In this bulletin:
1. FOOTBALL — Moresby’s hosting duties for OFC U16 championships
2. RUGBY — Fiji must be smarter against England: Coach
3. RUGBY — Flying Fijians make changes for England clash
4. RUGBY — Vakatawa’s comeback adds emotion to Flying Fijians’ biggest test yet
5. NETBALL — Pearls suffer second consecutive loss
6. WEIGHTLIFTING — Turaganivalu shines at World Championships
7. ATHLETICS — Qaqa ready to clear first Commonwealth hurdle
8. SWIMMING — Aussie swim star McKeown out of Commonwealth Games
9. CHESS — Chess Federation remains confident ahead of Olympiad despite changes
10. BASKETBALL — Viranatuleo returns to inspire Vanuatu basketball
11. NETBALL — PNG Pepes’ brave quest for World Cup netball berth
12. RUGBY — World Rugby and unions set new global standard in protecting players and match officials from online abuse at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
PNG – FOOTBALL: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 10 Jul 2026
Moresby’s hosting duties for OFC U16 championships
PORT MORESBY, 10 JULY 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Under-16 Men’s Championship, starting on Sunday to 25 July, in Port Moresby, is a major event for Papua New Guinea and the wider Oceania football community.
With teams from Fiji, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Samoa, New Zealand, and Vanuatu converging on the capital, the responsibility of hosting falls squarely on Port Moresby’s shoulders. The city must ensure the tournament is not only successful but also leaves a lasting impression on visiting nations and the global football fraternity.
The first and most visible responsibility lies in venue preparation. The PNG Football Stadium and Sir Hubert Murray Stadium are the designated sites for the matches.
These facilities must be maintained to international standards, with pitches in prime condition, seating arrangements adequate for spectators, and technical infrastructure ready for broadcasting and officiating. Lighting, medical facilities, and security systems must all be tested and reliable.
The image of Papua New Guinea as a capable host depends heavily on the professionalism displayed in these areas.
Hospitality and logistics form another critical aspect of hosting. With delegations arriving from across Oceania, Port Moresby must coordinate arrivals at the Jackson International Airport, ensure smooth customs clearance, and provide secure transport to hotels.
Accommodation must be comfortable, safe, and located conveniently near training grounds. Catering services should meet the nutritional needs of athletes, respecting cultural and dietary differences.
Volunteers and liaison officers will be vital in guiding visiting teams, helping them adapt to local conditions, and ensuring communication flows smoothly.
Security and safety cannot be overlooked. International youth tournaments require heightened vigilance. Police and private security must be deployed at stadiums, hotels, and transit routes.
Emergency medical teams and ambulances should be on standby at match venues. Crowd control measures must be carefully planned, especially for high-profile matches involving teams such as New Zealand and Fiji, which traditionally attract strong support.
Promotion and community engagement are equally important. The tournament is an opportunity to showcase Papua New Guinea’s passion for football and its cultural richness.
Local media should provide extensive coverage, including interviews, match highlights, and behind-the-scenes features. Schools and youth clubs can be engaged through outreach programmes, encouraging young fans to attend matches and support teams.
Traditional welcome ceremonies and cultural performances can highlight PNG’s heritage, offering visiting nations a deeper connection to the host country.
The international dimension of the tournament adds weight to Port Moresby’s responsibilities.
With the top three teams earning qualification to the Fifa U17 World Cup in Qatar, the OFC Championship carries global significance.
Match officiating, tournament organisation, and player welfare must meet Fifa’s expectations.
A smooth and professional execution will enhance Papua New Guinea’s reputation as a capable host for future regional and international sporting events.
The economic and social impact of hosting is substantial.
Tourism, hospitality, and local businesses stand to benefit from the influx of visitors. Vendors, transport operators, and hotels will see increased demand.
Socially, the event inspires young Papua New Guineans to pursue football, strengthening grassroots development. The visibility of disciplined, committed athletes – such as Fiji’s squad under coach Sunil Kumar – sets a positive example for local youth, reinforcing values of dedication and teamwork.
Finally, the sporting legacy for Papua New Guinea must be considered.
By hosting, the PNG Football Association strengthens its organisational capacity and gains valuable experience.
Local referees, coaches, and administrators benefit from exposure to international standards.
The event can spark momentum for PNG’s own youth football programmes, potentially paving the way for future qualification campaigns.
In conclusion, Port Moresby’s role as host city for the OFC U16 Men’s Championship is multifaceted.
From stadium readiness and hospitality to security, promotion, and legacy-building, the responsibilities are immense.
Yet, the rewards are equally significant: economic uplift, international recognition, and inspiration for the next generation of footballers in Papua New Guinea. By delivering a well-organised tournament, Port Moresby not only supports Oceania’s pathway to the Fifa U17 World Cup but also cements its place as a proud sporting hub in the Pacific…. PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 10 Jul 2026
Fiji must be smarter against England: Coach
SUVA, 10 JULY 2026 (FIJI SUN) — Fiji Water Flying Fijians interim coach Senirusi Seruvakula says his side will stick to its attacking brand of rugby against England but must improve its discipline and decision-making after letting victory slip against Wales.
The Flying Fijians face England this weekend at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool, England on Sunday 1am (Fiji time).
He said improving the set piece would also be a priority against a powerful England pack.
“Our offloading game is one of our biggest weapons, but we have to know when to play and when to keep possession.
“Sometimes we need to take contact, secure the breakdown and build pressure instead of forcing passes.
“Our scrum and line-out need to improve. England are strong up front and we’ve been working hard on those areas this week.”
He added last week’s loss was disappointing and they have learnt a lot of lessons.
Despite the defeat, Seruvakula believes the performance showed Fiji can compete with Tier One nations.
“It was a good benchmark for us. We now know where we stand against Tier One opposition and there are plenty of lessons we can take into this week’s game.
“We have to be disciplined on both sides of the ball, be patient when we have possession, win our collisions and play our style of rugby.”
He said the squad had recovered well from the disappointment in Cardiff.
“The players are in good health. We’ve reviewed the Wales game and everyone knows how painful that loss was.
“Our first training sessions have been encouraging and the boys have brought plenty of energy.”
Seruvakula said Fiji would continue to play with flair but need to be smarter about when to attack.
Despite England’s dominant record over Fiji, Seruvakula said confidence within the squad remained high.
“Everyone wants to represent Fiji against England. Last week’s defeat hurt, but we’ll do everything we can to bounce back.”
Lineup
The Flying Fijians have made several changes to their starting XV as they look to bounce back against England in Sunday’s Nations Championship clash at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Captain Tevita Ikanivere again leads the side from hooker, with Eroni Mawi and Mesake Doge completing the front row. Tevita Ratuva and Isoa Nasilasila pair up in the second row.
The back row sees Peceli Yato return at blindside flanker, Lekima Tagitagivalu at openside and powerhouse Levani Botia at No.8.
Halfback Simione Kuruvoli links up with flyhalf Caleb Muntz, while the midfield features Jiuta Wainiqolo at inside centre alongside Josua Tuisova, whose return adds significant power and experience.
On the wings, Kalaveti Ravouvou and Vuate Karawalevu provide pace and attacking flair, with Salesi Rayasi named at fullback.
The bench offers plenty of impact, including Sam Matavesi, Livai Natave, Peni Ravai, Temo Mayanavanua, Elia Canakaivata, Pita Gus Sowakula, Frank Lomani and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.
Fiji will be aiming for a much-improved performance after falling 39-24 to Wales in their opening Nations Championship match, while England will be looking to build on their winning start.
Flying Fijians XV
1. Eroni Mawi
2. Tevita Ikanivere (c)
3. Mesake Doge
4. Tevita Ratuva
5. Isoa Nasilasila
6. Peceli Yato
7. Lekima Tagitagivalu
8. Levani Botia
9. Simione Kuruvoli
10. Caleb Muntz
11. Jiuta Wainiqolo
12. Josua Tuisova
13. Kalaveti Ravouvou
14. Vuate Karawalevu
15. Salesi Rayasi…. PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 10 Jul 2026
Flying Fijians make changes for England clash
SUVA, 10 JULY 2026 (FBC SPORTS) — Head coach Senirusi Seruvakula has made several changes to his Fiji Water Flying Fijians matchday 23 for Sunday’s Nations Championship clash against England.
Three changes have been made to the starting pack, with Mesake Doge replacing Peni Ravai at tighthead prop, while Levani Botia comes into the starting side at number eight.
Temo Mayanavanua shifts into the second row alongside Isoa Nasilasila, with Tevita Ratuva moving to blindside flanker.
Captain Tevita Ikanivere retains the hooker’s jersey, packing down with Eroni Mawi and Doge in the front row.
The backline also sees a reshuffle, with Simione Kuruvoli replacing Frank Lomani at halfback to partner Caleb Muntz in the halves.
Josaia Tuisova moves to inside centre, allowing Kalaveti Ravouvou to wear the number 13 jersey, while Vuate Karawalevu returns on the right wing opposite Jiuta Wainiqolo. Salesi Rayasi continues at fullback.
The bench features Sam Matavesi, Livai Natave, Peni Ravai, Tevita Ratuva, Elia Canakaivata, Pita Gus Sowakula, Frank Lomani and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.
The Flying Fijians face England at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday at 1:10am…. PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: PMN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 10 Jul 2026
Vakatawa’s comeback adds emotion to Flying Fijians’ biggest test yet
SUVA, 10 JULY 2026 (PMN) — For years, Virimi Vakatawa believed his international rugby career was over.
A heart condition that forced him out of French rugby in 2022 brought an abrupt end to a 32-Test career with France, leaving the powerful midfielder unsure if he would ever wear an international jersey again.
Now at 34, Vakatawa is preparing for what could be one of the most emotional moments of his career. He will be making his Fiji debut against England in Liverpool this weekend.
The former France star was called into the Flying Fijians squad after captain Semi Radradra was injured. Vakatawa qualifies to represent Fiji under World Rugby’s birthright rule.
Born in New Zealand and raised in Fiji, Vakatawa said he never expected another chance to play Test rugby.
“No, to be honest with you,” he told BBC Sport when asked if he thought an international comeback was possible.
“Playing international rugby is something that I knew I was not going to be able to do. From that day [of being barred from playing in France], I thought it was over.”
Vakatawa told the BBC he was grateful simply to be part of the Fiji squad.
“Maybe I thought I can still play in club rugby but this is huge to come and represent my country Fiji,” he said.
“When I was selected, I was surprised. When you play for Fiji, you have to be good, because there are talents everywhere. It is an honour and a privilege for me to be here and to be part of this environment.”
Vakatawa’s return comes at a significant time for Fiji, who are continuing their rise among the world’s top rugby nations.
The Flying Fijians are competing in the Nations Championship for the first time with their three-match tour of the United Kingdom marking a major step in their journey as a Tier One rugby nation.
Their campaign also forms part of preparations for the expanded 24-team 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The opening round of international rugby also brought movement for several Pacific nations in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings.
Sāmoa climbed two places to 18th after their big 66-19 win over Hong Kong China while Fiji remain ninth after their loss to Wales.
Fiji’s next challenge comes against England, after their opening 39-24 loss to Wales in Cardiff.
John Sanday, Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) chairman, says the team must lift its standards as expectations grow.
While praising the support from the Fijian diaspora during Fiji’s first Nations Championship home-style event overseas, Sanday said results on the field remained the priority.
“The philosophy I have brought into FRU is the principle of accountability,” Sanday told the Fiji Sun. “We are all accountable for our roles and responsibilities to bring about a better outcome for the whole FRU.”
He said the investment being made into the team must be matched by performances.
“The players have been well-looked after and paid well, where is the Return on Investment? This is the urgent question,” Sanday said.
He described Fiji’s loss to Wales as disappointing and called for a stronger mindset across the organisation.
“This is not a picnic trip where one just goes through the motions, gets paid and then repeat it next week,” he said.
“We need to hold each other accountable and deliver the wins we have been searching for consistently.”
Despite the defeat, Sanday said Fiji’s wider Nations Championship campaign had created valuable opportunities, including strong support from the Fijian community in the United Kingdom.
He said the challenge now was turning that support into results.
“The major learning is that we need a winning Flying Fijian team to make this business a success,” he said.
Against England, Vakatawa has the chance to begin a new chapter, representing the country where his rugby journey began.
Fiji will finish their Nations Championship campaign against Scotland in Edinburgh on 18 July.
Meanwhile, Manu Sāmoa and Tonga will also continue their road to the 2027 Rugby World Cup through the World Rugby Nations Cup, with both Pacific sides in action this weekend.
The World Rugby Nations Cup is designed to give teams like Sāmoa and Tonga regular high-level matches against international opposition, helping them build depth, test combinations and prepare for the demands of a bigger World Cup tournament.
Sāmoa, who opened their campaign with a commanding 66-19 win over Hong Kong China last weekend, will face Georgia on Saturday, while Tonga will meet Spain after beginning their tournament with a 33-23 victory over Zimbabwe.
The competition gives both teams valuable opportunities to build combinations and test themselves against quality opposition ahead of the expanded 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
World Rugby said for Fiji, Sāmoa and Tonga, these matches are more than preparation – they are opportunities to show the growth of Pacific rugby on the world stage ahead of 2027.
Fiji vs England is on Saturday 11 July at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, UK, at 1.10am (NZT). Sāmoa vs Georgia on Saturday 11 July at 7am (NZT) at the Estadio Sausalito in Viña del Mar, Chile. Tonga vs Spain on Sunday 12 July at Clarke Stadium in Edmonton, Canada, with kickoff at 9.45am (NZT).
In other Nations Cup fixtures this weekend (NZT). Saturday: the All Blacks host Italy in Wellington at 3.10pm, Wallabies vs France in Brisbane at 7.40pm. Japan vs Ireland in Newcastle, Australia, at 10.10pm. Sunday: Springboks vs Scotland in Pretoria, South Africa, at 3.40am. Argentina vs Wales in San Juan, Argentina at 7.10am…. PACNEWS
FIJI – NETBALL: FIJI SUN PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 10 Jul 2026
Pearls suffer second consecutive loss
SUVA, 10 JULY 2026 (FIJI SUN) — The 16th ranked Crest Fiji Pearls were Thursday thrashed 61-35 by the First Nations Black Swans in their second match of the inaugural Spirit Series now underway at Netball Central, Parramatta, Sydney, Australia.
They also lost in their first match, 47-53, to 23-ranked Singapore.
With the two losses, they have failed to qualify for tomorrow’s gold-medal match; they now settle for the bronze medal play-off.
The Black Swans dominated in all the quarters of the match, winning 18-10, in the first to a comfortable 33-18 lead at halftime.
They continued their dominance in the third quarter with a 25-goal lead before they nailed the last 15 minutes with another 10 goals.
The Pearls will face Papua New Guines Pepes today in their last round robin match.
Meanwhile, the side had six debutants inlcuding Esther Dawai, Leehava Saverio, Ana Tolia Nuku, Vutaeli Tokaduadua, Eseta Waqaira, and Nanise Waqaira.
“Thank you for giving your all on court and wearing the Crest Fiji colours with pride,” a netball Fiji statement said of the debutants on Wednesday.
FIXTURES (FIJI TIME)
Today: 1pm First Nations Black Swans v Singapore Vandas, 3pm Fiji Pearls v PNG Pepes
Saturday: 12pm Bronze Medal match, 2pm Gold Medal match…. PACNEWS
FIJI – WEIGHTLIFTING: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 10 Jul 2026
Turaganivalu shines at World Championships
SUVA, 10 JULY 2026 (FBC SPORTS) — Despite missing out on a podium finish, Mereia Turaganivalu recorded some of her best performances in her weightlifting journey while representing the country at the IWF World Youth Championships in Columbia Thursday.
Turaganivalu managed to finish in the top 15 in the world, and recorded two personal bests in her snatch and clean & jerk events.
She managed to lift 77 kilograms in her snatch for a PB, and 97kg in the clean and jerk.
Head coach Henry Elder says he could’nt be prouder for Turaganivalu, who has shown perserverance and hard work in the weeks leading up to the event.
Right after her events, Turaganivalu dived straight into her books, spending her spare time on her studies.
“This kid has really amazed me. Im so happy and really excited for her and her future. This kid I can say works harder that almost any kid in the country. Im amazed at her dedication, hard word, resilience and perseverance.”
He adds that juggling training, family time and studies is no easy feat, and praised the youngster for her achievement…. PACNEWS
FIJI – ATHLETICS: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 10 Jul 2026
Qaqa ready to clear first Commonwealth hurdle
SUVA, 10 JULY 2026 (FBC SPORTS) — Fiji’s lone hurdler Errol Qaqa says months of hard work have him feeling ready to make the most of his Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow, Scotland.
Currently in national camp, Qaqa says preparations have gone according to plan despite battling an injury earlier this year, with the final stages of training focused on sharpening his performance ahead of departure.
He says the standard of competition has continued to rise, making preparations even more demanding, but believes the work put in over recent months has him in a strong position.
“Preparations has been really, really good. In terms of my injury earlier in the year, we’ve been taking care of that and the physios have been really great. It’s been difficult, hard sometimes because the level of competition has really levelled up in terms of the Commonwealth Games, but so far, so good.”
Beyond the competition, the 400-metre hurdler is also eager to experience a new part of the world, with Glasgow marking not only his first Commonwealth Games but also his first trip to Europe.
Having previously competed across Asia, the Americas and the Pacific, Qaqa says he is excited to experience the culture and atmosphere while using the Games to measure himself against some of the world’s best hurdlers.
The games will start on the 23rd of this month until the 2nd of August…. PACNEWS
AUST – SWIMMING: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 10 Jul 2026
Aussie swim star McKeown out of Commonwealth Games
CANBERRA, 10 JULY 2026 (AAP) — Swimming star Kaylee McKeown is out of the Commonwealth Games in a major blow for the Australian team.
The five-time Olympic champion has glandular fever and will miss both the Glasgow event and the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships that follow.
“I am gutted to medically withdraw,” said the backstroke ace. “What I thought a few months ago was flu has turned out to be my body fighting glandular fever.
“I was sick going into trials and I have just not got better and I am worried about pushing myself so hard that I end up with chronic fatigue. It was a hard decision to make but the right one.”
Australian team chef de mission Petria Thomas wished McKeown well while hoping for the best possible recovery for her with the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles in mind.
“Kaylee is an outstanding swimmer and fierce competitor and to see her forced to withdraw for medical reasons is an unfortunate outcome for both her and the Australian Commonwealth Games Team,” Thomas said.
“We wish her a speedy recovery and know that she will bounce back to her best ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.”
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow, Scotland from 23 July to 2 August, with the six-day swimming event starting on 24 July…. PACNEWS
VAN – CHESS: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 10 Jul 2026
Chess Federation remains confident ahead of Olympiad despite changes
PORT VILA, 10 JULY 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST) — The Vanuatu Chess Federation said it remains confident of its chances at the 46th Chess Olympiad despite the removal of Secretary General (SG) Jeremy Ellison and the withdrawal of teenage player Sean Su from the national team.
Ellison, Vanuatu’s only Chess Master, was recently removed from his position as SG and also excluded from the national squad for this year’s Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Speaking on his removal, Ellison said he does not know the reasons behind the federation’s decision but awaits response from the federation.
However, VCF President Lesly Nompavos said the executive committee removed Ellison after finding that he had made decisions without consulting or obtaining approval from the committee. He said Ellison had also failed to comply with committee resolutions, actions the federation considered to be contrary to its constitution and governance requirements. As a result, the committee voted to remove him from both his executive position and the national team for the Olympiad.
In a separate development, 16-year-old Sean Su has declined his place in the 2026 Vanuatu Chess Olympiad team, saying he did not accept the selection and was never asked to confirm his availability before his name was announced.
In a statement, Su said he could not represent Vanuatu through a selection process that he believes lacked fairness, transparency and integrity.
He stressed that his decision was not a protest against the players selected to represent the country but against what he described as an unfair selection process. Su said national representation should be based on merit, accountability and proper governance.
He expressed hope that his decision would encourage reforms within the Vanuatu Chess Federation while reaffirming his commitment to supporting the development of chess in Vanuatu through a fair and trustworthy system.
Responding to concerns over the team selection, President Nompavos said the federation followed the established selection criteria, with each men’s and women’s team comprising four Ni-Vanuatu players and one expatriate, forming a 10-member national delegation.
Despite the absence of Ellison and Su, President Nompavos said the team’s preparations for the Chess Olympiad are progressing well.
He said the exclusion of Ellison and the withdrawal of Su would not affect the team’s performance, adding that the selected players are committed, well prepared and determined to represent Vanuatu with pride on the international stage.
The 46th Chess Olympiad will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 15 September to 28 September, bringing together national teams from across the world in one of the sport’s most prestigious competitions…. PACNEWS
VAN – BASKETBALL: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 10 Jul 2026
Viranatuleo returns to inspire Vanuatu basketball
PORT VILA, 10 JULY 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST) — Boomers Team Lead Manager, Junior Viranatuleo, has returned to Vanuatu on a mission to inspire young players and help grow the future of basketball.
Boomers is the nickname for the Australian men’s national basketball team,
With years of international experience, including the Olympics, NBA, and NBL, Viranatuleo brings valuable knowledge and connections to support the sport’s future. He is among the few Pacific Islanders to have built a career at the highest levels of world basketball administration.
Viranatuleo aims to use his experience to support local players, strengthen basketball, and create opportunities for Ni-Vanuatu athletes to compete internationally.
“This is my way of giving back to my country,” he said.
“My goal is to find pathways for our players to compete in Australia to begin with, expose them to higher levels of competition, and give them the knowledge and experience they need to grow. If we can create those opportunities, then we can start building something special for Vanuatu basketball.”
Viranatuleo has spent 18 years with the Australian men’s national basketball team, working with some of the world’s top players, coaches, and leaders.
After the Athens Olympics, Viranatuleo became one of the first international team managers to work in the NBA, gaining experience with the Utah Jazz, San Antonio Spurs, and Phoenix Suns. Despite his international success, Viranatuleo’s main goal is to use his experience to help develop basketball in Vanuatu.
During his visit, he will work with the Vanuatu Basketball Federation and local basketball groups to understand the sport’s needs and support its long-term development.
“We’re here to connect with everybody,” he said. “We’ll look at where basketball is today, where we can help, and how we can implement the right systems and processes to take our teams to the next level. It’s about creating the right environment and making the right connections.”
Viranatuleo praised Vanuatu’s men’s and women’s teams for returning to regional competition at last year’s FIBA Melanesia Cup, calling it an important milestone.
“Both teams did really well, especially considering it was Vanuatu’s return to regional FIBA competition after a very long hiatus,” he said.
He also praised Vanuatu basketball player Anton Bonke for pursuing opportunities in the United States.
President of the Vanuatu Basketball Federation, Branan Karae, welcomed Viranatuleo’s visit, calling it a great opportunity for basketball in Vanuatu.
“His visit comes at a very important time as Vanuatu continues working hard to strengthen basketball and ensure our national teams are well prepared to represent the country,” he said.
“He has seen our struggles and understands where we need to improve. What he is proposing gives us confidence that the investments we are making are moving in the right direction and are beginning to have an impact.”
“Junior has built valuable networks throughout Australian and international basketball. Through those connections, he can help us create new opportunities for our players, coaches and officials.
“His visit is timely, and we look forward to building a long-term relationship with him. His advice on creating player pathways will be invaluable.”
Viranatuleo said meaningful change begins with small but deliberate steps.
“It’s good to plant the seed and get the ball rolling so we can move the federation in the right direction,” he said.
His visit is being viewed as more than just a homecoming. For many within the basketball community, it represents the beginning of a partnership that could open new doors through international expertise, stronger networks and a shared commitment to developing the next generation of players.
Viranatuleo is accompanied on the visit by his father, former professional boxer Albert Vira, who said he is delighted to be back in Vanuatu after many years away.
They were welcomed at the Port Vila Airport Thursday by President Karae and President of the SHEFA Basketball League, Mildred Izono…. PACNEWS
PNG – NETBALL: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 10 Jul 2026
PNG Pepes’ brave quest for World Cup netball berth
PORT MORESBY, 10 JULY 2026 (AAP) — Barely out of her teens, Waisame Andrew will spearhead Papua New Guinea’s quest for a spot at next year’s Netball World Cup in Sydney.
Just 21, the PNG mid-courter is the mainstay of the Pepes after flying the national team’s flag since she was 13.
“I wasn’t into netball,” she told AAP on Thursday.
“In 2015 they had a Pacific Games, so I was like, ‘I think one day I will represent my country.”
And so her journey began.
After playing in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast, Andrew is now competing for the Pepes at the Spirit Series in Sydney.
The friendly tournament comprising PNG, Fiji, Singapore and the Black Swans – Australia’s First Nations netball team – is helping to prepare the teams for September’s World Cup qualifying tournament in Tonga.
The top two teams there from the likes of Fiji, the Cook Islands, Tonga and Samoa, will represent Oceania at the World Cup.
But it’s a harder challenge than envisaged, as PNG coach Lua Rikis explains.
“This is a bunch of new girls that we brought from home, only a few in the squad have had exposure,” said Rikis, who played at the 1999 World Cup.
“We have different girls coming from different cultures, different villages, different languages.
“For us, it’s the love of the sport … most of the girls, I know them, I’ve watched them grow up … and most of them play in local competitions that I’m a part of.
“We come together and then try to make it work for our team, so I think that’s the beauty (of it).”
But the Pepes will face a stiff challenge against the likes of Fiji (sixth at the 1999 World Cup), Samoa (sixth, 2003 and ninth,1995) and Cook Islands (seventh, 2007) for a World Cup spot.
After falling 96-25 to a merciless Black Swans side on Wednesday in the Spirit Series, the team managed to stem the bleeding in a 53-28 loss to Asian representatives Singapore.
“Yesterday was a bit tough, but we keep going,” Andrew, now a battle-hardened leader, said.
“We were supporting each other, encouraging each other.
“We have four debutants here. It’s their first time travelling and playing at an international level, so it’s a bit difficult to gain that confidence.
“As a player who has played a lot we have to encourage them to look forward to the World Cup, to gain more experience when we go back home and to come back strong again.”
A dominant 61-35 win against the Fiji Pearls cleared the Black Swans’ path to a Spirit Series final on Saturday, with PNG hoping to secure third place…. PACNEWS
IRELAND – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 10 Jul 2026
World Rugby and unions set new global standard in protecting players and match officials from online abuse at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
DUBLIN, 10 JULY 2026 (WORLD RUGBY) — World Rugby has reinforced its commitment to tackling online hate after publishing findings from its Social Media Protection Service, which safeguarded players, match officials and their families throughout Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
While sports and athletes benefit from brand-building opportunities via social platforms, World Rugby revealed that female players and match officials are almost 70 per cent more likely to experience online abuse, discrimination and hate speech compared to their male counterparts, with online abuse becoming a complex, borderless challenge.
The international federation has also called on all parties to work together as meaningful change will require a joint approach between sport, digital platforms and government agencies, combining prevention, protection, accountability and education. By highlighting the issue and promotion of its action-based service, World Rugby believes that the impact was reduced.
In undertaking its most ambitious online safeguarding programme to date, World Rugby set out to achieve three key goals – protect and safeguard participants, raise awareness and create a deterrent and drive meaningful change through insights. The approach moved beyond content moderation to prioritise meaningful action, including real-world investigations, victim-centred processes and long-term insight generation to support policy development.
The programme was delivered in partnership with leading specialist Signify and operated across major platforms and multiple languages, allowing harmful content to be detected, investigated and actioned at scale.
The results of the programme are:
– Players and officials at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 were 69 per cent more likely to be targeted with online abuse than at Men’s Rugby World Cup 2023*
– 440,340 posts/comments across X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok were analysed for abuse and threats targeting players and officials
– 1,189 posts were verified as abusive, affecting 45 accounts
– The most common types of abuse were body shaming, transphobia and sexism with Instagram the primary driver of abuse (54 per cent of verified cases)
– 17 accounts met the investigation threshold with eight cases referred to law enforcement and platforms. The offenders were located in Belgium, France, the UK, New Zealand and the US
– World Rugby calls on governments, platforms and sports to work together to make it easier to report abuse at all levels, take appropriate action and drive positive change
– World Rugby continuing to protect Emirates World Rugby Match Officials for international competition in 2026
The results reflect the growing challenge of online abuse as visibility in women’s sport rises and underscores the need for joint action between sport, digital platforms and governments. They also highlighted the value of visible action in shifting fan behaviour. Several successful prosecutions demonstrated the real-world consequences of online harm, helping drive broader societal engagement and community self-policing.
World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “Social media has transformed sport for the better, enabling connection, storytelling and growth. But it also increases the risk of harm, stress and suffering, and we took a stand at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 to say that there is no place for hate in rugby or in society, that we stand with and celebrate the personality and diversity of our players and match officials, and will take all necessary steps to call out, locate and take action against abusers.
“We recognise that this is an incredibly challenging and complex area. Policing harmful behaviour at scale is difficult, legislation varies globally and platform thresholds for action remain high. That is why leadership, collaboration and real-world action are essential. We hope that this report and our findings will help inform and educate sports rights owners, platforms and authorities and drive meaningful action.”
CEO and Founder of Signify Group Jonathan Hirshler added: “Data from the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 and across global sport confirms a clear trend: as the visibility and success of women’s sport grows, so too does the volume and severity of targeted online abuse.
“World Rugby’s leadership demonstrates what is possible when a governing body takes a proactive, data-driven approach. By combining advanced technology with expert human analysis and the support of law enforcement, World Rugby sends a clear and unequivocal message: online abuse has no place in sport, and those responsible will be held to account.”
The Social Media Protection Service was part of the transformative Impact Beyond 2025 programme, specifically the Careers and Gender Equity pillar which focused on supporting women in rugby to thrive in their careers. World Rugby expanded the service at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 beyond match officials to include all players, coaches and families for the first time, recognising the heightened risk factors surrounding women’s sport, younger digital audiences and increased exposure.
By sharing insights, collaborating with international partners and placing welfare at the core of decision making, World Rugby is helping shape safer digital environments and supporting the continued growth of the women’s game. The service will cover all World Rugby Match Officials in 2026.
Gilpin added: “Protecting our people is fundamental to the future of rugby. By acting decisively and collectively, we can ensure rugby remains a sport where everyone belongs.”…. PACNEWS
