PACNEWS SPORTS, 16 MARCH 2026
In this bulletin: 1. RUGBY — Fiji 7s falls in New York, World Series drought continues2. RUGBY — PM Rabuka commends historic Fijian Drua win in Ba3. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG hopeful, excited about NRL
Movers and Shakers
Captain Etika Tuisue has been appointed Chief Pilot and Flight Operations Officer for Fiji Airways, effective 1 August
Movers and Shakers
The Fiji Trade Commission North America Trade Office has announced the appointment of Anare Bolanavanua in his new role as Investment and Community Engagement Officer. Bolanavanua previously served as the Finance and
Poll position: What Australia’s election holds for the Pacific
Australia’s policies toward the Pacific will continue to be primarily driven by China’s resurgence, no matter who is elected. Commentary by Tess Newton Cain When Solomon Islands and China signed a
Knee issue could force Tigers’ Olam into retirement
The NRL future of Papua New Guinea international Justin Olam is under a cloud as the Wests Tigers centre battles an ongoing knee injury. Olam has been absent from the Tigers’ two pre-season games and is
Albanese wants to “China-proof” the Pacific, but Nauru is driving a hard bargain
The Albanese government hopes to end the year with a major foreign policy victory by signing a landmark pact with Nauru aimed at preventing China from gaining a security foothold in the Pacific. The Sydney Morning
Look not at the scores but the scores of girls we inspire: Albert
Orchids captain Elsie Albert is adamant the tale of her nation’s Pacific Championships campaign lies not in the results but in the enormous impact it will have on aspiring youngsters back
Briefs
American SamoaAmerican Samoa’s newest park is being developed on eight acres of government land in the village of Vaitogi. The Talanei reported that $839,340 has been spent on the project. It will include a 27-hole
New Zealand Rugby League working on unique World Cup bid that includes Pacific Islands
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is in talks with the Government on a bid for the 2025 Rugby League World Cup, which will include co-hosting with Pacific Island nations, but not Australia. It would be a fully inclusive
Movers and Shakers
Fijian national, jurist and lawyer Imrana Jalal is the first woman from the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands region to be awarded the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Medal of Honour by the World Jurists Association.
Rugby League star Justin Olam re-commits with Storm
Papua New Guinea international Justin Olam has extended his contract with renowned NRL club, theMelbourne Storm. The re-signing is for the next 4 years, keeping him in Melbourne until at least the end of the 2026
