in keeping Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific.
Speaking to PMN, Sorensen said going public with the club’s financial situation has already started to open doors.
“Don’t give up yet, that there will be a place for Moana,” she told PMN. “It can. Yes, I think it can. And we are considering, you know, all options.
“One of the real advantages in going out publicly and saying, this is the situation that we’re in, actually allows others who mightn’t have thought about it before, but might want to actually invest in the franchise.”
While no formal offers have been made yet, she confirmed work is happening in the background.
“No one has spoken to us directly, but we understand that there is work being undertaken behind the scenes with various parties.
“That work should, and those parties should emerge over the next week or so, I would think.”
The update comes just hours after the club confirmed it would disband at the end of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season due to financial pressures.
But Sorensen made clear that the outcome is based on the current situation, not a closed door.
“When we say that, what we mean is under the current kind of situation, we wouldn’t be able to field a team next year. And there might be all sorts of other scenarios.”
She said any rescue would require serious backing, with the cost of running a Super Rugby franchise sitting between $10 million (US$5.91 million) and $12 million (US$7 million) a year.
“If someone was to take the franchise, they’d need to come with money.”
But Sorensen stressed money alone is not enough, the identity of the team must remain Pacific.
“If we really wanted to continue the movement, then having Pasifika people involved in another organisation that might come forward is really important.”
“The essence of who we are is that we’re Pacific and that’s not something that anyone else can take away from us.”
For Sorensen, the past five years have proven the value of Moana Pasifika, not just as a rugby team, but as something bigger.
“We’ve demonstrated that we’ve got a product that adds value to the Super Rugby environment, that we bring colour, we bring beauty, and we bring strength and purpose.”
She pointed to the club’s role in creating opportunities for players across the Pacific, highlighting stories of those who may not have reached the professional level without the team.
“It is more than rugby. It is about our families. It’s about hope for the future. It’s about opportunity.”
Despite the uncertainty, Sorensen said the focus remains on supporting players and staff, many of whom are now facing an unclear future.
“Our boys are on a plane in 10 minutes to Sydney… our first responsibility and interest is in the welfare of our players and our staff.”
The team is set to face the Waratahs this weekend as preparations continue amid the off-field turmoil.
For fans and Pacific communities, Sorensen had a clear message: the fight is not over.
“Without our fans, our supporters, our families, our communities and our sponsors, we would never have been able to do five years.
“My message really is to say don’t give up yet.”
As interest builds and conversations begin, the next few weeks could decide whether Moana Pasifika’s story truly ends or enters a new chapter….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: SMH PACNEWS: Thu 16 Apr 2026
‘Make it simple’: Calls for streamlined Super Rugby format after Pasifika’s collapse
SYDNEY, 16 APRIL 2026 (SMH)–Super Rugby celebrated its 30th anniversary this year, having launched as a 12-team professional competition in 1996. The competition has changed shape and size seven times in three decades, peaking with an unwieldy 18 teams a decade ago.
COVID-19 and financial strain have cut back Super Rugby ever since, however, and next year it is set to go back to the size of its amateur days in the early 1990s: the Super 10.
Super Rugby Pacific is on track to become a 10-team competition in 2027 after Moana Pasifika’s owners released a statement confirming they had made the “difficult and heartbreaking decision to disband” at the end of the 2026 season, due to it “no longer being viable” financially.
Moana Pasifika are playing the Waratahs on Friday night in Sydney.
The New Zealand-based franchise was launched in 2022 as a team to showcase talent from Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands, but struggled on and off the field, winning just 15 games in five seasons.
Based in Auckland, where the Blues were never happy about having neighbours, the team moved homes often and struggled for crowds and revenue. When World Rugby and New Zealand Rugby wound back funding, private investment was difficult to find. No white knights have emerged.
As the licence holder, NZR released a statement on Wednesday saying it was aware of parties potentially interested in taking the club forward, but that is a long shot, meaning Super Rugby Pacific bosses will now move quickly to settle on a new competition format for next season.
There has already been extensive contingency planning done. When the Rebels were shuttered in 2024, there was speculation Moana could also fold.
The simple solution is set to be Super Rugby Pacific moving to a 10-team competition in 2027, with five Kiwi teams, four Australian teams and the Fijian Drua.
That will open the door to full home-and-away season of 18 rounds. Many club bosses like the idea given they currently have two byes in an awkward 16-round, 11-team competition. But it would also require the season to be slightly longer – starting in late January-early February – and likely with a shorter, top-four finals series.
Super Rugby last had 10 teams between 1993 and 1995, when the Southern Hemisphere provincial competition featured two Australian teams (NSW and Queensland), four Kiwi provinces, three South African sides and the top Pacific Island side of Fiji, Tonga and Western Samoa.
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar, who expressed sympathy for the Moana players and staff, said on Wednesday he backed the 10-team, home-and-away model.
“Just make it really, really simple and make it easy for fans to follow and connect with the game,” McKellar said.
“I don’t think we play enough rugby here. There are guys that play Test matches and play Super Rugby and play 30-odd games a year. [But] I think we’re leaving a lot of our players short in terms of professional, high-level rugby to allow them to develop. And that’s what I’d be a supporter of.”
Broadcasters are largely interested in still getting, at least, the 83-games a year under the current deal. And in that sense, Moana’s exit will provide some security for the perennially under-pressure Western Force through to the end of the current broadcast deal in 2030.
Australian broadcaster Stan is keen to explore the reintroduction of conferences, to ensure Aussie teams have a guaranteed presence in the finals. Conferences were a part of Super Rugby between 2011 and 2020, but fell out of favour when Aussie teams began qualifying for home finals with a poorer record than most of the Kiwi teams.
With Moana Pasifika players facing highly uncertain futures, the Waratahs will have to be wary of an emotional response from the side in Sydney on Friday. NSW have lost three on the trot against Tana Umaga’s men.
McKellar named flanker Angus Scott-Young for his first Waratahs start and welcomed back Jake Gordon and Lawson Creighton to the starting side. Star recruit Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii could be back from a hamstring injury next week against the Crusaders at Super Round in Christchurch.
Asked if he would look to recruit any of the Moana Pasifika players who will be searching for new clubs, McKellar said he was more focused on the retention of his existing squad.
But Sydney-raised Moana Pasifika five-eighth Patrick Pellegrini could be in the Waratahs’ sights, according to informed sources. Pellegrini represented NSW Schools and the NSW under-20s before playing Shute Shield for West Harbour in 2020-21. He moved to the UK before joining Moana Pasifika in 2024, and has also played seven Tests for Tonga.
In other team news, Zac Lomax will make his starting debut for the Force against the Crusaders on Saturday and Wallaby fullback Tom Wright will play his first game for the Brumbies since rupturing an ACL against the Springboks in August. Wright will start against the Highlanders in Canberra on Saturday…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS: Thu 16 Apr 2026
Jackson keeps Fijian Drua grounded ahead of Brumbies test
CANBERRA, 16 APRIL 2026 (FBC NEWS)—Staying grounded and focused is the key message from Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson as his side prepares for a tough away clash against the Brumbies in Canberra this Saturday.
With finals hopes still alive, the Drua are approaching the match with a clear mindset following their recent performance.
The team understands the challenge ahead, especially after already facing the Brumbies earlier in the season.
Jackson stressed that professionalism and clarity of purpose remain central to their approach.
“Professional sport is what I said to them… players come, players go, coaches come, coaches go. We’re all here for the club and to perform on the field.”
The Drua coach believes the squad is fully aware of what is at stake as they enter a crucial stretch of the season.
“We’ve got an important game ahead… we know where we sit as a squad and as a team.”
Jackson also outlined the path needed to keep their playoff ambitions alive.
“We had seven games… if we win five of those, we make the playoffs. We’ve done one, so now it’s about the next one.”
With momentum building, Jackson acknowledged the challenge of facing a strong Brumbies side on their home
“It’s going to be a very tough match in Canberra.”
The Drua will take on the Brumbies at 9.35pm this Saturday in Canberra…PACNEWS
HKG – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS: Thu 16 Apr 2026
Hong Kong celebrates 50 years of sevens magic with high-stakes HSBC SVNS World Championship opener
HONGKONG, 16 APRIL 2026 (WORL RUGBY) —Half a century since the tournament’s inception in 1976, Hong Kong remains the heartbeat of international rugby sevens. This year’s edition marks not only a golden anniversary but the start of a three-tournament World Championship race that will crown the sport’s ultimate champions in 2026.
The historic tournament has transitioned from its original home at Hong Kong Stadium to the state-of-the-art Kai Tak Stadium, ushering in a new chapter for sevens in Hong Kong while honouring the legendary atmosphere that has made the South Stand famous worldwide.
New Zealand’s women and South Africa’s men arrive as the newly crowned HSBC SVNS Series winners following their triumphs in New York, and will be looking to carry that momentum into the World Championship.
Fresh from SVNS 2 action in Sao Paulo, Germany, Kenya, Uruguay and USA join the eight men’s core Series teams, while Argentina, Brazil, South Africa and Spain bolster the women’s competition. With the World Championship continuing in Valladolid before culminating in Bordeaux, every point matters as 24 teams battle for the ultimate prize.
Six additional teams will also compete in the Melrose Claymores, adding further depth to a stacked weekend of rugby.
Players ready for historic weekend
All 24 of the series team captains and the six Melrose Claymores captains marked the tournament’s special milestone at the Kai Tak Stadium for a special event ahead of the weekends action. Argentina’s captain, Santiago Alvarez commented at the launch: “It’s very exciting to be here again for the 50th anniversary. There’s a lot of history in the previous stadium and now here in the new one which is incredible.
“Last year we had an incredible tournament and won it here. It was our first tournament here. We like playing here and are looking forward to the weekend and we’ll try to do our best.”
Risi Pouri-Lane, New Zealand’s captain, added: “There’s something special about being in Hong Kong, obviously knowing the history behind such an iconic tournament. It’s been awesome to come back to the stadium, get a feel for it again and we’re really excited for our girls that haven’t played here before to experience how electric and how alive the stadium gets to when it comes to game day.
“Its going to be a huge weekend with our first championship round and 50 years of Hong Kong Sevens. I’m really looking forward to it!”
Beyond the pitch
Fans can expect world-class entertainment throughout the weekend, with PRIMROSE kicking off the celebrations on Friday, the Vengaboys bringing 90s nostalgia to the main stage on Saturday, and Hindley Street Country Club closing proceedings with a massive singalong ahead of Sunday’s finals…. PACNEWS
HKG – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS: Thu 16 Apr 2026
Fiji 7s coach Kolinisau hopes to help player’s taste victory at Hong Kong
HONG KONG, 16 APRIL 2026 (FBC SPORTS) —Fiji 7s coach Osea Kolinisau is on a mission to rewrite history, determined to guide his side to Hong Kong Sevens glory and build a new generation of champions.
Only two members of the current team have previously tasted victory at the iconic tournament, a statistic Kolinisau is eager to change when the competition kicks off this weekend.
The Hong Kong Sevens remains the pinnacle of success for Fiji on the HSBC SVNS Series.
For the many players yet to win on this famous stage, the tournament presents a golden chance to carve their names into history alongside Fiji’s rugby greats.
“we trainined at the old Hong Kong Stadium and you know there’s alot of history there you can just see the boys take in all the aura when they walked in and trained there, and we also talked about the legacy that has been set there.”
Fiji has rich history at Hong Kong, winning the title 19 times since their first in 1977.
Fiji will play Germany at 5.11pm on Friday in their opening game, before taking on Great Britain at 8.21pm…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS: Thu 16 Apr 2026
New Zealand qualify for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027
AUCKLAND, 16 APRIL 2026 (OFC)—A second-half header from Katie Kitching sealed New Zealand’s 1–0 win over Papua New Guinea in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Oceania Qualifiers final at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland.
The result capped a dominant qualifying campaign for the Football Ferns, who scored 25 goals without conceding and sealed their place at a seventh FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Runners-up Papua New Guinea still retain hopes of reaching the World Cup and have secured a place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 inter-confederation playoffs, scheduled for December 2026 and February 2027.
After a goalless first-half defined by resolute defending by the Bilums, a series of efforts against the woodwork and VAR interventions, New Zealand found their rhythm after the break.
Just past the quarter-hour mark, a corner lifted the crowd to their feet as Michaela Foster’s in-swinger found the head of Claudia Bunge, whose effort crashed off the post before Charlotte Lancaster rifled the rebound over the bar.
In a slick passage of play midway through the half, Maya Hahn threaded a through ball to Jacqui Hand on the right flank, who squared it to Deven Jackson in the box to slot home, only for the effort to be chalked off for offside.
A flurry of chances followed for the Football Ferns, but they were repeatedly denied by inspired goalkeeping from Betty Sam, who had kept a clean sheet for Papua New Guinea in all prior matches of the qualifying campaign.
Towards the later stages of the half, Rebekah Stott picked out Deven Jackson in the box, who took a touch and slotted the ball into the bottom-left corner, but the flag was raised once again for offside.
Papua New Guinea had their first sight of goal approaching the break when Keren Kalapai intercepted a back pass, drove to the left byline and bent in a cross, but Ferns’ centre-back and captain Kate Taylor was on hand to head away the danger before it reached the onrushing Meagen Gunemba.
In first-half stoppage time, the Football Ferns were awarded a penalty after Olivia Upaupau brought down Hahn with a sliding challenge in the box, but a VAR review overturned the decision. Minutes later, the crowd had their hands on their heads once again when a Rebekah Stott long-range effort ricocheted off the crossbar.
Despite New Zealand’s pressure and many gilt-edged chances, the sides went into the break with the 0-0 deadlock intact.
The Ferns’ breakthrough arrived early in the second-half, when Katie Kitching powered a header home from a pinpoint Gabbie Rennie cross, much to the relief of the home crowd inside North Harbour Stadium.
Propelled by the composed midfield trio of Rebekah Stott, Grace Jale and Katie Kitching, the Kiwi side continued to probe, creating numerous more chances, but the Bilums held firm until the final whistle, and New Zealand secured the 1-0 victory.
The Kiwis can now look forward to their chance on the global stage in Brazil next year, whilst Papua New Guinea prepare for another shot at glory in the playoffs.
New Zealand: 1 (Katie KITCHING 55′)
Papua New Guinea: 0
HT: 0-0….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS: Thu 16 Apr 2026
It’s the Wright time! ACT Brumbies name team to face Drua this Saturday
CANBERRA, 16 APRIL 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—It’s the Wright time!
People kept asking when he’d be back, and we didn’t really know the answer. But now… yeah, we’re thinking HE’S BACK!
The ACT Brumbies have named Tom Wright in the starting XV for their clash with the Fijian Drua, and like John Wick coming out of retirement, his return is set to send shockwaves through the Super Rugby competition.
After tearing his ACL playing for the Wallabies last year, Wright has endured a long road back — countless hours of rehab, grinding through every session on the training paddock. Now, the electric fullback returns to GIO Stadium with purpose.
He takes his place at the back, ready to unleash his full arsenal.
Wright brings with him the kind of presence that changes games. The kind that keeps defences guessing. The kind that, when he’s in full flight, feels inevitable.
Because when Tom Wright is at his best… he’s not just another name on the team sheet.
He’s the boogeyman at the back.
In the forwards, the Brumbies have been forced into a change, with Charlie Cale unavailable due to a shoulder injury. In his place, Tuaina Taii Tualima steps into the number eight jersey, bringing up his 50th Super Rugby cap, a milestone earned across his time with the Reds, Rebels and Brumbies.
Flanker Luke Reimer is the only other change to the run-on side, promoted to the starting lineup after making a habit of impact performances off the bench.
Out wide, Corey Toole will also reach a milestone, notching his 50th appearance for the club, and he’ll be looking to celebrate it in style.
This one has an edge.
The Drua got the better of the Brumbies back in Round 5. And now, under the lights in Canberra, there’s a score to settle.
With Wright back in the fold, the stage is set for a response and Canberra, you won’t want to miss this one.
Kick-off is 7:35pm AEST at GIO Stadium, this Saturday. …PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS: Thu 16 Apr 2026
Luai returns for high-flying Tigers as big names back on deck
SYDNEY, 16 APRIL 2026 (NRL)—Wests Tigers co-captain Jarome Luai is on track to return from a knee injury after being named at five-eighth for Saturday’s showdown with the Broncos.
A sold-out crowd is expected at Campbelltown Sports Stadium for the clash between the high-flying Tigers and the defending premiers and Luai’s return is a major boost for Benji Marshall’s men.
The five-eighth has missed the past three weeks with a knee injury but has been named in the No.6 jumper for the second-placed Tigers.
The comeback is a big boost for a side that has won four from five to start the season and they’re out to keep the momentum rolling on Saturday night.
“Romy is Romy,” Tigers co-captain Api Koroisau said. “He’s the ultimate competitor and he’s a skipper of our team for a reason.
“He brings a lot to us in both attack and defence. We’re excited to have him back and hopefully he gets to play this week.”
In more positive news, centre Taylan May has been named for his first game since Round 1 while edge forward Samuela Fainu is also listed to play despite leaving last week’s win over the Knights with a knee injury.
Both Fainu and Luai are expected to complete fitness tests later in the week before taking the field on Saturday.
The clash with Brisbane marks a new test for one of the surprise packets of 2026 and they will face an undermanned, but dangerous Broncos side.
Captain Adam Reynolds has been named to return from a groin injury, while Xavier Willison will start at lock in place of the suspended Pat Carrigan.
Josh Rogers is listed in the No.9 jersey after Cory Paix suffered a head knock in last week’s thrilling loss to North Queensland.
Knights star Dlyan Brown is set to return from a knee injury, prompting a backline reshuffle. Sandon Smith will play five-eighth, Fletcher Sharpe fullback and Fletcher Hunt moves to the centres for Sunday’s clash with the Roosters.
The Tigers didn’t miss a beat without Luai, former Bronco Jock Madden sliding straight into the No.6 jersey and starring in wins over the Warriors, Eels and Knights.
The playmaker will shift to the bench for Saturday’s clash with Brisbane, with young gun Latu Fainu moving to jumper No.18. Fainu has spent time at lock this year and the new six-man benches give Marshall flexibility in his in-game substitutions.
While the changes to the halves can unsettle some sides, Koroisau said the Tigers play a style that allows them to adapt on the run, no matter who is on the field.
“Jock’s come in and he did what he did,” Koroisau said. “We had all the trust in him. We’ve seen him all pre-season so we knew what he was going to bring, what he was going to do and he’s shown he’s more than up to the task.
“For us, it’s about getting back to work and playing that hard brand of footy,” he said…. PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS: Thu 16 Apr 2026
Auckland FC prove too strong for PNG Hekari FC
BA, 16 APRIL 2026 (OFC)—Auckland FC made it two wins from two in Round 5, as they beat PNG Hekari FC in a top-versus-bottom clash at Govind Park in Ba.
The New Zealand side knew a win would cement their place at the top of table ahead of the league split, whilst PNG Hekari FC were desperate for some momentum heading into their Challengers Group fixtures next month.
Striker Oscar Faulds was back in the Auckland FC starting eleven and was their biggest threat in the opening 45 minutes, though the frontman did squander a good early chance when unable to control the ball when given space in the box.
Isa Prins forced Dave Tomare into a good save late in the first-half, with the ‘keeper throwing out an arm to tip the midfielder’s effort around the post.
From the resulting corner however, the deadlock was broken. Reid Drake’s looping cross found Faulds at the far post and his perfectly-weighted header drifted over Tomare, nestling in the far corner.
Prins almost doubled the lead before the break, forcing another good save from Tomare when through on goal, as the league leaders flexed their muscles.
Luke Casserly made two changes at the break, bringing on Liam Gillion and James Bayliss, as they looked to press home their advantage.
The former wasted no time in making an impact. A free-kick from Drake was cleared only as far as Gillion, who showed outstanding footwork to create space for himself before curling a low effort past Tomare to double Auckland FC’s lead.
PNG Hekari did show some sparks of life and came close to pulling a goal back through Judahbill Asar, only for his close-range effort to be kept out by Blake Callinan
Jerry Allen made a change in goal just before the hour, replacing Dave Tomare with Christinus Biasu, though his side were continuing to struggle to produce much in the way of attacking threat.
Rex Naime’s pace was their likeliest outlet and the quick forward forced a smart save from Callinan at the near post in the final quarter of an hour.
The win ensures Auckland FC will finish the regular season top of the table, with two games to spare. Both sides will now shift their focus to what lies ahead after the league splits.
Auckland FC: 2 (Oscar FAULDS 42′, Liam GILLION 49′)
PNG Hekari FC: 0
HT: 1-0…PACNEWS
AUST – BOXING: AAP PACNEWS: Thu 16 Apr 2026
Teremoana wasting no time in pro climb
BRISBANE, 16 APRIL 2026 (AAP)—Teremoana Teremoana has reissued a challenge to the country’s top heavyweights, declaring he’s the best of the lot until someone stops him.
The Australian heavyweight and Paris Olympian has remarkably been taken beyond the first round just twice in 10 professional wins.
Teremoana, 28, stopped Curtis Harper before the first bell in Orlando last month to make it seven consecutive first-round knockouts.
On Tuesday he locked eyes on his next target, with veteran Bowie Tupou having accepted the challenge on a month’s notice to face Teremoana in Melbourne on 29 April.
Tupou, 43, was a student of Jeff Fenech’s and has fought Joseph Parker, Malik Scott and, most recently Joe Goodall after spending his prime based in the United States under Justin Fortune.
Teremoana won’t take him lightly but the Queenslander, who proudly boasts Cook Islands heritage, wants more.
He has called out former NRL bad boy Nelson Asofa-Solomona but ideally wants a shot at reigning national heavyweight champ Stefan Ivic next.
Also in the picture is Alex Leapai Jr, who at just 20 improved to eight wins and a draw in a Sydney victory last week, and 27-year-old Justis Huni, who moved to 12-1 when he beat Frazer Clarke in London on the weekend.
“I keep claiming I’m the best, so until they step in and oppose me I’m going to keep claiming it,” the upbeat Teremoana told AAP from his Brisbane gym on Tuesday.
“And I’ll prove it on the night if anyone steps in the ring.’
He has been dubbed by British promoter Eddie Hearne as a world champion in waiting and will be one of the main attractions when Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing begins a seven-fight Australian deal for 2026 this month.
Australia’s interim WBC super bantamweight champ Skye Nicolson will headline the event against Mariah Turner.
“I want to be world champion and them being a worldwide promoter … I plan to be a worldwide fighter and this is just the beginning,” Teremoana said.
Meanwhile, Leapai also has his sights on Ivic’s national title within a year, with trainer Noel Thornberry keen to keep his charge busy.
Thornberry told AAP he had invited American-born New Zealander Julius Long, who stands at 216cm, to back up his barbs after calling out the 20-year-old following last week’s defeat of Veni Mafi.
30 May, in Gatton, has been set aside for that bout, while Leapai could also feature on super featherweight Jackson England’s world title eliminator, slated for Perth on 26 June.
“We’ll clean out our whole backyard first, fight everyone in Australia,” Thornberry told AAP of his plans for the son of former heavyweight title contender Alex Leapai Sr.
Leapai Jr grew up sparring Teremoana and shared rounds with Huni in the lead-up to the pairs’ respective fights, leaving the latter impressed with his power and composure.
Elsewhere, David Nyika (12-1) looks set to profit from the IBF’s decision to strip Jai Opetaia of their cruiserweight world title after his controversial, unsanctioned Zuffa Boxing debut.
The New Zealander, who is based in Gatton with Thornberry, will face fellow Queensland-based Kiwi Floyd Masson (17-2) in a title eliminator.
The winner will face Viddal Riley for a shot at the vacant title previously held by the unbeaten Opetaia, after the Brit beat Poland’s Mateusz Masternak in the corresponding eliminator earlier this month.
Nyika, an Olympic bronze medallist and New Zealand flag bearer, was brutally stopped after accepting a late-notice challenge to face Opetaia for his IBF and The Ring belts in January last year….PACNEWS
