In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY/HEALTH — “Don’t miss a beat” in heart health push: Serevi urges Fijians
2. JIU JITSU — Seven-year-old Fijian-Tongan star wins fourth world jiu-jitsu title
3. WEIGHTLIFTING — Rainibogi claims Oceania Cup besat male lifter award
4. FOOTBALL — Vanuatu edge Fiji Kulas
5. NETBALL — ‘Not the end’: Fiji Pearls vow to rebuild after missing 2027 Netball World Cup
6. NETBALL — ‘A feeling, purpose that I can’t explain’: Sāmoa find their connection as World Cup return looms
7. FOOTBALL — Fiji Inter-district-championship pools drawn
8. FOOTBALL — Cook Islands begin new era with long-awaited homecoming
9. FOOTBALL — Second-half mistakes cost Fiji PNC final: Lomani
10. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Chiefs focus on development, creating skills
11. RUGBY LEAGUE — Superstar Nawaqanitawase makes huge career call
FIJI – RUGBY/HEALTH: PACNEWS PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 22 Sep 2026
“Don’t miss a beat” in heart health push: Serevi urges Fijians
SUVA, 22 SEPTEMBER 2026 (PACNEWS)—Fijian rugby great and PSH Hospitals Brand Ambassador Waisale Serevi is urging Fijians to take heart health seriously, warning that delaying medical checks could cost lives.
Serevi made the call while launching the PSH Hospitals Heart Awareness Campaign at the Heart Wellness Symposium in Fiji.
“Too often, we wait until we become seriously ill before seeking medical help. Please do not ignore warning signs, and do not be afraid to have regular health checks.
“Early action can save your life,” Serevi said.
Serevi, who was chief guest at the symposium, said the discipline required in sport also applied to maintaining good health.
“As a sportsman, I learned that success requires discipline, preparation and teamwork. The same principles apply to our health,” he said.
He said maintaining a healthy heart required regular exercise, nutritious food, adequate rest and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Serevi stressed that heart health was not only an issue for athletes.
“It is for every mother and father, every young person and every grandparent.
“Our families depend on us, and we must take responsibility for our health – not only for ourselves, but also for the people who love us,” he said.
Serevi said heart disease and stroke reportedly claim around eight lives each day in Fiji, with each death affecting families and communities.
“Behind every number is a person, a family and a future that may be changed forever,” he said.
He urged the public to make simple lifestyle changes and seek medical advice regularly.
“My message is simple: move your body, eat wisely, manage stress, attend regular check-ups and listen to your heart.
“Small changes made today can give us many more healthy years with our loved ones,” Serevi said.
Serevi thanked PSH Hospitals and its Heart Team for organising the eight-day campaign and encouraged members of the public to take part in its activities and use the health information being provided.
“We have one heart and one life. Let us protect them both.
“Don’t miss a beat,” he said….PACNEWS
PAC – JIU JITSU: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 22 Sep 2026
Seven-year-old Fijian-Tongan star wins fourth world jiu-jitsu title
TOKYO, 22 SEPTEMBER 2026 (PMN)—A seven-year-old Pacific jiu-jitsu prodigy is already thinking about her next title after adding another world title to her growing collection.
Achillea Fotofili Hennessy, of Tongan and Fijian descent from Auckland, recently won gold at the SJJF World Championship in Tokyo, Japan, taking her world title tally to four.
It is the latest achievement for a young athlete, who trains daily and competes across 10 sports, although Brazilian jiu-jitsu remains her main focus.
Her previous world titles include the NAGA World Championships in Texas, the IBJJF Pan Kids and the NEWBREED World Championships in Florida.
Speaking on Pacific Days, Trevor Hennessy, Achillea’s father, says watching his daughter compete on the world stage is a source of huge pride.
But he says her drive was clear long before jiu-jitsu became part of her life.
“I always knew that no matter what she was going to do, that she was going to be a champion, even before she started doing jiu-jitsu,” Trevor says.
“When I first saw her on the mats, she was just always naturally stronger. Everything she did was always amazing.
“Even when she was three years old, I got a video of her. I put her on a bike and she taught herself how to ride a bike in like three minutes.”
Trevor also says Achillea was already walking at nine months and has always been quick to take on new challenges.
“She’s always just always been ahead of the curve. Whatever she wanted to do, she was always going to be great at. So not a single moment but every moment.”
But behind the medals and daily training, her family is always making sure she gets to enjoy being a child.
Trevor says balancing a serious sporting schedule with family time and fun can be challenging.
He says the family makes time to visit parks, swimming spots, and local attractions after competitions.
The young champion says travelling for sport has also become part of the fund.
Japan was one of her favourite competitions because she enjoyed making new friends.
She trains in jiu-jitsu under Clinton Terry at Daredevil Jiu Jitsu and remains deeply connected to her Tongan heritage through her mother’s family roots in Pea and Lapaha.
“I would like to say hi to my friends. I really thank you for watching me. And I’d really like to see you again,” Achillea says.
Achillea’s next challenges are already lined up. In three weeks, she is due to compete at the national freestyle wrestling and judo championships in Auckland.
Then in December, she hopes to return to Texas for the NAGA World Championships alongside her younger sister.
Trevor says the medals are only one part of what he wants his daughter to gain from sports.
He says her achievements are a vehicle for long-term personal growth and the bigger goal is to give her every opportunity to become the best person she can be…..PACNEWS
PAC – WEIGHTLIFTING: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 22 Sep 2026
Rainibogi claims Oceania Cup besat male lifter award
MEBOURNE, 22 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FBC SPORTS) –Commonwealth Games gold medallist Taniela Rainibogi has continued his impressive international campaign, claiming the overall Men’s Division title and a $2,000(US$1,000) prize at the Oceania Cup in Hawthorn, Melbourne.
Rainibogi topped the men’s division on Sinclair percentage points, earning the competition’s Best Male Athlete award in a quality field featuring several Commonwealth Games medallists.
The result comes just one month after his gold medal-winning performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, highlighting his continued form on the international stage.
The rest of the Fiji team also delivered encouraging performances, with Apakuki Tabuawaiwai recording a personal best in the clean and jerk.
Leyna-May enjoyed an outstanding outing, setting three personal bests in the snatch, clean and jerk and total.
Daniel Shaw also impressed on his return to competition after battling the flu for around two weeks while managing a knee injury.
Weightlifting Fiji head coach Henry Elder says the team’s performances exceeded expectations and provide a timely boost as preparations continue for the 2027 Pacific Games and the Olympic qualification pathway.
Elder says the personal bests, strong return from injury and illness, and Rainibogi’s overall victory against quality opposition are positive signs for the team.
The Hawthorn competition provided an important opportunity for Fiji’s lifters to assess their progress following the Commonwealth Games, with the focus now shifting towards their next major international objectives….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 22 Sep 2026
Vanuatu edge Fiji Kulas
SUVA, 22 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—The Fiji Kulas suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Vanuatu in their MSG Prime Minister’s Cup 2026 women’s clash at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
After a tightly contested first half ended goalless, Vanuatu found the breakthrough in the 64th minute through Elina Aruvuha, who struck the decisive goal.
The Kulas pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but struggled to find a way past a resolute Vanuatu defence.
Fiji continued to press for a late response, however, Vanuatu held firm to secure the victory and leave the Kulas without a goal in the match.
The result gives Vanuatu a valuable win in the women’s competition, while Fiji will look to regroup ahead of its next assignment…..PACNEWS
PAC – NETBALL: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 22 Sep 2026
‘A feeling, purpose that I can’t explain’: Sāmoa find their connection as World Cup return looms
APIA, 22 SEPTEMBER 2026 (PMN)—Sāmoa had barely had time to come together before the Netball World qualification campaign began last week in Tonga but captain Kristiana Manu’a says the disruption has only shown how strong the team’s connection is.
Tifaimoana Sāmoa sealed their return to the Netball World Cup with a 72-50 win over the Cook Islands at the Netball World Cup Oceania Qualifiers in Nuku’alofa last week.
It will be Sāmoa’s ninth appearance at the tournament after the team missed the 2023 cycle.
For Manu’a, the return means more than simply booking a place at the world’s biggest netball stage.
“This one is so hard to put into words because it’s a feeling that I can’t explain and it’s a purpose that I can’t explain,” Manu’a says. “I’ve never felt this kind of feeling playing for Sāmoa, anywhere else.
“The connection I have with the girls is so much different to like any other team that I’ve been in, and I think we all share that same experience and that same feeling, which is really special.”
Sāmoa captain Kristiana Manu’a made her debut for the national team in 2023. Photo/Instagram.
The former Australian Diamond says the team’s strong connection to their Sāmoan roots has helped carry them through a far from perfect build-up.
“We should not be playing as well as what we are. We’ve just gotten together, last week we were meant to come a bit earlier together but we’ve had flight disruptions, we’ve had people getting sick in our campaign.
“So we haven’t had the smoothest journey leading into here. We’ve only just come together in the beginning of the week and to be able to perform the way we are and having those connections, I think that just comes down to being Sāmoan.”
That ability to quickly find each other on court has been a key part of Sāmoa’s campaign.
The result against the Cook Islands confirmed their place at the 2027 World Cup, but Manu’a says the team has been careful not to let the disappointment of missing the last tournament define this campaign.
“We as a nation share the disappointment, but I think heading into this campaign, we didn’t want to dwell on it,” Manu’a says.
“We’re a whole new team, so I think for us, it was just creating our own legacy, creating our own journey and what that looks like for us.”
For Manu’a, that fresh start has helped give the group its own identity. She joked that despite what netball can demand from the body, the feeling of representing Sāmoa is “such a strong feeling that it just keeps bringing me back.”
Sāmoa will face Tonga in the final match of the tournament, with both teams already qualified for next year’s Netball World Cup and unbeaten heading into the clash. Photo/Facebook.
It is also a feeling being shared by supporters beyond Tonga.
Manu’a says family and friends across Sāmoa and the wider Pacific, including those who travelled to Tonga, have been a major source of strength.
“We can feel the love from all over the world,” Manu’a says.
“Our wins and our journey here in Tonga to qualify for the World Cup would not be possible if it wasn’t for the support of everyone back home in Samoa, all our families that have travelled here also, family that, you know, couldn’t make it as well.
“We really feel that and we touch on it before every game, like this is our why, this is why we’re doing it. And I think that’s really driving us to get through.
“This qualification is for them, we’re truly grateful… hopefully we’ve done them proud because yeah, it’s not over.”
There is still one more match to play.
Sāmoa face hosts Tonga on Friday at 5.15pm NZT in their final qualifier, with Tonga also securing its place at next year’s World Cup as the second Oceania qualifier.
Tonga Netball chief executive Salote Sisifa never doubted her side would make it.
Asked what would happen if Tonga did not qualify, Sisifa told RNZ: “That’s not even a question because we’re going to qualify.”
For Sāmoa, however, the focus is now on finishing the campaign strongly before attention turns to a World Cup return and a new chapter for a side that has already found something special together……PACNEWS
PAC – NETBALL: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 22 Sep 2026
‘Not the end’: Fiji Pearls vow to rebuild after missing 2027 Netball World Cup
SUVA, 22 SEPTEMBER 2026 (PMN)—-Fiji’s netball governing body says its national team will “regroup, rebuild and come back stronger” after failing to qualify for next year’s Netball World Cup in Australia.
Tonga and Samoa secured the top two places at the Oceania qualifier last week.
The Tonga Tala finished the tournament undefeated, while Tifaimoana Samoa finished second. In the process, both qualified for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney.
The Fiji Pearls ended their campaign with two wins, against the Cook Islands (65-63) and Papua New Guinea (61-40), and two losses to Tonga (60-72) and Samoa (56-50).
Fiji was once the most dominant netball team among the Pacific Island nations, and was ranked as high as sixth in the world.
However, in recent years, Tonga and Samoa have overtaken Fiji as the region’s leading teams, with the Fijians struggling to match their rivals’ progress.
The Fiji Pearls are coached by New Zealander Michelle Parsons, who was appointed in February 2026 as part of Netball Fiji’s efforts to lift the national side’s performance.
In a statement on Monday thanking supporters, Netball Fiji said the Fiji Pearls would “rise again”.
“This chapter may have come to an end, but this is not the end of our journey.
“We take the lessons, the memories and the experience with us. We will regroup. We will rebuild. And we will come back stronger,” Netball Fiji said in a Facebook post…. PACNEWS
FIJI – FOOTBALL: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 22 Sep 2026
Fiji Inter-district-championship pools drawn
SUVA, 22 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The 2026 FMF Inter-District Championship Super Premier Division pool draws have been confirmed, setting the stage for a series of high-stakes clashes.
The tournament will be held from October 6 to 11 at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Teams will compete across three divisions — Super Premier, Premier and Senior.
Fiji Football Association chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf also confirmed that the Kiribati national team and Fiji’s national Under-17 side will take part in the tournament. They will play in the premier division
Super Premier Division
Pool A: Labasa, Rewa, Suva, Nasinu
Pool B: Ba, Lautoka, Navua, Nadi
Premier Division
Pool A: Nadroga, Seaqaqa, Kiribati
Pool B: Tailevu Naitasiri, Tavua, Fiji U17
Senior Division
Pool A: Lami, Northland Tailevu, Bua, Dreketi
Pool B: Rakiraki, Savusavu, Nadogo, Taveuni….PACNEWS
COOKS – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Tues 22 Sep 2026
Cook Islands begin new era with long-awaited homecoming
RAROTONGA, 22 SEPTEMBER 2026 (OFC)—After 28 years travelling the Pacific, the Cook Islands senior men’s national team will return home to Rarotonga for the first time since 1998 when they host Tahiti in the first of two international matches this weekend.
It marks the start of a new era for the team under head coach Rhys Ruka, who takes the helm on a two-year deal through to 2028, after previously leading the women’s national team during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ qualifiers earlier in the year.
“Rarotonga has had a massively positive influence on my character and the way I see the world, so to be able to give back to the country that’s given me so much is a unique blessing and one that I’m very grateful for,” says Ruka.
The Cook Islands will host Tahiti for two matches at the CIFA Complex in Rarotonga, the first on Saturday 26 September, and the second on Wednesday 30 September, also doubling as their first international matches since the culmination of their FIFA World Cup 2026™ Oceania Qualifying campaign at the first round in 2024 – 747 days ago.
Coincidentally, the last time the senior men’s team played on home soil, was also against Tahiti at the 1998 Polynesian Cup.
Ruka’s first challenge is a formidable one though, with the Cook Islands having won just two international matches over the last decade, both against Tonga.
“I love winning just as much as the next man, but we do need to have an element of realism about these first contacts,” he says. “We are playing against a very good team and players who know each other well from not only the national team, but the Pro League set up with Tahiti United as well.”
Tahiti will also be returning from the international wilderness after a time away, having last played in March 2025. They are ranked 29 places higher than the Cook Islands on the FIFA Rankings though, at #157 compared to #187.
Tahiti has also won all ten previous meetings between the two nations, including 9-1 and 3-0 wins in a similar two-match series in Pirae in 2023.
“It’s always good to play against higher ranked opposition as that’s when you learn the most. To get better, we need to spend more time together and play more games.”
Ruka led the women’s national team for five matches between November 2025 – June 2026, winning three – once against Tahiti during FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ qualifying, and twice against Afghan Women United in a two-match series. He also led Auckland-based club Fencibles United to an historic first New Zealand Chatham Cup title, just a couple of weeks ago.
“I really enjoyed taking the girls. It was very good learning and a lot of laughs, but my skill set is probably more suited to the men’s game I would say.”
“I don’t know much about a lot of our players, so this first set of games will be about setting new standards and trying to implement a way of playing while having fun along the way.”
Ruka’s appointment is part of a long-term process for the Cook Islands leading into FIFA World Cup 2030™ qualifying, and next year’s OFC Men’s Nations Cup 2028 – Qualifying, which will also be held on home soil in Rarotonga.
They haven’t qualified for the OFC Men’s Nations Cup since 2000 and will also be hoping to advance past the first round of the qualifiers for the World Cup for the first time in their nation’s history.
“We have a two-year plan, so it is about gradually getting better from the moment we get together. From the first meeting and training session in Rarotonga, I’m confident we will do that. The players are excited and I am too.”
The road ahead is a long one, but with Ruka at the helm and home advantage to come, the Cook Islands will be looking to use these matches as the foundation for a new chapter in their international journey.
Fixture Details
Both matches are scheduled to be held at the CIFA Complex in Rarotonga.
Match One
Cook Islands v Tahiti | Saturday 26 September | 6pm local time
Match Two
Cook Islands v Tahiti | Wednesday 30 September | 4pm local time…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 22 Sep 2026
Second-half mistakes cost Fiji PNC final: Lomani
TOKYO, 22 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Frank Lomani says their mistakes in the second half allowed Japan back into the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) final as the Flying Fijians surrendered a chance to defend their title in Tokyo.
Fiji led 12-10 at half-time but were outscored 10-3 after the break as Japan claimed a 20-15 victory; with Samisoni Tua scoring the decisive try late in the match.
Lomani said Fiji had prepared for Japan’s fast, wide attack but failed to maintain their defensive standards after half-time.
“This week we knew what Japan was going to bring. Defensively; we knew they were going to play fast, they were going to play wide,” LomÂani told RugbyPass.
“First half, as a team we defended really well, but then again, a few of our mistakes in the second half allowed them to come back into the game.
“When they got the ball, they used their opportunities and they converted into tries.”
The defeat left the Flying Fijians broken, particularly after they had beaten Canada 45-29 in last weekend’s semi-final to put themselves in position to retain the title.
“We’re so gutted we couldn’t finish off the job as a PNC title defender. Japan were good on the day. We played our hearts out there,” Lomani said.
The Senirusi Seruvakula-coached side made a strong start despite conÂceding an early penalty; with outside centre Virimi Vakatawa powering over for a try after breaking one tackle and carrying four defenders over the line. Caleb Muntz converted to give Fiji a 7-3 lead.
Japan responded after Mesake Doge was shown a yellow card in the 18th minute, with Mamoru Harada scoring during Fiji’s period of numerical disadvantage.
Captain Tevita Ikanivere restored Fiji’s lead before half-time, racing down the left touchline to score from a set-piece move.
But Japan controlled much of the second half and eventually found the winning score through Tua.
Fiji had just 36 per cent possession over the match, including only 27 per cent in the final 10 minutes. They completed 63 per cent of their lineouts, conceded 14 penalties and missed 24 tackles.
Lomani said Fiji had spoken throughout the week about discipline, connection and physicality but could not make enough of their opportunities.
“We’d spoken about being disciplined, being connected and just physicality. I thought we brought that in the first half and we couldn’t capitalise on playing the ball when we had it.”
The loss comes after Fiji were beaten by Wales, England and Scotland during the July Nations Championship fixtures, but Lomani said the team would learn from the campaign as it adapts to a new coaching staff and style of play.
“A few games where we went short but then again, it’s rugby sometimes. You cannot win it all. As a team, all we can do is give our best out there.
“We have a new coaching staff, they came in, we had to adjust on a new style of play and all that.
“I would say we played really well, we just couldn’t finish it,” he said …. PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 22 Sep 2026
PNG Chiefs focus on development, creating skills
PORT MORESBY, 22 SEPTEMBER 2026 (THE NATONAL) —The PNG Chiefs want their biggest legacy to extend beyond the NRL field, with the club planning to develop Papua New Guineans for leadership, coaching, specialist and community roles.
The Chiefs, who will enter the NRL in 2028, said in a statement yesterday that building a professional rugby league club in PNG is also an opportunity to develop people and create skills that could remain in the country.
The club’s community strategy would focus on partnerships with Papua New Guinean organisations, communities and leaders to deliver programmes in youth development, education, health and rugby league.
The Chiefs stated that they want to work with organisations that have strong governance and can demonstrate clear outcomes from their programmes.
One example, the franchise stated, is the Chiefs community support officer Urith Toua, who is currently undertaking a sports leadership course in the United States.
The club says the experience will help Toua develop new skills that can eventually be brought back to PNG and used to strengthen community programmes.
The Chiefs intend to use a similar approach with other staff as the organisation grows.
The broader objective is to build the capacity of Papua New Guineans inside the club rather than create an organisation that remains permanently dependent on overseas experience.
The club acknowledges that establishing an NRL organisation will require people with experience from Australia and other rugby league countries.
However, the long-term goal is to transfer knowledge and experience to Papua New Guineans so they can eventually take greater responsibility across the organisation. That includes potential roles in coaching, football operations, administration, specialist departments and executive leadership.
The Chiefs also say their community investment will be guided by purpose and accountability, with funding directed towards programmes that align with the club’s priorities and could deliver measurable benefits.
The club says it wants to remain closely connected to the PNGRFL and communities as it develops its programmes.
The club’s stated ambition is to build a Papua New Guinean organisation that can create opportunities for young people, develop professional skills and strengthen rugby league structures across the country. The real test will be how successfully those plans translate into long-term opportunities for Papua New Guineans before and after the Chiefs’ first NRL season in 2028…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 22 Sep 2026
Superstar Nawaqanitawase makes huge career call
SYDNEY, 22 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—An emotional Mark Nawaqanitawase has ruled out ever playing for any other NRL club than the Sydney Roosters as he eyes the ultimate farewell to rugby league.
Returning to rugby at season’s end, Nawaqanitawase will remain among the hottest free agents in either code whenever he comes off contract as he routinely floats between the 13 and 15-man game.
But the dual international is adamant he will only ever consider donning the Tricolours after detailing how much of a wrench it is to be leaving the Roosters after a spectacular two-year stint in the NRL.
“If I was to ever come back, it’d only be for the Roosters,” Nawaqanitawase, who is of Fijian and Italian heritage, said on Monday.
“It’s been above and beyond what I thought it would go like, so I’m enjoying it every week and hopefully I can continue to enjoy it for the next two.
“It’s been the best decision ever”, he said.
Whether it’s scoring the most freakish of tries or setting them up, the superstar winger has proven a one-man highlights reel for the Roosters and almost choked up when talking about moving on.
“It’s a bit sad sometimes, like just thinking about leaving everyone.
“But I’m just trying to enjoy it while I can. I don’t try to get too caught up in it. Obviously I definitely do reminisce on some of the good times and feel that, but for the most part just enjoy it every day I can,” he said.
Headed for the Saitama Wild Knights in Japan’s League One competition, Nawaqanitawase also shut down talk of potentially playing at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
The happily single 26-year-old will be living alone for the first time and says learning to adapt to domestic duties is a priority.
‘I’m just having a bit of time off before I leave the country, spending time with my family, my friends and then having that respect just to start up a new club and find my feet there,” Nawaqanitawase said.
“It’ll be my first time living out of home, so I just get my head around cooking for myself, working out how things work around the house.
“I’m not that bad but I actually know nothing about just getting an idea of how it is to live by myself.
“So that’s going to take a few weeks and if I’m good if I’m going in and out, it could disrupt things.”
From Olympic Games and State of Origin to Tests for the Wallabies and Kangaroos, the code-hopping ace has already played on the grandest stages in league and union, but reckons featuring in an NRL grand final would match anything he’s ever done.
“It’d be great, obviously,” he said ahead of Friday night’s preliminary final against the Dolphins in Brisbane.
“I’d say it’d have to be up there with one of those big events: a World Cup, Origin, so I want to do everything I can this week to get there,” he said…PACNEWS
