In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Legge warns Drua against complacency ahead of final
2. RUGBY — Pasifika Players supported by PacificAus Sports share their 2026 Super Rugby Women’s experience
3. COMMONWEALTH GAMES — Small islands, but big dreams: Pacific nations set to shine in Glasgow
4. COMMONWEALTH GAMES — Tongan Tala ready to face the best at Commonwealth Games after friendlies with Wales
5. COMMONWEALTH GAMES — Australians aim big, but thinking extra smalls at Games
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — Bati coach eyes Roosters winger
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — Montoya announces retirement; Luai lands at Eels
8. RUGBY LEAGUE — Is former NRL star Joey Manu possibly PNG Chief player 005?
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — Hopes for Hunters making PNG teams
10. NETBALL — Pearls name 30-player squad for August Invitational
11. VOLLEYBALL — Ukau’u Kathryn Omae takes on Waikato volleyball
12. RUGBY — Reg Tayler named Head Coach of Australia Women’s Sevens programme
13. RUGBY — Italy drop out of top 10 in World Rugby Men’s Rankings
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 22 Jul 2026
Legge warns Drua against complacency ahead of final
NADI, 22 JULY 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—Despite guiding the McDonald’s Fiji Drua Women into a historic home Super Rugby Women’s Grand Final, head coach Mike Legge believes there is still plenty of room for improvement.
Following the Drua’s 31-5 semi-final victory over the Queensland Reds, Legge identified discipline and decision-making as key areas the team must address before this weekend’s title decider.
“Some key areas we need to work on, I think we tried to go wide too early a few times. Our discipline, again, is a bit of an issue.”
The Drua coach acknowledged his side’s attacking threat but warned that mistakes could prove costly in a grand final.
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“I think we’ve got the points in us to put teams away. But when it comes to a final, and depending on who we play, we won’t get away with that stuff.”
Legge also says he’s glad that four pioneers are still around for this historic home final.
‘We are here now; the pioneers have been massive for these girls, not just this week but for the season, and I’m immensely proud’.
Fiji Drua Women prop Zipporah Sorokacika says playing in this weekend’s Super Rugby Women’s Grand Final on home soil will be one of the biggest moments of her rugby career.
The front-rower says preparations have been positive, with players and coaching staff putting in the work ahead of Saturday’s historic clash.
“The past two days, preparation has been going well. Thanks to the coaches, the management, and especially the girls, they’ve been giving 100 percent on the field and in the gym, and we’re preparing well for the grand final this Saturday.”
For Sorokacika, who is in her first season with the Drua, the opportunity to play in a home grand final makes the occasion even more special.
“It’s going to be a very special one. It’s going to be a highlight of my journey, being a first-year player on the Drua team, and we’re in the grand final and playing in Fiji.”
The prop also acknowledged the support she has received throughout the season from family and friends.
“The support is very good. My parents and friends have been supporting me ever since I started with the Drua. They’ve been coming to my home games and supporting me through prayers and their presence, and I want to thank them for always being there for me.”
The Drua Women will host the NSW Waratahs in the Super Rugby Women’s Grand Final in Ba on Saturday as they chase a third championship title…..PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 22 Jul 2026
Pasifika Players supported by PacificAus Sports share their 2026 Super Rugby Women’s experience
SYDNEY, 22 JULY 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—As the 2026 Super Rugby Women’s Grand Final heads to Fiji for the first time, with the NSW Waratahs set to face the Fijian Drua in the competition’s first-ever decider on Pacific soil, the impact and influence of Pacific talent in shaping the women’s game is clear.
That influence is reflected not only in the teams competing in the Grand Final, but also in the growing number of Pacific athletes progressing through elite rugby pathways in Australian rugby.
The Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program supports stronger sporting partnerships between Australia and the Pacific, including through opportunities for Pacific athletes to develop in high-performance environments.
Alongside its support of the Fijian Drua Women, the program has supported emerging women players from Samoa and Tonga to gain valuable experience with Australian Super Rugby Women’s teams.
Since 2023, the national rugby unions of Samoa and Tonga have identified emerging national team players to take up these opportunities as part of their high-performance pathway strategies. The players were selected to gain high-level match experience and exposure to elite performance environments, helping strengthen the depth and competitiveness of their national women’s teams ahead of the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Together, these investments demonstrate the importance of sustained, Pacific-connected pathways for women and girls in rugby, pathways that are helping strengthen the depth and quality of talent across the region and support the continued development of the women’s game.
At the Queensland Reds, Tongan lock Vineta Teutau and Samoan back Harmony Vatau have brought their Pacific heritage, experiences, and ambition to the squad.
For Teutau, 25, every appearance for the Reds is an opportunity to represent her Tongan heritage and inspire the next generation of players. “Every time I play, I feel that pride in pushing Tonga forward and hope I inspire young Tongan girls to not be afraid and test themselves too.”
Teutau said reaching the 2025 Super Rugby Women’s grand final had given the Reds a taste of what was possible.
“It’s been a tougher year for results this season, but we are still part of that journey to reaching our full potential. My passion is for rugby and I’m always enjoying it.”
For Vatau, 22, her first season with the Reds has followed a significant milestone in her career after representing Samoa at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.
Raised in Melbourne, Vatau continues to embrace her Samoan heritage while making her mark across the backline for Queensland.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to be playing at this level. I feel like it sets an example for young Samoan girls coming through that there is space for them to achieve in rugby,” Vatau said.
At the NSW Waratahs, 21-year-old prop Seneti Kilisimasi continues to impress while proudly carrying her Tongan heritage both on and off the field.
“Being Pasifika is a big part of who I am and how I carry myself, both on and off the field. It’s shaped me through the values I was raised on faith, family, respect, and resilience. Those values have helped me stay grounded through the highs and lows of rugby,” she shared.
“Playing in Super Rugby Women’s, I carry more than just myself out there, I carry my family, my culture, and the sacrifices of those before me.
“It gives me a strong sense of purpose and pride, knowing I’m representing where I come from and hopefully inspiring the next generation of Pasifika girls to chase their goals too.”
At the Western Force, prop Hannah Palelei proudly represents her Tongan heritage. The 26-year-old, whose father is renowned former UFC heavyweight fighter Soa “The Hulk” Palelei, has risen through the RugbyWA Academy to earn a senior contract.
“I feel like joining rugby has really got me in touch with my Pacific heritage. When I was growing up and going to school in Perth, I didn’t really have friends of the same heritage. Coming into rugby, I’ve got to know people from different heritages and connect with them more.
In the front row, there are girls who I spend a lot of time with who are also Tongan and Māori, so it’s really nice to be able to connect with them and learn more about our cultures”.
Reflecting on this season, Hannah shares, “I feel like this season I’ve grown a lot as a player, but also as a person.
“I was voted into the leadership group, and that’s helped me connect with my teammates on a deeper level, which has made me a better player and person. I’ve grown a lot in myself.”
The remaining players, ACT Brumbies locks Easter Savelio and Thalia Uilealea, have continued to strengthen their presence in Super Rugby Women’s, proudly representing their respective cultures while contributing to the growing depth of Pacific talent across the competition.
Uilealea brings a unique perspective to the Brumbies squad, representing both her First Nations and Samoan heritage and highlighting the diversity of backgrounds that continue to shape women’s rugby in the region.
Rugby Australia’s General Manager of Government Relations and Pacific Partnerships, Daniel Millis, said continued investment in women’s rugby across the Pacific is critical to creating more opportunities for players and strengthening pathways ahead of the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
“Rugby Australia is proud to partner with the national unions of Samoa and Tonga to create more opportunities for their emerging players to develop in high-performance environments and gain the experience they need to strengthen their national teams”.
“When we rise, we rise together in the Pacific, and we are seeing that increasingly across women’s rugby. The growth of the women’s game in one part of the region creates opportunities and inspiration for players, coaches and communities across the Pacific”.
“But the value of Australian investment in Pacific rugby extends well beyond results on the field. It is helping drive social and economic change, creating opportunities for the next generation of Pacific athletes and strengthening the connections between our people”.
“That is why rugby diplomacy has become such an important pillar of Australia’s engagement with the Pacific. Rugby provides a powerful platform to bring people together, create opportunity and build stronger connections across the region. We look forward to continuing to work with the Australian Government to design and develop the next phase of support for Pacific rugby and build on the strong foundations that have already been established….PACNEWS
PAC – COMMONWEALTH GAMES: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 22 Jul 2026
Small islands, but big dreams: Pacific nations set to shine in Glasgow
GLASGOW, 22 JULY 2026 (PMN)—When the Commonwealth Games open in Glasgow, Scotland, early on Friday, the Pacific’s 11 competing nations will arrive with small teams but big ambitions.
For many of these athletes, the Games are about more than medals. They are another chance to show that some of the world’s smallest countries continue to produce world-class athletes on one of sport’s biggest stages.
No other sport tells that story better than weightlifting.
Ten of the 11 Pacific nations will compete in the sport, underlining its place as the region’s strongest pathway to Commonwealth success.
Kiribati returns to Glasgow carrying more memories of one of the Pacific’s greatest sporting moments.
It was there in 2014 that David Katoatau won the country’s first and only Commonwealth Games medal, lifting gold in the men’s 105kg division.
More than a decade later, the Katoatau name remains part of Kiribati’s Commonwealth story, with his brother Ruben preparing for his third Games.
For Nauru, weightlifting has become part of the nation’s sporting identity. Every one of its 31 medals, including 10 gold, 11 silver and eight bronze, has come in the sport.
That success has made the tiny island one of the most successful weightlifting nations in Commonwealth history.
Sāmoa will also look to its lifters to lead the medal charge after strong performances at recent Oceania competitions.
Sāmoa’s largest group of athletes in Glasgow comes from weightlifting, including star competitors Seine Stowers and John Tafi.
While weightlifting has long been the Pacific’s medal powerhouse, lawn bowls continues to deliver success for some of the Pacific’s smallest nations.
The Cook Islands will compete across four sports, including athletics, swimming, weightlifting and lawn bowls.
Kiribati flag bearer Teokotai Jim will make history at her fifth Commonwealth Games, joining the nation’s lawn bowls team.
The Cook Islands’ only Commonwealth medal came in bowls when Taiki Paniani and Aidan Zittersteijn won bronze in the men’s pairs at the 2018 Gold Coast Games.
Norfolk Island, home to just over 2000 people, will again rely on lawn bowls. Its six-athlete team will chase the nation’s first Commonwealth medal since winning two bronzes on the greens.
Niue, and Tonga will also send lawn bowls teams as competition begins in Glasgow on Thursday 23 July (local time.)
The Pacific story in Glasgow is not just about traditional strengths.
Vanuatu will become the only Pacific nation competing in para-powerlifting, continuing the region’s growing presence in para sport.
Tonga will also make history when the Tala take the court for their first Commonwealth Games netball tournament. It also makes Tonga the only Pacific island nation represented in the competition.
Across the Games, the Pacific’s athletes will once again carry more than their national colours. They will represent communities where sport is a source of pride, identity and opportunity.
Whether on the weightlifting platform, the bowling green or the netball court, Glasgow offers another chance for the region’s athletes to show that some of the Commonwealth’s biggest sporting stories continue to come from its smallest nations….PACNEWS
PAC – COMMONWEALTH GAMES: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 22 Jul 2026
Tongan Tala ready to face the best at Commonwealth Games after friendlies with Wales
GLASGOW, 22 JULY 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC)—The Tongan Tala national women’s netball team travel to Glasgow this week to compete at the Commonwealth Games, ready to face the best.
Tonga Netball chief executive Salote Sisifa told RNZ Pacific the side have had a good preparation run in Cardiff in the past week, where they also played two friendly internationals against Wales.
Tonga, ranked eighth, lost 64-57 and 65-52 to Wales, who are seventh in world ranking.
Sisifa said despite the two loses the team played well and are better off with the experience.
She said they are grateful to Wales Netball for the matches, and the team heads to Glasgow this week ready for the competition ahead of them.
“Team are good and we are happy with the results,” Sisifa said on Monday.
“We could’ve done better. But this is the purpose of these matches for the team to play together and test themselves.
“You understand the structure of Tala … it’s the first time they’ve played together again since last September in Tonga.”
Sisifa said the team has prepared well under coach Jaqua Pori-Makea-Simpson and her coaching team.
The players, who are spread out over Australia, New Zealand and Tonga, only got together last week to travel to Wales.
“So, to see them gel in very little time we are happy they’re able to sort themselves and get the feel early, and also acclimatise,” Sisifa said.
“Shake off nerves and be ready for Glasgow and the tough games ahead.
“We have been in Wales pre camp, played two games and had five trainings.”
Tonga, the only Pacific Island team at the competition, are in Pool A along with England, South Africa, Malawi and Northern Ireland.
Pool B has New Zealand, Jamaica, Wales, Uganda, Scotland and Trinidad and Tobago.
Australia is Tonga’s first opponent on 25 July, followed by South Africa, England and then Malawi in their last pool match.
The top two teams from each pools will meet in the semifinals on 1 August, with the final scheduled for 2 August….PACNEWS
AUST – COMMONWEALTH GAMES: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 22 Jul 2026
Australians aim big, but thinking extra smalls at Games
GLASGOW, 22 JULY 2026 (AAP)—Australians are being urged to fiercely compete like warriors at the Commonwealth Games, rather than go commando.
With Glasgow being run on a smaller scale, there is no athlete village and its daily laundry service.
So Australian team members have been advised to pack extra clothing, especially underwear – just in case.
The Australian HQ at the Glasgow Argyle Hotel will run a laundry service, but on a reduced frequency.
“AUS HQ delivers services aplenty for the Australian Team, with laundry being one,” team chef de mission Petria Thomas told AAP.
“In a Games village this is often a daily service, but here it will be every three days, so we’ve encouraged athletes to bring spare smalls … just in case.
“No one wants to be caught going commando!”
Glasgow rescued the 2026 Games at short notice after Victoria cancelled, meaning the opening ceremony on Friday morning (AEST) will launch a streamlined event with fewer bells and whistles.
There will be only 10 sports and no open-road events such as the marathon or cycling – as well as no athlete village.
But the stakes remain incredibly high, especially for the Diamonds at what is a pinnacle event.
The national netball side arrived in Glasgow on Monday by train from an Edinburgh training camp to defend their Commonwealth Games gold medal.
Australia’s campaign starts on Saturday against Tonga and the day after they play England, their semi-final opponents four years ago in Birmingham.
“It’s probably more unusual than what I’ve experienced in my previous Commonwealth Games, but I feel like it’s a really exciting challenge for us,” said Diamonds veteran Jo Weston, who will compete at her third Games.
“The game against Tonga is also going to be quite challenging.”
The Melbourne Vixens star was asked on arrival in Glasgow about whether she felt a responsibility to help reinvigorate the Games, given the event’s dire state after Victoria pulled out.
“Netball is so lucky to be part of a multi-discipline event. Being part of a wider ‘Team Australia’ is something that’s really special,” said Weston.
“We’re happy to play anywhere, we’re here to do our country proud and make sure we get a result that we’re really happy with.
“The situation (transferring the Games to Glasgow) is what it is – we’re just happy to be part of a competition and we were always willing to play wherever the competition was on.
“Now we’re here, the Scottish people have been so welcoming.”
The Diamonds will compete in Glasgow while negotiations continue at home over a new pay deal.
Weston, one of three Diamonds at her third Games, is confident it will not be a distraction.
“All of us are really good at compartmentalising. We’re in a high-performance environment and we’re here to represent the Diamonds and Australia,” she said.
“For us, the focus really is on the performance.”
Sophie Dwyer is one of five Games debutants in the Diamonds’ Glasgow squad.
“It’s amazing we have people like Joey, Court (Courtney Bruce) and Liz (captain Liz Watson) who have been to multiple Comm Games,” Dwyer said.
“Obviously there is a little bit of an unknown. I’ve been around the Diamonds squad for a while, been to a lot of Test series, but nothing like a marquee event.
“I take as many learnings as I can from them, ask lots of questions.”….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY LEAGUE: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 22 Jul 2026
Bati coach eyes Roosters winger
SUVA, 22 JULY 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Fiji Bati head coach Mick Potter is not giving up on Sydney Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase.
Potter told nrl.com that Nawaqanitawase would do more for rugby league and the World Cup if he played for Fiji instead of Australia.
The Nalebaleba, Navosa native has been linked to a short-term contract to keep him for the Rugby League World Cup which kicks off in October.
Asked by nrl.com if the Sydney Roosters flyer – was in a 40-man squad submitted by coaches to the Fiji National Rugby League board, Potter said:
“I’m pretty sure he would be- he’s not going to be number 41.”
The Bati will face Cook Islands on October 18 at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, in their opening RLWC match.
“I think he’d be way better to play for Fiji, wouldn’t he?” the 1991 Dally M winner told nrl.com.
“It would be just amazing if he elected to jump in with Fiji.
“He qualifies for us. If he elects to play for Australia., that’s his call. He’s going to rugby union next year.”
The father of the flashy flanker, Sevuloni Nawaqanitawase, moved from Fiji to Sydney the same year Potter won the Dally M, to play for Balmain.
Potter said: “But it would be just amazing if he played for Fiji. The players would be so overwhelmed with that and certainly the country would be as well.
Can you imagine the stardom? It would be just awesome and the welcome he would get if he did it. It would send it to another level if we went back to Fiji and he was there.
The floodgates of rugby league would open up over there. Nawaqanitawase was a member of the victorious NSW State of Origin team and last year toured England with the Kangaroos for the Ashes series.
He could play alongside the likes of Viliame Kikau, Api Koroisau, Sunia Turuva, Jahream Bula and Maika Sivo if he joins the Bati.
Fiji officials are currently gathering documentation the ensure Wests Tigers’ Samuela, Sione and Latu Fainu can play for the Bati in the World Cup.
With a 40-man squad – including Nawaqanitawase – submitted to the FNRL board, behind the scenes work has begun on returning the Bati to the semi-finals, where they played for three consecutive tournaments before bowing out in the quarters to New Zealand in 2022.
“There’s three players at Wests Tigers whose grandmother is Fijian- and that’s the Fainu boys,” said returning coach Mick Potter.
“We’re trying to get that over the line. They’re just trying to get the documentation right.
“Like I say, the grandmother’s Fijian but finding records of that is difficult. It seems to be common knowledge but nothing’s happened yet. I’m very hopeful. They’d be great players to be playing for Fiji.
“There was a young hooker as well, Josese Lanyon. He stepped in for Api Koroisau. He’s available, he’s in the squad.”
Meanwhile, FNRL board chair-man Rajesh Singh confirmed Potter will be arriving in the country on Friday.
Former Bati captain Kevin Naiqama, who still plays in the Newcastle competition, is set to be a member of Potter’s staff. Also expecting to join the coaching team are Wes Naiqama and Jarryd Hayne…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 22 Jul 2026
Montoya announces retirement; Luai lands at Eels
SYDNEY, 22 JULY 2026 (NRL)—Canterbury outside back Marcelo Montoya has announced his immediate retirement from rugby league.
The 30-year-old had initially revealed his plans to hang up the boots at the end of the season but has now brought that timeline forward.
Montoya will join the Bulldogs wellbeing staff and assist the pathways coaches as they mentor the next generation of players.
The outside back retires after 162 NRL games for Canterbury and the Warriors and nine appearances for Fiji.
“Although I had the intention to finish off the season, the reality is my body just can’t keep up with the rigors of first-grade footy anymore,” Montoya said.
“I want to thank the Bulldogs for giving me my NRL debut back in 2017 and for bringing me back home to allow me to finish my career where it started.”
The Parramatta Eels have announced that four-time NRL premiership-winning half Jarome Luai will join the club for the 2027 NRL season.
Luai has enjoyed success at the highest level throughout his career and has also represented New South Wales in State of Origin and Samoa on the international stage.
The club stated his competitive nature, football intelligence and ability to perform under pressure will make him a significant addition to Parramatta’s roster next year.
Parramatta Eels General Manager of Football Mark O’Neill said Luai’s arrival would provide an enormous boost to the Club both on and off the field.
“Jarome is one of the most experienced and successful players of his generation, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Parramatta Eels next year,” O’Neill said.
Earlier, Wests Tigers have confirmed Luai would depart the club at the conclusion of the 2026 NRL season.
Luai – originally contracted through until the end of 2027 – and the club have mutually agreed to his release from the final year of his contract.
The decision comes following extensive discussions between Luai, his management and the Wests Tigers.
Earlier this year, Luai activated a clause in his contract and informed the club of his intention to depart at the end of 2027 and became the inaugural signing for the PNG Chiefs….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 22 Jul 2026
Is former NRL star Joey Manu possibly PNG Chief player 005?
PORT MORESBY, 22 JULY 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Papua New Guinea Chiefs general manager of football Michael Chammas says the club is excited to welcome former NRL superstar Joey Manu to Papua New Guinea, describing him as the type of player the franchise would love to have in the future.
The New Zealand international arrived in Port Moresby with his family, sparking fresh speculation about a possible move to the Chiefs ahead of the club’s entry into the NRL in 2028.
Speaking on Manu’s arrival, Chammas praised the former Sydney Roosters winger but stopped short of confirming any contract discussions.
“Great player and we’d love to have him,” Chammas said.
“He fits everything that we’d want in a Chiefs player, so we’re really excited to have him here.
“Out of respect for Joey, we’re just going to let him enjoy the next couple of days with his family, show him around Port Moresby and, hopefully, get around him and show him some love.
“We really appreciate that.”
Chammas’ comments are expected to add more excitement among the rugby league fraternity, who have been eagerly following every development surrounding the Chiefs’ recruitment drive.
While no deal has been confirmed, Manu has been heavily linked with the 19th NRL franchise in recent months and is widely seen as one of the marquee players the club would like to attract.
The Chiefs have already secured several high-profile signings, including Jarome Luai (player 001), Alex Johnston (002), Connor Watson (003) and Matty Lees (004).
London Broncos and Papua New Guinea Kumuls trio Morea Morea, Finley Glare and Gairo Voro have also signed with the club under development contracts.
Meanwhile, the franchise continues to be linked with several other NRL stars.
Yesterday, Zero Tackle and Fox League reports suggest the Chiefs are also interested in Wests Tigers rising forward Samuela Fainu, one of the competition’s most promising young back-rowers in the NRL competition.
The 20-year-old comes off contract at the end of 2027, although no agreement has been reached and the Tigers are expected to fight to keep him.
The reported interest comes after the Chiefs secured the signing of Luai from the Tigers.
Earlier reports suggested there was an informal understanding that the Papua New Guinea franchise would not target Tigers players while Luai remained with the club.
With Luai set to leave at the end of the 2026 season, the Chiefs are now free to pursue Tigers players whose contracts are nearing an end, with Fainu emerging as one of their reported targets….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 22 Jul 2026
Hopes for Hunters making PNG teams
PORT MORESBY, 22 JULY 2206 (THE NATIONAL)—Selection for national duties for the PNG Hunters towards the backend of this season will be tough, but head coach Paul Aiton is optimistic that several of his players will be called up.
While the Hunters have struggled this year, Aiton said individual players have continued to perform well and should not be overlooked by the national selectors for the annual Prime Minister’s XIII Cup in September and the Rugby League World Cup in October.
“Our season hasn’t gone the way we wanted, but that doesn’t mean our players shouldn’t be considered,” Aiton said.
He reflected on the Hunters’ impressive campaign in his first year back in 2024 as coach, when the club reached the Hostplus Cup preliminary finals and produced several Kumuls representatives.
“Our best season was my first year (2024) when we made the preliminary finals, and a lot of our players went on to represent Papua New Guinea,” he said.
With the Prime Minister’s XIII fixture and the Rugby League World Cup approaching, Aiton hopes more Hunters players will have the chance to impress.
“I’m not sure if the Prime Minister’s XIII match will be played this year, but if it is, I’m hopeful we’ll have a lot more Hunters players selected,” he said.
“I also know a 40-man Kumuls squad is expected to be announced, and I’m hopeful that head coach Jason Demetriou will look closely at our squad and consider more of our players.”
Aiton said several Hunters have shown they can compete at representative level and deserve the opportunity to fight for a place in the national team despite their current form in the Hostplus Cup…PACNEWS
FIJI – NETBALL: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 22 Jul 2026
Pearls name 30-player squad for August Invitational
SUVA, 22 JULY 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—Netball Fiji has announced a 30-member Fiji Pearls squad for the August Invitational tournament, with the competition set to play a key role in selecting the team for the upcoming Netball World Cup qualifiers.
The squad features a mix of local and overseas-based players from Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Dubai, highlighting the growing depth available to the national side.
Among those selected are Elina Drikibau, Ilisapeci Adrole, Leehava Saverio, Maliana Rusivakula, Maria Lutua-Rusivakula, Matila Vocea, Nina Nakula, Solei Toganivalu, Titilia Buloubuli, Vilimaina Kagi, Abbie Leger, Ana Moi, Anaulia Nuku, Asilika Sevuatia, Faith Burton, Jima Kete, Mykaella Chandra, Sainimere Tagiakiverata, Teuila Sotutu, Vuta Tokaduadua, Alisi Naqiri, Elenoa Gukirewa, Ema Mualuvu, Eseta Waqaira, Frances Vula, Josephine Nailumu, Lowata Tailevu, Nanise Waqaira, Naviniya Sivo, and Shaid Sasalu.
Netball Fiji says the final 12-member squad and three non-travelling reserves for the World Cup Qualifiers will be selected following the August Invitational.
The announcement comes as the Fiji Pearls continue preparations for the qualifiers, with strong competition expected for places in the final traveling squad….PACNEWS
NZ – VOLLEYBALL: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 22 Jul 2026
Ukau’u Kathryn Omae takes on Waikato volleyball
WAIKATO, 22 JULY 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—It all started with backyard volleyball and fun games in school and church for University of Waikato women’s player Ukau’u Kathryn Omae.
The Gulf lass started playing volleyball in 2004 when she was in Hawaii with her parents who were studying at the Brigham Young University.
Volleyball became part of Katryn’s life. A hobby that always keeps her busy during holidays and free time.
“I started playing communal volleyball at eight years old in Hawai’i in 2004. I continued to play while living in Sabusa, Kuriva and in Port Moresby while attending Kila Kila Secondary School” gracing the courts of Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Centre in the Under-21 and at club levels,” Omae recalled.
Despite not representing the country, Kathryn is grateful for the opportunity to represent her school during the University Tertiary Sports New Zealand competition for institutions across New Zealand.
“Playing for the University of Waikato in the all-tertiary New Zealand championships (July 11-12) was a privilege.
“I had only started playing competitively in 2024 for the Nesian Volleyball Club based in Hamilton, Waikato. I was coached by Kevin Inoke and Jennifer Renee, and they both helped me excel in different areas,” Omae said.
“When I moved to New Zealand, the transition from playing social to competitive volleyball was not easy. I lacked the knowledge of rotations and proper technicalities of the game.
“I had to ask teammates, coaches and experienced players a lot of question. I trained extra, studied theory about rotations and different volleyball techniques and watched volleyball a lot.
“I can say that I have come a long way and improved. I mostly started off as a middle blocker, opposite hitter/ blocker and now approaching the outside hitter position.
“I love playing opposite defence in the back court which I thrive in. My greatest goal is to play for the Papua New Guinea women’s volleyball team one day to represent my country,” Omae said.
She said playing volleyball also helps her manage personal stress and mental health issues.
“I am now in my last few months of law school and still have the upcoming Midland qualifiers and nationals here in New Zealand for the Nesian Volleyball Club.”
“My advice to young Papua New Guineans to get into the competitive volleyball. To succeed, one must have the love and passion for volleyball.
“Being benched for a whole game will make you to think to be better. Start off small and improve through discipline and having the desire to becoming the best.”…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 22 Jul 2026
Reg Tayler named Head Coach of Australia Women’s Sevens programme
SYDNEY, 22 JULY 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—Rugby Australia is delighted to announce Reg Tayler as Head Coach of the Australia Women’s Rugby Sevens program through to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
Tayler steps up from his previous role as Assistant Coach and will lead the side following Tim Walsh’s elevation to the newly created position of Director of Women’s High Performance.
The former Queensland coach joined the Australian Sevens program in 2025 under Walsh having spent two years with Ireland’s Sevens coaching staff.
Tayler has held previous roles as Head Coach of the Australia A Women’s Rugby Sevens side and with the Queensland Academy of Sport.
Australia Women’s Sevens coach Reg Tayler said: “I am honoured by the opportunity to take the next step in my coaching career and lead the Australian Sevens Women’s team.
“We have built tremendous momentum following our World Championship win and the squad is determined for continued success through to the Olympics in Los Angeles.
“Our players are professional and dedicated to achieving a gold medal and I am confident we will have the squad capable of that in 2028.”
Tayler will work alongside Walsh and the Wallaroos Head Coach as part of a wider Rugby Australia strategy with both women’s programs aligning under a full-time High Performance model by the end of 2026.
Director of Women’s High Performance Tim Walsh said: “Reg has been part of a succession plan for the Australia Women’s Sevens program since joining the coaching staff last year and is a seamless acquisition for the squad ahead of the Olympics.
“Reg is highly knowledgeable of the World Series circuit and has worked with many of our players coming through the pathways system. He’s not going in cold, he completely understands the game and his expertise is going to be fully utilised by the program.
“It’s a privilege and honour to retain Reg and a real positive for Rugby Sevens and women’s rugby in Australia.”
The Australia Sevens program will begin preparations for the Olympic qualifying 2026-2027 campaign when players return to pre-season training in October….PACNEWS
IRELAND – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Wed 22 Jul 2026
Italy drop out of top 10 in World Rugby Men’s Rankings
DUBLIN, 22 JULY 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—A winless Nations Championship Southern Hemisphere Series has left Italy outside of the top 10 in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings, with Saturday’s 57-10 defeat to Australia resulting in a two-place fall to 12th.
Having enjoyed a good Guinness Men’s Six Nations campaign, Italy went into the inaugural competition in good spirits, but they have been beaten on consecutive weekends by Japan, New Zealand and now the Wallabies.
While it was not quite a record defeat against Australia, the scale of the loss had a detrimental effect on the Azzurri’s rating, which has fallen to 76.30 points, dropping them below Japan and Wales, who didn’t lose any points for their respective defeats at the hands of the higher-ranked France and South Africa.
Japan re-enter the world’s top 10 for the first time in three years as a result of Italy’s demise, while Wales move up one place to 11th.
Otherwise, the top 10 remains unchanged, albeit New Zealand, England and Scotland, who were all victorious at the weekend, improved their rating.
The All Blacks received 1.24 points for their convincing 40-21 win over Ireland to close the gap on South Africa at the top to 1.68 points, as well as putting more daylight between themselves in second and Ireland in third.
In the final match of the Southern Hemisphere Series, England just about held off Argentina to win 31-24 and boost their rating by 0.93 points.
England are now on 85.68 points, 1.75 points behind France in fourth, and one place above Scotland, who were rewarded for their 33-17 win over Fiji with a 0.69-point gain.
As the dominant teams in the World Rugby Nations Cup, pool leaders Georgia and USA cemented their place in the rankings in 13th and 14th, respectively.
Georgia beat Chile 49-22, while the Men’s Eagles completed a clean sweep of victories with a 29-22 win over Spain, which takes their rating to over 70 points for the first time since November 2024.
Portugal are also unchanged in 15th after a 32-28 win over Tonga, while Chile despite the loss to Georgia have moved up to an all-time rankings high of 16th. This is because Spain and Uruguay, who were beaten by Hong Kong China with the last kick of the match, have seen their rating drop below Los Condores.
Romania’s dramatic 38-37 comeback victory against Samoa has moved them up one place to 21st, directly below the Pacific Islanders.
Samoa have slipped back to their lowest-ever ranking of 20th, which has had a positive knock-on effect for Tonga, who are up to 19th despite their narrow defeat to Portugal.
Hong Kong China’s heroics have lifted them one place to 23rd, above Canada despite their 23-19 win over Zimbabwe in Winnipeg.
The biggest climbers of the week were the Philippines, who jump nine places to 43rd after beating Singapore 33-10 in the semi-finals and then Malaysia 39-18 to win the Unions Cup 2026 in Thailand. Chinese Taipei finished third in the tournament and ended the week five places higher than they began it in 61st. …PACNEWS
