In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Moana Pasifika collapse laid bare as liquidators reveal $8.2 million debt
2. RUGBY — Fijian Drua women name 10 debutants for season opener
3. RUGBY — Salawa wins Drua Player of the Year award
4. RUGBY — Bordeaux sets the stage for a thrilling HSBC SVNS World Championship finale
5. RUGBY — Fiji drawn with Blitzboks in Bordeaux
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG MP Bird raises Chiefs’ ownership question
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — Blue Bula came through Queensland’s maroon factory
8. FOOTBALL — Step up to professional level, PNG footballers told
9. RUGBY — Duck set to receive 25th cap as Waratah Women open title defence
10. RUGBY — ACT Brumbies Women announce squad for season opener against Queensland Reds
11. MINI GAMES — Palau’s Pacific Mini Games success earns regional recognition at Oceania Olympic Assembly
PAC – RUGBY: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 04 Jun 2026
Moana Pasifika collapse laid bare as liquidators reveal $8.2 million debt
AUCKLAND, 04 JUNE 2026 (PMN)—The extent of Moana Pasifika’s financial difficulties has been revealed in the first report from the club’s liquidators which shows the franchise entered liquidation owing an estimated $8.2 million (US$4.80 millio)
The report, released on Tuesday by John Fisk and Stephen White, provides the clearest picture yet of the club’s financial position before it was placed into liquidation.
It shows the franchise owes about $4.3m (US$2.52 million) to secured creditors and a further $3.9m (US$2.28 million) to unsecured creditors after shareholders voted to place Moana Pasifika Limited into liquidation on 25 May.
One of the biggest debts is a $2.7m (US$1.58 million) loan provided by the Crown through Sport NZ.
The liquidators say the company has no significant assets available for sale, leaving limited prospects for creditors seeking repayment.
The report identifies more than 140 known and potential creditors, including players, coaches, staff and suppliers linked to the club.
All employment agreements were terminated when the company entered liquidation, affecting between 75 and 80 employees across the playing, coaching and support teams.
The report highlights the club’s financial position in the weeks after owners, Pasifika Medical Association (PMA), announced in April that Moana Pasifika would not return for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the franchise’s future, players and staff were able to complete the 2026 campaign after New Zealand Rugby stepped in to cover wages through to the end of July.
Moana was created to provide a professional pathway for Pasifika players while celebrating Pacific identity on one of rugby’s biggest stages.
The liquidators are continuing their investigations into the company’s affairs and are inviting any remaining creditors to lodge claims by 15 July.
The report has been filed with the New Zealand Companies Office as the liquidation process continues…. PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC NEWS PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 04 Jun 2026
Fiji Drua women name 10 debutants for season opener
SUVA, 04 JUNE 2026 (FBC NEWS)—Fiji Drua Women have named an exciting matchday squad featuring ten debutants for their opening round clash of the 2026 Super Rugby Women’s season this Saturday in Sydney.
Head coach Mike Legge has blended fresh talent with experienced internationals as the side prepares to take on defending champions, the Waratahs, at Leichhardt Oval. The selection reflects strong performances during pre-season, with several new players earning their first opportunity at this level.
Among those set to make their Drua debut are Vodafone Fijiana 15s representatives Varanisese Qoro and Ivamere Rokowati, alongside Nadroga lock Karavaki Lutumaibau and rising Nasinu talent Aqela Raitubu. They join a starting lineup anchored by seasoned campaigners, including captain Bitila Tawake and vice-captain Alfreda Fisher.
Up front, Karalaini Naisewa starts at loosehead prop, partnering hooker Tawake and tighthead Tiana Robanakadavu. In the second row, Mereoni Nakesa links with debutant Lutumaibau, while the loose forward trio features Carletta Yee, Nunia Daunimoala and Fisher at number eight.
In the backline, halfback Evivi Senikarivi pairs with flyhalf Qoro, while Raitubu and Kolora Lomani take up the wing positions. Josivini Naihamu and Rokowati combine in midfield, with Litiana Vueti named at fullback.
The bench also carries a mix of experience and new talent, including Zipporah Sorokacika, Keri Lawavou, Vilisi Tivalele and Michella’e Stolz, all rewarded for strong pre-season performances.
The Drua Women will be aiming to make a strong statement in their season opener as they look to challenge the reigning champions on home soil….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 04 Jun 2026
Salawa wins Drua Player of the Year award
NADI, 04 JUNE 2026 (FIJI SUN) —Flamboyant openside flanker Kitione Salawa received the Fijian Drua Player of the Year and the Encore Player’s Player of the Year Awards during the club’s presentation night in Denarau.
The Player of the Year award is the highest individual honour for the club.
The award recognises the player whose performances, consistency, leadership and overall contribution had the greatest impact throughout the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
“Salawa’s outstanding campaign saw him emerge as a deserving recipient of the club’s most prestigious individual accolade.
“His recognition completed a memorable double on the night after earlier being named Players’ Player of the Year,” stated the club.
On Monday, Salawa was named in the 32-member Flying Fijians squad for the July Nations Championship.
Fijian Drua chief executive officer Jeff Miller thanked sponsors, families and fans for the continued commitment to the club and reflected on the important role they play both on and off the field.
Also, during the event was a special farewell segment of departing players of Inia Tabuavou, Ponipate Loganimasi, Etonia Waqa, Elia Canakaivata, Joseva Tamani, Ilaisa Droasese, Simione Kuruvoli and Isoa Nasilasila. Along with departing staff members of Tim Sampson, Qio Vucago and head coach Glen Jackson.
OTHER AWARDS
Punjas Rookie of the Year Award- SAIRUSI RAVUDI (HOOKER)
Voted by the men’s coaching staff, the award is where they recognises the newcomer who had adapted successfully to the demands of professional rugby, while demonstrating strong professionalism, discipline and self-leadership.
Tanoa Hotels Community Champion- INIA TABUAVOU (CENTRE)
Recognises the player who has made the greatest contribution to community engagement, fan initiatives and sponsor activities throughout the season.
Tabuavou was the unanimous choice after leading numerous community visits, school engagements and sponsor appearances across Fiji, while continuing to contribute on the field.
Flick Hygiene Personal Development Award- SAMUELA TAWAKE (PROP)
The award recognises the player who has shown the greatest commitment to preparing for life beyond rugby. Tawake demonstrated outstanding initiative and discipline in developing his Life After Rugby journey, balancing the demands of professional sport while successfully establishing business ventures alongside his wife.
Tropik Wood Fan Player of the Year- MANASA MATAELE (WING)
The winner is determined by supporters through fan voting conducted throughout the season. The award recognizes the player who captured the imagination and admiration of the Drua faithful though his performances and connection with the fans. …PACNEWS
FRANCE – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 04 Jun 2026
Bordeaux sets the stage for a thrilling HSBC SVNS World Championship finale
BORDEAUX, 04 JUNE 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—The HSBC SVNS World Championship returns for one last dramatic tournament with three days of wall-to-wall action in the western French city of Bordeaux bringing the curtain down on an entertaining season of sevens rugby – with World Championship glory and a place among next season’s HSBC SVNS elite on the line.
The 24 captains in the presence of Mayor of Bordeaux Thomas Cazenave and French Rugby Federation CEO Christophe Pierrel gathered at the historic and beautiful Opera national de Bordeaux for the final captains’ photocall of the season, less than a week after reigning men’s and women’s world champions South Africa and New Zealand suffered shocks in north-west Spain on a golden weekend for the Australian teams.
The men’s side beat the Blitzboks in the final to climb from sixth to third in the World Championship Series standings, and head into the weekend with a genuine chance of claiming the title on Sunday – though Argentina, Fiji, Spain and New Zealand all have their eyes on lifting the trophy on Sunday.
Australia’s women’s side, meanwhile, leapfrogged the Black Ferns Sevens in the women’s standings, after a stunning run to the final, beating their trans-Tasman rivals in the semi-finals and then getting the better of USA in the final.
Australia, New Zealand and USA top the women’s standings, but France and Canada are chasing hard.
Home country captain Lili Dezou said France were ready to put on a command performance in front of a passionate home crowd at Stade Atlantique, as they look to finish a strong season on a high.
“We are very excited to be in Bordeaux because it’s our home and it’s in front of the French public. We can’t wait to play this weekend,” she said.
“There will be a lot of noise, and the fans will be partying everywhere – it will be a lot of fun.”
At the other end of the women’s standings, Brazil, South Africa, Argentina and Great Britain head into the final weekend of the season in the most need of points as they seek to avoid relegation to HSBC SVNS 2.
Les Bleus’ captain Paulin Riva was looking forward to playing in a tournament on French soil for the first time since the Olympic Games in Paris.
“Returning to France after our success at the Paris Olympics is a great opportunity,” he said. “Playing in front of our families, friends, and French supporters in a city like Bordeaux, a rugby city, is a privilege.”
His France side will be looking for a strong performance in front of a partisan home crowd, as they look to steer a course up the standings and away from the bottom four, currently occupied by Uruguay, Germany, USA, and Great Britain….PACNEWS
FRANCE – RUGBY: FBC PORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 04 Jun 2026
Fiji drawn with Blitzboks in Bordeaux
SUVA, 04 JUNE 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s side has been drawn alongside South Africa, Kenya and Great Britain in Pool A for the HSBC SVNS World Championship finale in Bordeaux this weekend.
The Fijians face a tough challenge against the Blitzboks, who lead the overall standings and are four points ahead of Argentina.
South Africa can secure the World Championship title if they reach the Cup Final in Bordeaux.
Fiji heads into the final tournament ranked fourth after collecting 26 points from the first two World Championship events in Hong Kong and Valladolid.
Australia, Spain, the USA and Uruguay make up Pool B, while Argentina, New Zealand, France and Germany are in Pool C.
The tournament will be held from tomorrow till this Sunday as teams battle for the 2025/26 HSBC SVNS crown….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 04 Jun 2026
PNG MP Bird raises Chiefs’ ownership question
PORT MORESBY, 04 JUNE 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Fresh questions are being raised over who will truly control and financially support the PNG Chiefs, with Opposition member Allan Bird admitting that key details surrounding the ownership of the NRL expansion side remain unclear.
As excitement continues to build around Chiefs entry, Bird said uncertainty over ownership could become one of the biggest challenges facing the club’s long-term future.
“I’m not sure who owns the Chiefs,” Bird revealed.
“Whether its PNG entities, the NRL or others, I personally do not know.”
The East Sepik Governor said ownership would play a major role in determining whether the franchise became a successful sporting business or ended up struggling financially.
“Whoever the owners are, if there’s no money, they’ve got to cough up the money to keep it going,” Bird said. “That’s how business works.”
His comments come at a time when public interest in the Chiefs continues to grow, particularly with expectations that the club could transform rugby league, create jobs and increase international exposure for Papua New Guinea.
However, behind the excitement, Bird warned that running a modern NRL club requires strong financial backing, clear leadership and long-term planning.
The Governor acknowledged that experienced rugby league administrators are currently leading the PNG project and expressed hope they are working on sustainable business plans for the future.
“The people running the game for PNG have got a lot of experience,” Bird said. “We’re hoping there’s something they can work on going forward.”
His remarks now shift part of the national discussion away from passion for rugby league and towards the commercial realities of maintaining a professional sporting franchise in one of the toughest competitions in the world.
Bird believes the biggest test for the Chiefs may not be what happens on the football field, but whether the club can eventually survive financially without relying heavily on taxpayer support.
“For now, the future remains uncertain. No one has a crystal ball and we can’t see the future, so we wait until the time comes,” Bird added….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 04 Jun 2026
Blue Bula came through Queensland’s maroon factory
BRISBANE, 04 JUNE 2026 (AAP)—He honed his skills at Queensland’s most famous rugby league nursery, but Gold Coast-raised Jahream Bula would prefer to see NSW take out the State of Origin shield in game two.
And he’s hoping Wests Tigers teammate Api Koroisau is there to help the Blues make it happen, following an arm injury to incumbent bench hooker Blayke Brailey.
Bula has always cheered for the Blues, despite the great Queensland dynasty of eight consecutive series wins happening during the 24-year-old’s youth.
“I’m a NSW supporter, I’ve always gone for them since I was a little kid,” Bula said.
The New Zealand-born fullback moved to Queensland to attend Keebra Park State High School, which counts Payne Haas, Benji Marshall and Reece Walsh among its NRL-playing alumni.
Whilst his schooling didn’t change his allegiance as a fan, Bula has not committed his playing future to either state.
The rising star admitted he is definitely aspiring for a future Origin call-up but “wasn’t sure” which side he would choose, admitting that his eligibility is “complicated”.
Bula has family links to country NSW.
The Tiger is adamant that his club co-captain Koroisau deserves a spot in the NSW game two side hunting a series victory at the MCG.
“He’s been one of the best hookers in the game,” Bula said.
“He showed that when he’s been playing for us, that he played at that speed, played at that level.”
Debuting for NSW in game three 2021, Koroisau also featured in the 2022 and 2023 editions for the Blues.
The 33-year-old’s opportunity for game one selection was hampered after the hooker copped a three-game suspension for a hip-drop tackle during the Tigers’ win over Canberra.
The Tigers have sorely missed their captain, losing the next three games by a whopping 98 points, before Koroisau rejoined the side and contributed to a win over Canterbury.
As a spine player, Jock Madden has loved learning from the experienced Koroisau.
“He’s such a craft player, I think he obviously has and will thrive in that arena, both with attack and defence,” Madden said.
“He’s just such an encouraging and great leader to have amongst the boys, especially for young boys as well.
“Every time he speaks, everyone listens to him.”
Before Origin, the Tigers will have a serious challenge when they take on ladder-leading Penrith this weekend.
“I think we just need to focus on our process and do what we do best and play our style of footy,” Bula said.
“Playing the physical game and putting pressure on them and letting the points come,” he said…. PACNEWS
PNG – FOOTBALL: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 04 Jun 2026
Step up to professional level, PNG footballers told
PORT MORESBY, 04 JUNE 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Local footballers must step up and embrace opportunities at the professional level if Papua New Guinea is to achieve its dream of qualifying for the Fifa World Cup, says Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) president John Kapi Natto.
Reflecting on Hekari United’s first season in the 2026 OFC Professional League in early January, Natto said the club showed promise but lacked the depth, experience and national team-quality players needed to compete consistently at the highest level.
“I think they lack depth and experience,” Natto said.
“You need experienced players and national players in the team. When you look at countries like Fiji, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, many of their national players are involved in these competitions because they are already preparing for future World Cup campaigns.”
Natto questioned why some players from other PNG clubs were reluctant to join Hekari when opportunities were offered.
“I don’t know why some players didn’t want to move when Hekari approached them,” he said.
“That creates an imbalance in our preparation for the 2029 World Cup.”
The PNGFA president stressed that the club’s focus remained on developing local players rather than relying heavily on foreign imports.
“We want to give preference to our own local boys,” he said.
“We want them to experience professional football and understand what it takes to compete at the next level.”
Natto believes the lessons learned from the first season will help Hekari become stronger in the future.
“This season was a learning experience,” he said.
“It takes time. When I was involved with Hekari, it took us several years before we reached the FIFA Club World Cup. Success will come if we remain patient and continue building.
“I want to see PNG reach the World Cup one day. If not in 2029, then sometime in the future. We must continue building the platform now,” he added….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 04 Jun 2026
Duck set to receive 25th cap as Waratah Women open title defence
SYDNEY, 04 JUNE 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—Back-rower Piper Duck is set to earn her 25th Swyftx Super Rugby Women’s cap in Saturday’s Round 1 opener against the Fijian Drua on Saturday (2.05pm kick-off AEST), as the Waratahs Women seek to win their seventh title in 2026.
Wallaroo Duck, 25, made her debut in 2020 against the Rebels and became the team’s youngest-ever captain in 2023 at the age of just 22, guiding the side to title wins in both 2024 and 2025.
She is joined in the starting line-up by two debutants, the half-back combination of Piper Simons and Pleuni Kievit. The pair were ever-present thus far throughout the pre-season campaign, featuring in the 27-27 draw against this weekend’s opposition in Suva and last Saturday’s 42-18 win against the Brumbies at GIO Stadium.
On the bench there are a further four possible debutants in the shape of Grace Gillies, Taj Heald, Edie Burke and Lusiana Vesikula.
Waratahs Women’s head coach Michael Ruthven was pleased with the strength of his squad for Round 1 and praised all the debutants for their work in pre-season.
“We have named a really strong 23 for Round 1 of Swyftx Super Rugby Women’s,” Ruthven said.
“We are expecting a really tough challenge from the Fijian Drua and believe this group of players are the best to take that on.
“We are really excited for our debutants who have all earnt the opportunity to be a part of the squad for this opening round.”
There is a change in the front-row last weekend’s win in Canberra, with Brianna Hoy selected at loosehead prop in all-Wallaroo front-row alongside Adiana Talakai and Bridie O’Gorman.
In the second-row, Leilani Nathan is named at lock for her first competitive game in 428 days, after succumbing to a knee injury in last year’s 54-17 semi-final win over the Western Force in Perth. She partners vice-captain Kaitlan Leaney in the second-row.
Emily Chancellor is named at openside, on the opposite flank of Duck, who she replaced as captain in the off-season. Nicole Nathan, twin sister of Leilani, takes her place at number eight.
The same backline from last weekend will take to the field on Saturday, including the two new caps in the halves in Simons and Kievit. Simons, 20, made her Wallaroos debut against Fijiana in March after transitioning from Australia Sevens, where she first appeared in Dubai in 2024 and played in seven events that year.
Kievit, 25, arrived at the club in the off-season after playing with Georgina Friedrichs in the US last season. A Dutch international, Kievit is a former Netherlands 7s captain and player of the year that can play anywhere across the backline.
Rosie Ferguson will receive only her second Super Rugby Women’s cap at inside centre, with her last cap coming in April 2024 against the Western Force in Perth. Friedrichs is named at outside centre, with the 31-year-old winning last year’s Super Rugby Women’s Player of the Year after scoring seven tries in six games in last year’s competition.
There is an exciting back three combination with Desiree Miller, Caitlyn Halse and Amelia Whitaker taking their places. Miller comes into this year’s competition off the back of a thrilling World Cup in England in 2025, where she scored six tries in four games. Whitaker comes into this game off the back of two tries against the Brumbies last weekend on the right wing while Halse, still just 19, takes her place at full-back. The youngest-ever Wallaroo missed the Pacific Four series due to a disrupted pre-season, with niggling injuries before picking up an MCL injury playing for Easts in a club rugby game in March. She will have her sights set on an injury-free campaign and winning back a place in the Wallaroos squad for their next Test match in August.
On the bench, there are strong and experienced front-row replacements in the shape of Britt Merlo, Emily Robinson and Seneti Kilisimasi. While Martha Harvey is named as scrum-half replacement, with possible debutants Gillies, Heald, Burke and Vesikula making up the rest of the substitutes.
Get tickets for Saturday’s Swyftx Super Rugby Women’s opener against the Fijian Drua at Leichhardt Oval here.
NSW Waratahs Women v Fijian Drua Women
Starting XV:
Brianna Hoy
Adiana Talakai
Bridie O’Gorman
Leilani Nathan
Kaitlan Leaney (vc)
Piper Duck
Emily Chancellor (c)
Nicole Nathan
Piper Simons*
Pleuni Kievit*
Desiree Miller (vc)
Rosie Ferguson
Georgina Friedrichs
Amelia Whitaker
Caitlyn Halse
Replacements:
16. Brittany Merlo
17. Emily Robinson
18. Seneti Kilisimasi
19. Grace Gillies*
20. Taj Heald*
21. Martha Harvey
22. Edie Burke*
23. Lusiana Vesikula*
*denotes possible debutant…PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 04 Jun 2026
ACT Brumbies Women announce squad for season opener against Queensland Reds
CANBERRA, 04 JUNE 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU0—The ACT Brumbies Women have named their squad to take on the Queensland Reds this Sunday, 07 June, with kick-off scheduled for 1.05 pm AEST at Ballymore Stadium.
Siokapesi Palu Sekona takes the helm as captain, leading a side determined to take the fight to the Reds on their home turf. The matchday squad features a formidable mix of established Wallaroos talent and an injection of fresh energy.
Japanese international Wako Kitano has been named in the starting side for her competition debut. Kitano has thoroughly impressed the coaching staff, earning her selection after arriving at the club just over a fortnight ago.
“Wako has integrated seamlessly into our environment despite her recent arrival,” noted Head Coach James Erwin.
“She’s showcased a real physicality with ball in hand and brings a strong defensive presence. We know she is going to enjoy competing against the quality of the Reds pack’
The starting line-up also features the inclusion of former Reds outside back, Ivania Wong. Having successfully acclimatised to the capital, Wong remains a highly elusive scoring threat, having crossed the try line in all three of the Brumbies’ pre-season trial matches.
“Ivania offers far more than just dynamic attacking opportunity,” Erwin added.
“She has been a physical presence defensively, and her experience has been invaluable to elevating the standards of the players around her.”
The ACT Brumbies enter the season opener on the back of a rigorous three-game pre-season block, a critical period that has allowed the coaching staff to refine positional changes and solidify on-field combinations.
“Securing three consecutive fixtures during our pre-season has been crucial for our preparation,” Erwin said.
“We have introduced a wealth of new talent that we believe will provide a genuine point of difference. These recent trials have allowed us to effectively build chemistry within the group and trust in how we are trying to play.”
“The season starts now, and the group is excited about what’s to come on Sunday.”
ACT Brumbies Women v Queensland Reds
ACT Brumbies Women Squad:
Martha Fua
Tania Naden
Wako Kitano – Competition Debut
Ash Fernandez
Jess Grant
Lily Bone
Rayna Ellis – Competition Debut
Siokapesi Palu Sekona (c)
Anne Fernandez De Corres – Competition Debut
Ella Ryan
Ivania Wong – Club Debut
Merania Paraone
Bonnie Brewer
Ash Bishop
Faitala Moleka
Finishers:
16. Millie Parker – Potential Club Debut
17. Linda Emelio – Potential Competition Debut
18. Jane Morrison – Potential Competition Debut
19. Easter Savelio
20. Tabua Tuinakauvadra
21. Georgie Hayes – Potential Competition Debut
22. Makenna Ravouvou – Potential Competition Debut
23. Paua Lee Going – Potential Competition Debut…PACNEWS
PAC – MINI GAMES: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 04 Jun 2026
Palau’s Pacific Mini Games success earns regional recognition at Oceania Olympic Assembly
KOROR, 04 JUNE 2026 (ISLAND TIMES)—Palau’s successful hosting of the 2025 Pacific Mini Games received regional recognition during the annual assembly of the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) in Auckland, New Zealand, highlighting the island nation’s growing role in sports development across Oceania.
During the assembly, Pacific Games Council Chief Executive Officer Andrew Minogue presented a report on Pacific Mini Games Palau 2025, recognizing President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. and Palau’s leadership for hosting the regional sporting event.
The report included video presentations and feedback from athletes and team delegations, showcasing the success of the games and the positive experiences shared by participating nations. Minogue also acknowledged the work of the organizing committee, led by Dr. Patrick Tellei, for successfully delivering the event.
Palau National Olympic Committee President Frank Kyota, who attended the assembly, thanked ONOC members and regional partners for placing their trust in Palau to host the games. He said he hoped Palau met the expectations of the athletes, officials and visitors who traveled to the country for the competition.
The recognition came as representatives of the Palau National Olympic Committee participated in a series of regional meetings and forums organized by ONOC throughout the week.
The assembly brought together National Olympic Committee leaders from across Oceania to discuss regional cooperation, Olympic development, governance and preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry attended the gathering, which was presided over by ONOC President Baklai Temengil.
Palau delegates also took part in several parallel forums focused on athlete development, Olympic planning and clean sport initiatives.
Olympians Ikelau Otto and Stevick Patris attended the Oceania Athletes’ Commission Forum, where athlete representatives discussed welfare, leadership and engagement within the Olympic movement.
Meanwhile, Marcy Andrew represented Team Palau at the LA28 Oceania Forum in her capacity as chef de mission for the 2028 Olympic Games. Palau National Anti-Doping Chair Jason Nolan participated in discussions on proposed Oceania Anti-Doping Rules 2027 and regional efforts to strengthen clean sport programs.
The meetings provided an opportunity for Palau’s representatives to strengthen partnerships, share experiences from the successful Pacific Mini Games and contribute to discussions shaping the future of sports development across Oceania….PACNEWS
