In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Chiefs punish Fijian Drua to remain second on Super Rugby ladder
2. RUGBY — Coach Glenn Jackson frustrated, as Fijian Drua fall again
3. RUGBY — World Rugby chair responds to Moana Pasifika struggles
4. RUGBY — FRU AGM elects Mow as director rugby
5. FOOTBALL — Franck Castillo to take on new role at FIFA after distinguished tenure with OFC
6. FOOTBALL — Cook Islands advance after hard fought draw with Papua New Guinea
7. FOOTBALL — Puaikura FC book tickets to OFC Women’s Champions Lague 2026
8. WEIGHTLIFTING — Sixteen debutants headline Fiji’s weightlifting push in Samoa
9. FOOTBALL — Fiji FA opposes Vuda incinerator, cites threat to stadium project
10. FOOTBALL — Hosts confirmed for 2027 OFC competitions
PAC – RUGBY: SUPER RUGBY PACNEWS: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Chiefs punish Fijian Drua to remain second on Super Rugby ladder
CHRISTCHURCH, 27 APRIL 2026 (SUPER RUGBY)—The Chiefs have secured a vital bonus point win as they took down the Fijian Drua 42-22 to conclude Super Round.
The Drua’s costly mistakes on their goal-line were the difference as the Chiefs built a lead they couldn’t recover from.
Victory puts the Chiefs back into second on the ladder, tied top on points with the Hurricanes.
The Fijian Drua got off to a flyer as prop Mesake Doge crossed inside the first four minutes.
But the Chiefs were quick to respond with a double strike to take the lead.
Hooker Brodie McAlister saluted at the back of the rolling maul, followed over by Quinn Tupaea backing up Daniel Sinkinson’s break to continue his strong season.
The teams would trade try-savers as Isaac Hutchison stopped Frank Lomani with a diving effort in the corner, before the debutant was stopped himself under the posts.
With the game in the balance at 14-10 to the Chiefs, a brain explosion by Drua fullback Iliasia Droasese blew the game wide open.
Situated in his in-goal, the former Red grubbered for himself, getting as far as prop Jared Proffit, who dived on the ball to plant it down with his wrist.
The Chiefs compounded this error with a try to Cortez Ratima, extending their lead to 18 points.
Droasese made another try-costing blunder, just planting it down before losing it to a Chiefs player, giving the hosts the five metre scrum for Sinkinson’s second.
Replacement hooker Kavaia Tagivetaua delighted the Fijians in the crowd with a great long-range effort from the front-rower, breaking tackles and running 30 metres for the try.
Simione Kuruvoli’s dart with 14 minutes to go gave the fans hope of an epic comeback.
But replacement Tepaea Cook-Savage hit straight back to put the game out of reach with a five-pointer four minutes later.
Chiefs 42 (Tries: Sinkinson, Tupaea, McAlister, Proffit, Cook-Savage, Ratima; Cons: McKenzie 6) def Fijian Drua 22 (Tries: Tagivetaua, Doge, Kuruvoli; Cons: Armstrong-Ravula 2; Pens: Armstrong-Ravula)….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Coach Glenn Jackson frustrated, as Fijian Drua fall again
CHRISTCHUERCH, 27 APRIL 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC)—Glen Jackson did not mince his words.
After his side going 42-22 down to the Chiefs at the One NZ Stadium on Sunday evening in the Super Rugby Pacific ‘Super Round’, the Fijian Drua coach said their performance was not up to par.
He called it frustrating and called the team out for not scoring tries, although they had so much possession in the last quarter of the game.
Two tries in the last 20 minutes and consistent pressure towards the end of the match had fans cheering them on, but in the end, the Chiefs counterattacked and scored the closing try, with Tepaea Cook-Savage claiming the last of the game.
“Pretty frustrating, yeah, it was frustrating,” Jackson told media. “We created plenty of opportunities to score tries.
“We started the game really well with a great try, then we watched the individual errors.
“You know, we could have scored at the end of the first half, then two tries each. In the second half, the boys didn’t give up and kept going for 80.”
Jackson was also not happy with fullback Ilaisa Droasese, who gave away two tries through mistakes.
The first came when, after cleaning up a kick ahead, he opted to grubber for himself in his own in-goal and Chiefs prop Jarred Proffit simply dived on the loose ball to score.
TV commentators were stunned by the move, and so were fans watching at the stadium and on TV screens across the globe, including Fiji.
“Obviously, it’s not what we’re after,” said Jackson, who added that maybe Droasese was “looking as if he was obstructed”.
“Yeah, I don’t know what it was.”
He said the loss made their chances of reaching a top-six spot harder.
“We said to the boys, if we win five of our last seven, we’ll make it.”
The Chiefs did not have it their way either, with the Drua giving them tough moments, but the fact they were more consistent with their opportunities made the difference in the end.
“We’ll take some good learnings,” Jackson said. “The Chiefs are a quality team and I thought we had them, had them on the racks quite a few times.
“We just didn’t score tries.”
Co-captain Temo Mayanavanua said consistency was something they would need to work really hard on, because they had their opportunities and moments against the Chiefs.
“It all comes down to consistency and that’s what we saw tonight,” he said. “We weren’t consistent enough.
“We build up and then slacken off a little bit, which is not good enough against a quality side like the Chiefs.’
The Chiefs scored six tries to Drua’s three, leading 28-10 at halftime.
The Drua will now meet the Highlanders, who defeated Moana Pasifika 27-17 earlier on Sunday.
Moana Pasifika head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga revealed that, while he was disappointed the team lost, he was proud of their effort, despite all the off-the-field pressure the players and management are going through.
Umaga, who will join the All Blacks coaching team at the end of the current Super Rugby Pacific season, said anxiety caused by the uncertainty over the club’s future was a major pressure that the team continued to face daily.
“It’s that uncertainty that brings on a lot of anxiety and there’s a lot of anxious kids within our group,” he said, referring to the announcement last week that the franchise was financially unable to continue after this season, unless someone picks up the tab to keep the team going.
“We understand where we’re at. I’m so proud of the guys, our men, being able to park that in the carpark before they come in.
“We talk a lot around persevering and keeping faith, but also around controlling what we can control.”
Moana Pasifika will host the Blues at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday night….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS: Mon 27 Apr 2026
World Rugby chair responds to Moana Pasifika struggles
AUCKLAND/DUBLIN, 27 APRIL 2026 (AAP)—World Rugby chair Brett Robinson has fiercely defended the organisation’s investment in the Pacific, but says it’s not their job to rescue the embattled Moana Pasifika.
Moana Pasifika are among the 10 teams in Christchurch for Super Round at the city’s new One NZ Stadium.
Moana Pasifika are at long odds to return next year though, after ownership last week declared it unviable to continue investment beyond this season.
New investment — upwards of $8 million (US$4.69 million) a season — is being sought, but the window to save the franchise, initially funded alongside Fijian Drua by World Rugby and introduced to Super Rugby Pacific in 2022, is closing rapidly.
Designed as a pathway for Tongan, Cook Islands and Samoan talent, Moana Pasifika were unable to establish a permanent presence in those countries and instead battled for attention in Auckland.
Pasifika coach and All Blacks great Tana Umaga, as well as Samoan and New Zealand rugby icon Michael Jones fear rugby league will benefit as the NRL continues to surge in popularity in the region.
The Warriors have sold out their Saturday NRL clash with the Dolphins in Wellington, and there is heavy support for a second New Zealand side to rival them, based in the South Island.
But Robinson shot back on Friday, rattling off World Rugby’s continued investment in all levels of men’s and women’s game in the islands as a reminder of the body’s commitment.
“I have to say again to my friend [Australian Rugby League Commission chairman] Peter V’landys, with the greatest respect to your game, we are the game of the Pacific,” the former Wallabies flanker said.
“Rugby’s competitive advantage is that we are truly a global, international game.
“We have to stay true to our competitive edge… we have to keep it all in perspective.
“World Rugby doesn’t underwrite professional teams.
“It’s not our job, but what we will do is invest heavily in creating and supporting the capability of international teams, where we can.”
Super Rugby Pacific boss Jack Mesley said clubs needed to be “fan-centric and drive revenue and not be reliant on handouts”.
“We can’t be sitting here looking at Brett [to help],” he said.
More than 14,000 fans have travelled to Christchurch for Super Round, which was held three times in Melbourne before being axed last season following the Rebels’ demise.
The concept is yet to lock in a home beyond this year, but Mesley is confident the buzz of its return will drive up interest.
“It’s a pivotal moment for this city and our Crusaders, arguably the best club rugby team in the world, for this city to really have the final showpiece in their rebuild [since the 2011 earthquake],” he said…. PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS: Mon 27 Apr 2026
FRU AGM elects Mow as director rugby
SUVA, 27 APRIL 2206 (FIJI SUN)—Post Fiji chief executive officer Isaac Mow is the new inclusion on the Fiji Rugby Union board.
The former national rep was elected as director rugby in today’s FRU Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Novotel, Lami.
Mow replaced Koli Sewabu who’s position was left vacant when he was appointed FRU CEO in December.
Tony Ram who was co-opted by the board in January was also confirmed Saturday.
“He (Ram) was brought in because of his background in banking and finance as we look to pursue the financial and the commercial side of things,” Sewabu said.
Duo Anare Manulevu and Mosese Naivalu were re-appointed as director finance and legal, respectively.
Sewabu also confirmed FRU made a profit of $200k(US$100,000) in its last financial year….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Franck Castillo to take on new role at FIFA after distinguished tenure with OFC
AUCKLAND, 27 APRIL 2026 (OFC)—Oceania Football Confederation General Secretary Franck Castillo has announced he will depart the organisation to take on a new position as Director of Football for Schools at FIFA, bringing to a close a highly impactful chapter in Oceania football.
Castillo was appointed General Secretary in July 2018 after holding the position in an acting capacity since January of that year, and he has overseen one of the most transformative periods in the confederation’s history. Across his eight years in the role and 17 years with the organisation as a whole, he has driven significant advancements in professionalism, governance and football development across the region.
Expressing his strong appreciation and respect for Mr Castillo’s impact, Oceania Football Confederation President Lambert Maltock said:“Franck has been an exceptional General Secretary for the Oceania Football Confederation. During his tenure, he has strengthened the professionalism of our administration, elevated our competitions, and deepened engagement with our Member Associations across the region. His leadership has helped position OFC with greater credibility and purpose on the global stage. While we are naturally saddened to see him leave, we are immensely proud that his abilities have been recognised with an important role at FIFA. We thank Franck for his outstanding service and wish him every success in this next chapter.”
Among Castillo’s notable achievements was the launch of the OFC Pro League, marking the establishment of Oceania’s first professional league, an historic milestone that has reshaped the football landscape in the region.
He has played a key role in modernising the confederation, implementing key governance and financial reforms that have strengthened the foundations of football across OFC’s 13 Member Associations.
His leadership helped bring to life OFC’s Home of Football – Te Kahu o Kiwa in Auckland, creating a dedicated hub for football in Oceania and a permanent home for the confederation’s operations.
Castillo has been a strong advocate for inclusivity and development.
He supported the successful bid for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ co-hosted in New Zealand and Australia, reinforcing OFC’s commitment to gender equality and the growth of the women’s game.
Having first joined the organisation as the Head of Social Responsibility in 2009, Mr Castillo implemented the OFC Just Play Programme, promoting learning through play, which has reached 500,000 children aged between 6-18 years across Oceania.
Reflecting on his time with OFC, Castillo said:“Leaving OFC is not an easy decision for me. This organisation has been a huge part of my life for nearly two decades, and the people and the region mean so much to me. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, and I leave with great confidence in the future of football in Oceania. While I am excited for this next chapter with FIFA, OFC will always hold a special place in my heart.”
He now embarks on an exciting new chapter with football’s global governing body at the FIFA offices in Paris.
Castillo’s appointment at FIFA reflects both his outstanding contribution to football in Oceania and the global recognition of his leadership and vision. His legacy will be felt across the region for years to come.
The OFC Executive Committee has appointed Chief Operating Officer Frederic Guillemont as Acting General Secretary, as the organisation continues to build on the strong platform established under Castillo’s tenure. ….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Cook Islands advance after hard fought draw with Papua New Guinea
PORT MORESBY, 27 APRIL 2026 (OFC)—Cook Islands have secured top spot in the qualifying tournament and progression to the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship after grinding out a 1-1 draw with Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby.
Heading into the clash, both sides were level with one win apiece after dominant performances against American Samoa, but Cook Islands held the edge on goal difference and only needed a draw to advance. Papua New Guinea meanwhile, required a victory to claim the lone qualification spot.
The Junior Bilums started brightly, moving the ball quickly and looking to exploit gaps with direct through passes, but Cook Islands’ backline held firm. Their defensive shape frustrated the hosts for long stretches of the first half, limiting clear-cut chances.
Delma Duadak came closest early on, using her pace to break into the box in the 15th minute, only to be denied by a crucial intervention from Mamia Piri-Savage.
Cook Islands threatened from set-pieces and nearly stole the lead in the 33rd minute. Metuamaru Arere’s corner delivery caused confusion in the area, falling kindly for Teniva Tauu on the edge of the box, but her strike flew over the bar.
Papua New Guinea’s pressure eventually told in the 38th minute. A slick passage of play led by Oscalina Gunemba unlocked the Cook Islands defence, and Joylin Lisah timed her run perfectly to meet the pass and fire home with conviction, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead at the break.
Cook Islands emerged from halftime with greater urgency, knowing their qualification hopes were still intact but far from secure. A turning point came when Serah Witu was shown a yellow card, gifting Arere a free-kick in a dangerous position. Her effort was well saved by Helina George, who parried the ball to safety, and a follow-up header was ruled out for offside.
The equaliser arrived in the 63rd minute after Allana Vino fouled Tehanarei Nga inside the box. Arere stepped up and showed composure under pressure, sliding her penalty low into the bottom corner to level the match.
With momentum on their side, Cook Islands pushed forward in search of a winner. Nga produced a dazzling run past multiple defenders before unleashing a shot that forced another sharp save from George in the 70th minute.
Papua New Guinea threw bodies forward late on, but Cook Islands held their shape and saw out the result. The draw was enough to seal top spot and confirm their place in Honiara, capping a disciplined and resilient performance.
Cook Islands: 1 (Metuamaru ARERE 63’)
Papua New Guinea: 1 (Joylin LISAH 38’)
HT: 0-1…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Puaikura FC book tickets to OFC Women’s Champions Lague 2026
RAROTONGA, 27 APRIL 2026 (OFC)—Puaikura FC have secured their spot at OFC Women’s Champions League 2026 with a 3-0 victory over PanSa FC on home soil at the CIFA Academy in the Cook Islands.
Coming into the fixture off the back of a 2-0 win over Nukuhetulu FC in their first game, two of Puaikura’s three goals came in the first half, as they took maximum points from their two fixtures to claim the competition’s sole qualifying spot.
Qualification means they’ll join two-time defending champions Auckland United FC of New Zealand and Drehu Athletico Club of New Caledonia in Group B of OFC Women’s Champions Lague 2026 in the Solomon Islands.
With the stakes high, tensions boiled over early. A scuffle off the ball saw Tearoa Rouru for Puaikura FC, and both Olea Tofaeono and captain Angela Ah Fook, dismissed from the contest in the 23rd minute with red cards.
Puaikura asserted themselves from there on in with a player-advantage, scoring two goals before the half-time break to all but confirm victory.
Penina Katuke ran onto a free-kick delivery over the top of the PanSa defence to open the scoring in the 26th minute, before Victoria Fatiaki caught goalkeeper Rayxena Foma’i off her line to double their advantage just before the break.
Despite having only nine players left on the field, PanSa did well to frustrate Puaikura for much of the second half. Foma’i did well to turn Te Upoko Tuariki’s long-range effort onto the crossbar, before stopping Katuke on the rebound.
The third and final goal for the home side eventually arrived in the 79th minuute, Kaylenna Kermoda catching Foma’i off her line for a second time in the match to seal victory.
Puaikura FC can now start planning for the start of OFC Women’s Champions League 2026 in the Solomon Islands in June, whilst PanSa FC will hope to finish their campaign on a high when they face Nukuhetulu FC in the final match of the qualification tournament on Monday.
Puaikura FC: 3 (Penina KATUKE 26’, Victoria FATIAKI 45’, Kayleena KERMODE 79′)
PanSa FC: 0
HT: 2-0 …PACNEWS
PAC – WEIGHTLIFTING: FIJI SUN PACNEWS: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Sixteen debutants headline Fiji’s weightlifting push in Samoa
APIA, 27 APRIL 2026 (FIJI SUN)—A new generation of lifters is stepping onto the international stage, with 16 debutants leading Fiji’s campaign at the 2026 Universal Weightlifting Cup in Apia, Samoa.
The Weightlifting Fiji team arrived safely on 23 April for the major regional event, which includes the Oceania Senior, Junior and Youth Championships, as well as the Commonwealth Junior and Youth Championships.
For the 16 first-time representatives — six females and 10 males — the competition marks a defining moment, as they wear Fiji colours for the first time against top athletes from across the Oceania and Commonwealth regions.
The youthful squad includes athletes as young as 12, highlighting the federation’s focus on developing talent from grassroots level.
Weightlifting Fiji manager Ratu Orisi Sanadali said the strong number of debutants signalled a bright future for the sport.
“This is a proud and memorable moment for Weightlifting Fiji. To have 16 athletes here in Samoa for their first international competition is a major achievement and a strong sign that the future of our sport is bright. These young men and women have worked hard for this opportunity, and simply being here is already an important step in their development. We are confident they will represent Fiji with pride, discipline and humility, and we hope this experience will inspire them to continue striving for even greater success in the years ahead.”
Beyond medals, the campaign is seen as a crucial development opportunity — giving young lifters exposure to high-level competition, building confidence and lifting performance standards.
Officials say the experience gained in Samoa will play a key role in shaping the next wave of Fijian weightlifters and strengthening the sport’s future at home.
Weightlifting Fiji also acknowledged the support of coaches, officials, parents and sponsors in helping athletes reach the international stage.
As competition gets underway, the team is calling on Fijians to rally behind the young squad as they begin their international journeys…..PACNEWS
FIJI – FOOTBALL: FIJI SUN PACNEWS: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Fiji FA opposes Vuda incinerator, cites threat to stadium project
SUVA, 27 APRIL 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) is opposing the proposed $1.4 billion(US$630 million) Waste to Energy project at Vuda Point.
With the new 20,000-seater stadium construction in Lomolomo, Lautoka, set to begin this year, Fiji FA chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf said the waste incinerator project would be a threat.
“Our planned development will be in close proximity and as such it will have drastic effect tour plans,” Yusuf said.
The stadium project costs will be around $25 million(US$12.5 million) to $30 million(US$15 million).
Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) also opposed the proposed Vuda project as they to establish the first permanent national home for rugby at Saweni, Lautoka.
“I understand that no approval has been given and Fiji FA will stand firm with FRU, landowners, and communities in opposing this project.”
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said no approval has been granted for the project in Vuda–Saweni to proceed.
Rabuka clarified that Cabinet had only approved the company to carry out due diligence, including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and public consultations…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Hosts confirmed for 2027 OFC competitions
AUCKLAND, 27 APRIL 2026 (OFC)—The OFC Executive Committee has approved the host nations for all OFC competitions in 2027, with the exception of the OFC Pro League and OFC Women’s Champions League 2027 – Qualifying.
14 competitions have been scheduled, to be held across eight different Member Associations next year, highlighted by the OFC Men’s Olympic Qualifier for the 2028 Olympic Games and the qualifying tournament for the OFC Men’s Nations Cup 2028 – the region’s showpiece men’s international event.
The OFC Men’s Olympic Qualifier will be held in Papua New Guinea, with the winner qualifying for the men’s football event at the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The Melanesian nation will also host the OFC Women’s Champions League 2027, having hosted it’s inaugural edition in 2023.
Elsewhere, the OFC Men’s Nations Cup 2028 – Qualifying will be held in the Cook Islands, with the winner advancing to the OFC Men’s Nations Cup 2028.
Both the U-16 and U-19 OFC Women’s Championships will be held in Samoa, whilst Vanuatu notably returns to hosting duties for the first time since 2024 with the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2027 – Qualifying in April.
The 26th edition of the OFC Men’s Champions League will return to Fiji for the second-year running in 2027, and the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2027 has been scheduled for the Solomon Islands in August.
Futsal also makes it’s return to the OFC competitions calendar with the OFC Men’s Futsal Champions League 2027 to be held in Tahiti.
Dates, match venues, and kick-off times, as well as host nations for the OFC Pro League and OFC Women’s Champions League 2027 – Qualifying, will be announced and confirmed at a later date.
OFC 2027 Competition Calendar
OFC Pro League 2027 | TBC
OFC Men’s Champions League 2027 – Qualifying | Tonga, 6-12 February
OFC Women’s Champions League 2027 – Qualifying | TBC
OFC U-19 Women’s Championship 2027 – Qualifying | Samoa, 6-12 March
OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2027 – Qualifying | Tonga, 13-19 March
OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2027 – Qualifying | Vanuatu, 9-17 April
OFC Women’s Champions League 2027 | Papua New Guinea, 9-22 May
OFC Men’s Olympic Qualifier | Papua New Guinea, Dates TBC
OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2027 | Samoa, 18-31 July
OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2027 | Solomon Islands, 8-21 August
OFC Men’s Champions League 2027 | Fiji, 29 August – 11 September
OFC U-19 Women’s Championship 2027 | Samoa, 12-25 September
OFC Men’s Nations Cup 2028 – Qualifying | Cook Islands, Dates TBC OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League 2027 | Tahiti, 2-10 December ….PACNEWS
