In this bulletin:
1. NETBALL — Samoa, Tonga qualify for Netball World Cup Sydney 2027
2. RUGBY — Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026 finals preview
3. RUGBY — Six changes for Flying Fijians in PNC final against Japan
4. RUGBY — Nasilasila suspended one match, Kassil banned for three
5. RUGBY — Experienced Fijiana XV front row named for Hong Kong clash
6. RUGBY — Derenalagi, Vakatawa and Valetini extends Drua stay
7. SPORTS — Fiji sport faces safeguarding test
8. RUGBY — Tuinakauvadra returns for Wallaroos, Flynn set for debut against France
9. FOOTBALL — Samoa and Cook Islands finish with wins at OFC U-16 Women’s Championship
10. NFL — Jesse Sapolu: NFL opportunities must come with Pacific culture, communities
11. RUGBY — Tahs set succession plan, RA courts ownership interest
PAC – NETBALL: PACNEWS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 18 Sep 2026
Samoa, Tonga qualify for Netball World Cup Sydney 2027
NUKU’ALOFA, 18 SEPTEMBER 2026 (PACNEWS)—Samoa and Tonga have secured qualification for the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 after winning their respective matches against the Cook Islands and Fiji.
Samoa defeated the Cook Islands 72-50, while Tonga Tala beat Fiji 72-60 in a closely contested match.
Tonga started strongly, leading after the first quarter, but the Tala fought back to take control and finish with a 12-goal victory.
Samoa maintained their composure throughout their match against the Cook Islands to claim a 22-goal win.
The results earn Samoa and Tonga invitations to the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027, continuing their journey on the international stage.
The Cook Islands and Fiji fought hard throughout their matches, with both teams showing determination in the Pacific contest…..PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 18 Sep 2026
Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026 finals preview
TOKYO, 18 SEPTEMBER 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—The Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026 reaches a crescendo this weekend with Fiji facing Japan in the final at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo.
The Flying Fijians are bidding to be crowned champions for the third successive year and clinch a record-extending eighth Pacific Nations Cup title overall.
They beat Canada 45-29 in last weekend’s semi-final in Osaka and will now look to complete a hat-trick of consecutive final wins over the Brave Blossoms, who dispatched USA 63-14 in the other semi-final.
The third-place play-off sees North American rivals Canada and USA face off in an intriguing curtain-raiser to the final.
Final: Fiji v Japan – Saturday, 19:05 local time (GMT-8)
There will be more than a little sense of familiarity when Fiji face off against Japan in Saturday’s Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026 final in what promises to be a mouthwatering showdown between two expansive teams.
They have met in the title decider for the past two years with the Flying Fijians prevailing on both occasions, 41-17 in Osaka in 2024 and 33-27 in Salt Lake City in 2025.
Fiji displayed their customary attacking brilliance during their semi-final win over Canada in Osaka last weekend but will also look to sharpen their defensive edge after conceding four tries.
Interim head coach Senirusi Seruvakula has moved Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula from fly-half to full-back so Franki Lomani will be partnered at half-back by Caleb Muntz.
Vilikesa Nairau and Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens are in line to make their debuts off the bench where Sam Wye has been named in place of HSBC SVNS star Terio Tamani.
“We know that Japan is going to be very strong on their home game especially after they recently had two test matches against Australia and a warm-up match against Canada before the start of the PNC,” said Seruvakula.
“They are a well-coached side. We are not only looking at them, but we will also be focused on our strengths heading into Saturday.”
Japan head coach Eddie Jones has made three changes to the side who impressively beat USA 63-14 last weekend.
Faulua Makisi caught the eye off the bench against the Men’s Eagles and has been rewarded with a starting berth against Fiji at number eight.
Jack Cornelsen filled that role last week in Osaka but has been switched to the second row where he will partner former Australia U20 player Harry Hockings.
Michael Storberg drops to the bench while in the backline Tomoki Osada has been drafted into the side on the wing.
Having finished runners-up in the past two years, the Brave Blossoms are bidding to become champions for the first time since 2019 and claim a fourth title overall.
Third place play-off: Canada v USA – Saturday, 16:00 local time (GMT-8)
Canada head coach Stephen Meehan is looking to build on the positives in their semi-final defeat to Fiji as his men prepare to face USA in the third place play-off.
Although Meehan’s side conceded seven tries against the Flying Fijians, there was much to admire in how they attacked in their 45-29 loss to the defending champions.
Canada scored four tries of their own through Mason Flesch’s brace, Sion Parry and Kyle Tremblay. Their 29 points against a Fiji side ranked ninth was the most Canada have scored against a Nations Championship side since they registered the same amount against the Flying Fijians in Vancouver in 1999.
Meehan said: “We were happy with some of the rugby we played against Fiji; good continuity, close passing and some really good passages of play. We want to become a team that keeps the opposition guessing.
“The USA are a disciplined side and have a style they’ve been very reliant on. I completely understand the rivalry and, frankly, I really enjoy it.”
Meehan is drawing on the recent past for inspiration and memories of last year’s Pacific Nations Cup 34-20 win over the Eagles in front of 11,587 fans at Calgary’s McMahon Stadium.
In his first test match since 2021, number eight Tyler Ardron claimed four tries to equal a Canadian single-test record that had stood since 2000.
Moreover, the victory gave Canada a first win over their neighbours since 2021.
Meehan recalled: “It was quite an emotional night in Calgary after our win last year, seeing people coming together after the game, singing the national anthem and celebrating the occasion.
“It was a lovely moment. We’re trying to develop something here, and the longer we spend together, the greater the understanding the players will have of how we want to play and of one another.
“Their skills and understanding of the game have developed over the last 15 months, and collectively and individually they’ve been getting better every week. Hopefully, that trend continues.”
Foster DeWitt will start at hooker and Jesse Kilgour returns to the starting XV at scrum-half to partner Cooper Coats at half-back. Siôn Parry and Isaac Olson are unavailable due to injury but flanker Ethan Fryer will make his first start since returning from a skull fracture suffered against Chile in 2024.
Captain Lucas Rumball is set to earn his 70th cap for Canada this weekend and will become the fourth most-capped player in the team’s history.
USA head coach Scott Lawrence has made a number of changes as his side look to clinch third place.
Fakaosifolau Pifeleti comes into the starting line-up at loose-head prop and Lance Williams also earns a start at openside flanker.
In the backline, Luke Carty is promoted from the bench to replace Christopher Hilsenbeck at fly-half and he will partner Ruben de Haas. Julian Roberts and Cassh Maluia come into the starting line-up on the wing and at inside-centre respectively….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: FIJI VILLAGE PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 18 Sep 2026
Six changes for Flying Fijians in PNC final against Japan
TOKYO, 18 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FIJI VILLAGE)— Flying Fijians have made six changes and one positional switch to their 23-member squad for Saturday’s Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup final against Japan in Tokyo.
Elia Canakaivata comes into the starting XV at number eight, replacing Isoa Tuwai, while Caleb Muntz has been cleared to start at fly-half.
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula moves to fullback, with Tuidraki Samusamuvodre named at inside centre alongside former France-based midfielder Virimi Vakatawa.
Tevita Ikanivere will again captain the side from hooker.
Interim head coach Senirusi Seruvakula has named two potential debutants on the bench, with Vilikesa Nairau and Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens included in the matchday 23.
Kavaia Tagiveitau, Vilikesa Nairau, Samuela Tawake and Isoa Tuwai provide forward cover, while Sam Wye, Isikeli Rabitu and Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens are the backline replacements.
The match will be the third consecutive PNC final between Fiji and Japan.
The Flying Fijians will face Japan at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo at 10.05pm Fiji time on Saturday….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: PACNEWS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 18 Sep 2026
Nasilasila suspended one match, Kassil banned for three
TOKYO, 18 SEPTEMBER 2026 (PACNEWS)—Fiji forward Isoa Nasilasila has been suspended for one match following a full disciplinary hearing into the red card he received during the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026.
World Rugby said Nasilasila will miss Fiji’s match against Japan on 19 September.
The original sanction proposed by the Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) was six matches, reduced to three after full mitigation.
Nasilasila did not accept the proposed sanction, resulting in the matter being referred to an independent Disciplinary Committee for a full hearing on Wednesday, 16 September.
The committee, chaired by Wang Shao-Ing of Singapore and comprising former referees Donal Courtney of Ireland and Juan Pablo Spirandelli of Argentina, considered all available evidence and submissions from the player.
It determined that the incident warranted a low-end entry point of two matches and applied the full 50 percent mitigation, reducing the final sanction to one match.
Meanwhile, Canada’s Brittany Kassil has been suspended for three matches following a red card in the WXV Global Series, with the sanction reduced to two matches if she successfully completes the Coaching Intervention Programme.
World Rugby said Kassil accepted that foul play had occurred and that the red card was warranted.
The FPRC found Kassil had attempted a tackle in an upright position, resulting in head-to-head contact with a Scotland player.
The incident carried a mandatory mid-range sanction of six matches for head contact. Full mitigation reduced the sanction to three matches.
Kassil has accepted the sanction and will miss Canada’s matches against England on 19 September and France on 26 September.
She is also scheduled to miss Canada’s match against England on 16 October, although she may become available for that match if she successfully completes the Coaching Intervention Programme.
World Rugby confirmed the disciplinary decisions following the red cards in the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup and WXV Global Series….PACNEWS
HKG – RUGBY: FIJI VILLAGE PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 18 Sep 2026
Experienced Fijiana XV front row named for Hong Kong clash
HONG KONG, 18 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FIJI VILLAGE)—The Fijiana XV has named an experienced front row to marshal the team in their WXV Global Series Challenger match against Hong Kong.
Karalaini Naisewa will start at prop alongside hooker Bitila Tawake and fellow prop Tiana Robanakadavu in the front row.
Locks Karavaki Lutumaibau and Carletta Yee complete the tight five.
Alfreda Fisher and Merewairita Neivosa will start at flanker, while Manuqalo Komaitai is at number eight.
Evivi Senikarivi is at halfback, while Varanisese Qoro starts at fly-half.
In the backline, Repeka Tove starts on the openside wing, while inside centre Ruth Raketekete partners Adi Salote Nailolo in the midfield.
Atelaite Ralivanawa starts on the blindside wing, while Litiana Vueti is at fullback.
The Fijiana will also have Selai Naliva, Zipporah Sorokacika, Adi Keri Lawavou, Nunia Daunimoala, Sereana Maragi, Kolora Lomani, Vika Nakacia and Vasemaca Duva available as impact players.
The match kicks off at 7.30pm tomorrow….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 18 Sep 2026
Derenalagi, Vakatawa and Valetini extends Drua stay
NADI, 18 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—Former Fijian Drua Captain Meli Derenalagi’s comeback journey has received a major boost, after re-signing with the Club ahead of the 2027 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
Derenalagi, who missed the entire 2026 campaign as he recovered from a long-term knee injury, headlines a strong group of five players recommitting to the Drua, alongside former France international Virimi Vakatawa, experienced playmaker Kemu Valetini, exciting young winger Isikeli Basiyalo and promising prop Harold Rounds.
The Olympic gold medallist suffered a serious knee injury during the 2025 season and later underwent another operation, his second knee reconstruction, which resulted in an extended rehabilitation period.
Although he couldn’t feature during the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season, Derenalagi remained in the Drua environment throughout his recovery as he worked towards a return to full fitness.
The 27-year-old has been an important figure at the Club since its inaugural Super Rugby Pacific season in 2022, bringing leadership, physicality and experience to the Drua loose forwards. A return to action in 2027 would mark another chapter in the comeback of one of the Club’s most influential players.
Fijian Drua Head Coach Brad Mooar said: “A former captain and Olympic gold medallist, a former French international and now Flying Fijian and players coming through our local and development pathways…wow! what an exciting group of players recommitting to the Drua! Adding critical depth and competition to our squad across the park – upfront in the forward pack and across the back line – Harold, Meli, Kemu, Virimi & Isikeli all bring a superb mix of talent, skillsets and experience with them. We are delighted to have such highly talented & motivated players who care deeply for the Drua jersey continuing their journey with us in 2027. Toso Drua!”
The Club has also retained the services of experienced midfielder Virimi Vakatawa following his first season in Drua colours.
Vakatawa made 10 appearances and scored a try during the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season, bringing his wealth of international and European experience to the Drua midfield. His performances also earned him a return to the Barbarians for a third time, featuring in their 2026 matches against South Africa and Wales.
The former France international joined the Drua ahead of the 2026 season following a decorated career which included 32 Tests for France and several seasons with Racing 92, where he established himself among Europe’s leading midfielders.
He is currently touring with the Flying Fijians in Japan for the Pacific Nations Cup and made his debut in July.
Vakatawa said: “First and foremost, I thank the Lord for His blessings and for the talent He has given me. I’m also deeply grateful to my family, especially my partner, for her constant love and support throughout my journey. I would like to sincerely thank Fijian Drua Head Coach Brad Mooar and his coaching staff for their belief and support, and Fijian Drua CEO Mr Jeff Miller and General Manager Mr Baden for believing in me and giving me another opportunity to continue this journey with the Drua.
I’m looking forward to the new season and ready to put in the work. With the experience I’ve gained throughout my career, I want to contribute as much as I can to the team and, most importantly, support the younger players by sharing my knowledge and helping them grow into better professional rugby players.”
Valetini will also continue his journey with the Drua, having been part of the Club since making his debut in 2023.
The versatile flyhalf has become an experienced member of the Drua backline and has made 34 appearances for the Club, scoring 61 points. Comfortable at both flyhalf and inside centre, Valetini provides valuable experience and versatility across the backline.
Excited to stay on with the club, Valetini said: “I’m feeling good and happy to sign another year with the Drua. I’m keen to get stuck into pre-season soon and I’m looking forward to work with the new coaches next year.”
Basiyalo’s re-signing continues another success story from the Drua’s development pathway following his breakthrough into Super Rugby Pacific in 2026.
The 21-year-old made his competition debut on the wing against the Western Force at Churchill Park in Lautoka in April, completing a journey through the Fiji age-grade and Drua Development systems to the professional stage.
The former Cuvu College student hails from Volivoli Village in Nadroga and has maternal links to Nabukelevu-i-Ra in Kadavu. He previously represented Fiji at Under-20 level and the Fiji Warriors before going on to feature for the Fiji Men’s 7s side at the Hong Kong 7s.
Basiyalo said: “Honestly, I’m grateful to God for giving me another opportunity and to my family for their support. I can’t wait for next season.”
Rounds’ re-signing further strengthens the Club’s commitment to developing emerging Fijian talent after an impressive first year in the Drua Development programme.
The young tighthead prop joined the Drua Development Squad ahead of the 2026 season and quickly established himself as one of its emerging leaders, earning co-captaincy duties during the campaign.
Originally from Galoa in Serua with maternal links to Naduri in Macuata, Rounds continued his development in 2026, featuring prominently at tighthead prop for the Drua Development side before returning to Bay of Plenty during the off-season.
Rounds said: “I’m really grateful and excited to be extending my time with the Drua. It’s a huge honour to represent Fiji and be part of this club. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow, work hard, and give everything I’ve got for the team. Vinaka vakalevu to everyone who has supported me.”….PACNEWS
FIJI – SPORTS: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 18 Sep 2026
Fiji sport faces safeguarding test
SUVA, 18 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—Fiji sport faces a test beyond putting safeguarding policies on paper — ensuring those policies protect athletes, coaches and officials when it matters most.
The challenge has emerged after 11 national sporting organisations participated in five pilot safeguarding sessions delivered by Team Up in support of Fiji’s National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls.
The training also exposed a growing demand for support, with sports organisations seeking greater capacity to strengthen safeguarding practices and reach more people within their sports.
The sessions were delivered at the invitation of the Fiji NAP PVAWG Secretariat under the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection.
NAP PVAWG National Coordinator Laisani Petersen said safeguarding was critical to preventing violence and creating inclusive sporting environments.
“Strengthening safeguarding in sport is an important part of preventing violence against women and girls and ensuring everyone can participate safely,” Petersen said.
Team Up Safeguarding Adviser Roshika Deo said sports organisations needed to understand how violence could manifest within sport and how policies could prevent and respond to harm.
“A key takeaway was the high demand by sport organisations for further capacity support to enhance their safeguarding practices,” Deo said.
Team Up has also supported the development and review of Fiji’s national safeguarding policy and procedures.
The real test now is implementation — turning safeguarding from policy into everyday protection across Fiji sport…..PACNEWS
FRANCE – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 18 Sep 2026
Tuinakauvadra returns for Wallaroos, Flynn set for debut against France
AIX EN PROVENCE, 18 SEPTEMBER 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—2025 Wallaroos Player of the Year Tabua Tuinakauvadra is set for her first Test appearance of the year against France on Sunday morning (AEST) in Aix-en-Provence.
Tuinakauvadra is one of four personnel changes to the team that went down to England, including the potential debut of Queensland Reds winger Piper Flynn.
Reds teammates Tiarah Minns and Ava Wereta also join the squad as they look to secure back-to-back wins over France.
The Brumbies number eight will come off the bench as part of a revamped back-row unit, with Piper Duck starting in place of Lily Bone, who failed her HIA.
Further changes to the pack include elevating Allana Sikimeti to the starting front row, joined by Brittany Merlo and Faliki Pohiva.
The backline is unchanged, with last week’s debutant Amelia Whitaker cleared of a hamstring injury that saw her taken off early.
Meanwhile, 23-year-old Flynn is set to become the Wallaroos’ latest debutant, having flourished since her move to the 15-a-side format.
The flyer made her Super Rugby Women’s debut last year against the Brumbies, scoring with her first touch and earning selection for Australia A against Samoa.
“We’ve landed to warm weather and real anticipation for this Test. We know exactly where our strengths and weaknesses lie, and sharpening those areas week after week is exactly the kind of environment we thrive in,” Director of Women’s High Performance Tim Walsh said.
“It’s about winning the moments in front of us, building something bigger than ourselves, and loving the work it takes to get there.
“France are a complete side, both physical, flamboyant and we’re not underestimating anything about what’s coming.
“The squad will also welcome another debutant to the international stage this weekend, with Reds speedster Piper Flynn set to earn her first cap.”
Wallaroos squad member Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke has returned home to Australia after picking up a knee injury at training that will rule her out for the remainder of the series.
WALLAROOS TEAM FOR TEST AGAINST FRANCE
Sunday September 20: Stade Maurice David, Aix-en-Provence – 1:45am AEST
1. Allana Sikimeti – #212 (Western Force/Norths Eagles Rugby) – 5 caps
2. Brittany Merlo – #230 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 5 caps
3. Faliki Pohiva – #219 (NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 12 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney – #179 (NSW Waratahs/SCU Marlins) – 41 caps
5. Michaela Leonard – #168 (Western Force/Tuggeranong Vikings) – 48 caps
6. Pia Tapsell – #236 (Western Force/North Shore Rugby Club) – 2 caps
7. Piper Duck – #185 (NSW Waratahs/Tumut Bullettes) – 28 caps
8. Siokapesi Palu Sekona (c) – #194 (ACT Brumbies/Rockdale Rangers) – 29 caps
9. Samantha Wood – #207 (Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby) – 17 caps
10. Waiaria Ellis – #225 (NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 8 caps
11. Desiree Miller – #204 (NSW Waratahs/Eastern Suburbs) – 29 caps
12. Faitala Moleka – #199 (ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions) – 32 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs – #178 (NSW Waratahs/Wests Bulldogs) – 43 caps
14. Amelia Whitaker – #237 (NSW Waratahs/Randwick) – 1 cap
15. Caitlyn Halse – #210 (NSW Waratahs/Camden Rams) – 16 caps
Reserves
16. Tania Naden – #197 (ACT Brumbies/Uni-North Owls) – 31 caps
17. Brianna Hoy – #203 (NSW Waratahs/Coffs Harbour Snappers) – 15 caps
18. Eva Karpani – #171 (Queensland Reds/Southern Suburbs) – 47 caps
19. Tiarah Minns – #217 (Queensland Reds/Melbourne University) – 6 caps
20. Tabua Tuinakauvadra – #200 (ACT Brumbies/Orange Emus) – 22 caps
21. Tia Hinds – #222 (NSW Waratahs/Randwick) – 12 caps
22. Piper Flynn* (Queensland Reds/Surfers Paradise Rugby) – uncapped
23. Ava Wereta – #233 (Queensland Reds/Coomera Crushers) – 2 caps
*denotes possible debut…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 18 Sep 2026
Samoa and Cook Islands finish with wins at OFC U-16 Women’s Championship
APIA, 18 SEPTEMBER 2026 (OFC)—Samoa have finished fifth at OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2026, defeating the Solomon Islands 2-0 at the National Stadium in Honiara.
Having missed out on FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification for the first time since 2024, captain Taimane Devoux had a hand in both goals for Samoa, setting up the first, and scoring the second to finish their campaign on a high.
Her cutback for Brooklyn Leaupepe-Nickel in the box provided the avenue for the opening goal in the 34th minute, the latter picking out the top-right corner from close range.
Devoux then wrapped up the win for Samoa with a half-volley into the top-left corner after the Solomon Islands failed to clear a delivery into the box in the 57th minute.
The tournament hosts came close to scoring a consolation when substitute Fred Toro Mau forced a save out of Susahna Peacock from close range in the final ten minutes, but finished their campaign without a win from their four matches.
Whilst they won’t be heading to a third successive global finals, it’s Samoa’s second successive win over the Solomon Islands at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, having beaten them 5-0 in last year’s semi-finals, and signifies a positive end to their stay in Honiara.
Solomon Islands: 0
Samoa: 2 (Brooklyn LEAUPEPE-NICKEL 34′, Taimane DEVOUX 57′)
HT: 0-1
Earlier in the day, the Cook Islands finished seventh with a 3-2 win over Tonga.
Qualifying tournament winners in Port Moresby at the start of the year, the Cook Islands concluded their OFC U-16 Women’s Championship campaign with a win, scoring all three of their goals in the first half.
Metuamaru Arere scored their first goal of the championship from the penalty spot in just the sixth minute, and also turned provider for the second, threading a perfect pass in-behind the Tongan defence for Juhani Mustonen to score.
Tonga found an instant response through Ane Tali, but the Cooks scored their third when the ball broke loose for Kierly Neagle, who ran the length of the attacking half to convert a one-on-one opportunity with the opposing goalkeeper.
A fabulous strike into the bottom-left corner of the net from India May-Mann proved a consolation as Tonga fell to their lowest-ever finish at the championship and confirmed their relegation to the qualifying tournament for next year’s edition.
Meanwhile, the Cook Islands will return to the championship in 2027, having earnt automatic qualification for the first time in three years.
Cook Islands: 3 (Metuamaru ARERE (P) 6′, Juhani MUSTONEN 27′, Kierly NEAGLE 40′)
Tonga: 2 (Ane TALI 30′, India MAY-MANN 66′)
HT: 3-1 …PACNEWS
PAC – NFL: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 18 Sep 2026
Jesse Sapolu: NFL opportunities must come with Pacific culture, communities
MELBOURNE/SAN FRANCISCO, 18 SEPTEMBER 2026 (PMN)—Four-time Super Bowl champion Seiuli Jesse Sapolu wants to see more Pacific young people find a pathway into the National Football League (NFL) in the United States.
But he says success overseas should never mean losing touch with where they come from.
The Sāmoan-born San Francisco 49ers great says the NFL’s growing presence in the Pacific is creating opportunities that were almost unthinkable when he was coming through.
Speaking with Pacific Huddle, Sapolu said the 49ers opening their season in Australia showed how far the sport had travelled in the region.
“It means a whole lot. You know, I’ve been coming over for over 30 years, even when I was a player, to try to get some traction as far as the NFL and the National Football League.”
The game has also given Sapolu a chance to see the next generation of Pacific talent up close.
He said he recently watched his son, who is a coach, try out a young athlete with Māori and Pacific heritage.
“It was just going through my mind how far we’ve come. These are exciting times. And all it is, is added opportunities for our kids to play on the other side of the globe.”
That opportunity was on show in Melbourne last Friday with the 49ers and Los Angeles Rams making history in the NFL’s first regular-season game in Australia. The 49ers won 27-7.
The same opportunity is being recognised by players on the field in Melbourne.
Rams star Puka Nacua, who has Sāmoan heritage, said the historic game could help Pacific children see a pathway into a sport that is still relatively new in the region.
“For kids from the Pacific Islands and from areas that don’t play American football, to have the opportunity to see that … (can help them) chase new levels,” he told journalists.
Nacua said access to the sport remained limited for many Pacific young people particularly because of the physical demands of American football.
“The opportunities are very limited, and there are few chances to continue to be able to play this game, given how physically demanding it is.”
He also sees a natural connection between the sport and Pacific culture.
“The game is growing. I know that the rules and the values that have been a part of this game of football are closely aligned to those of the Polynesian culture,” Nacua said.
Sapolu believes New Zealand is already on the NFL’s radar, with Pacific athletes among the prospects who could help grow the game.
He pointed to a New Zealand athlete he identified two years ago who had never played American football and is now regarded as one of the top prospects in his class.
“There’s no question that as far as Pacific Islanders, New Zealand has just as many prospects as we have here in Australia.”
He says flag football could be one of the biggest entry points for Pacific communities.
He says it can bring more girls into the sport and give young people a way to learn the game without the physical demands of tackle football.
“It’s a great way for some of the kids that are not physically strong enough to play tackle football to learn the American game and learn the rules.”
He also wants Pacific nations such as Sāmoa to build their own programmes, with the 2028 Olympics providing another reason to speed up development.
But while Sapolu wants to see more Pacific athletes succeed in American football, he says the bigger challenge is making sure they remain connected to their identity.
“I think our country can move forward and be stronger because of it.”
Sapolu says young athletes should learn their Pacific languages alongside their sport and understand the meaning behind their cultural traditions.
“If you really understand the honour of having that Sāmoan honour on you, you need to speak the language.”
He says that connection becomes even more important as Pacific athletes find financial success overseas.
“That’s part of my next goal is to connect our language to the success that they have because I think it makes them appreciate who they are as Sāmoans.”
Sapolu says successful Pacific athletes also have a responsibility to return home and help open the same doors for the next generation.
“I still love my people. I still love my country and I just want to come out and do my part in making sure that those kids have the same opportunities that I had coming up.”
Sapolu says the NFL’s expansion into the Pacific is about more than finding the next superstar.
He says it is about building pathways that allow young people to chase opportunities overseas while still knowing exactly where they come from. “And it’s up to us not to let it go and just make sure that our kids remember who they are and they can hang on to that.”….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 18 Sep 2026
Tahs set succession plan, RA courts ownership interest
SYDNEY, 18 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—Stephen Hoiles has been earmarked as the man to succeed Michael Cheika as NSW Waratahs coach after joining fellow former title-winning player Wycliff Palu on his staff.
The former Wallabies have coached in the U.S and Japan respectively and will act as assistants under the returning Cheika next Super Rugby Pacific season.
Cheika agreed to return on a two-year deal at the club he led to a title in 2014 and will start in November once his duties with the Roosters in the NRL and Lebanon in the Rugby League World Cup are complete.
Senior assistant Hoiles, who in 2023 coached Randwick to their first Sydney club title in 20 years, could take the helm as early as 2028 if former Wallabies and Argentina coach Cheika picks up another Test gig after next year’s World Cup.
Palu played in three World Cups and, like Hoiles, won a Super title under Cheika before leaving for Japan.
“I’ve grown up playing all my junior rugby in NSW,” Hoiles said.
“The Waratahs have always been the team you aspire to play for and it’s the same as a coach.
“It’s a nice moment, and it’s a bit of a full circle moment to come back and get this opportunity. It’s a really important part of Australian Rugby’s ecosystem, making sure the Waratahs are performing on and off the field.
“It feels good to be back.”
It comes as the club, cash-strapped when taken over by Rugby Australia (RA) in 2024, attracted the interest of a private ownership consortium keen to purchase the licence.
It’s understood RA are interested, but not desperate to sell the licence and require more information regarding high performance plans before considering any offer.
A consortium led by former Wallabies coach Bob Dwyer was among several interested parties that were knocked back in 2014…PACNEWS
