Raphael Le'ai to feature for Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands football coach has confirmed star striker Raphael Le'ai will be returning home to play in the two international friendly matches against Malaysia in June.
Le'ai is the Solomons' only professional player, having signed earlier this year with Bosnian side Velez Mostar.
He has come off the bench several times for the side but is yet to make his starting debut.
"Of course, Rafa is coming and he should be a starter because he's the only professional player we have and his recent form in Europe," he said.
Head coach Felipe Vega-Arango said spots in the national side are still open for players who prove consistent in the national Telekom S-League season.
He pointed out players must earn the right to be in the starting XI.
Wallisian judoka wins at world championship
Wallisian judoka Julia Tolofua has won a silver medal for France at the world championships in Qatar.
The 25-year-old lost in the final in the 78-plus kilogram category to Japanese Olympic gold medallist Akira Sone.
At last year's world championships in Uzbekistan Tolofua finished third.
Julia Tolofua Photo: Archysport
Suva FC thump Samoa's Lupe Ole Soaga
Suva FC, of Fiji, have proven far too strong for Samoa's Lupe Ole Soaga at the OFC Champions League in Vanuatu.
Suva won their Group A match 6-nil.
Rusiate Matarerega scored two of Suva's 6 goals while the Samoan side was reduced to 10 men for nearly two thirds of the match.
Meanwhile, Auckland City FC bounced back to beat the Solomon Warriors 3-1, after the Warriors had lead 1-nil at half time.
Group B of the tournament kicks off today, with Tahiti's AS Pirae FC playing New Caledonia's Tiga Sport FC; and Vanuatu side Ifira Blackbird FC meeting Hekari United of PNG.
Fijian Warriors claim rugby series title
The Fijian Warriors proved too strong for Tonga A when they thrashed the men from the Island Kingdom 73-25 to claim the 2023 World Rugby Pacific Challenge title at Apia Park, Samoa on Saturday.
They had also defeated Junior Japan and Samoa in their earlier matches.
In their final game Fiji Warriors scored five tries to one in the first half to lead 38-18 at the break.
Fiji Warriors captain Enele Malele said this was the result of preparation from day one.
"This is the end result of hard work and well-planned preparation," Malele said.
"The younger boys have done some good work and they faced very strong sides. We are happy that we have been able to achieve this."
Hosts Manuma Samoa was given a scare by the Junior Japan in the final match of the day but they managed to pull away at the end with a 44-33 to finish second.
A man-of-the-match performance by captain Malani Matavao who scored a 70-metre solo try to put the team ahead ensured home fans returned home happy.
Meanwhile, Tonga finished the series without a win.
PNG Swimming names train-on squad for Pacific Games
Papua New Guinea Swimming Inc. (PNGSI)has announced its train-on squad for the Pacific Games in Honiara following the 2023 National Swimming Championships last month.
PNGSI said the nationals brought together talented swimmers and volunteers from Boroko Amateur Swim Club with excellent performances from 84 athletes, who competed in their individual events over three sessions with nine PNG National Records recorded.
The 14 swimmers selected will continue training and competing until a final squad selection, The National reported.
The championship also provided the stage for swimmers to qualify for two international events.
Abigail Ai Tom, Georgia-Leigh Vele, Nathaniel Noka and Josh Tarere qualified to attend the World Aquatics World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan from July 23-30.
Three female swimmers Joanna Chen, Rihannah Makail and Jhnayali Tokome-Garap swam qualifying times to be in Team PNG to compete in the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago from August 4-11.
Final selection for the 2023 Pacific Games will be made after the national championships in September.
Train-on-squad: Abigail Ai Tom, Joanna Chen, Holly John, Keven John, Rihannah Makail, Ryan Maskelyne, Jeremiah Nen, Nathaniel Noka, Dilu Okuk. Darius Tarere, Josh Tarere, Jhnayali Tokome-Garap, Matthew Vali, and Georgia-Leigh Vele.
