The Fijiana women's rugby team defeated Manusina Samoa 31-19 in a scrimmage match before the Women's Rugby World Cup in England. Photo: PAULA TUVOU
Rugby
The Fijiana women's rugby team defeated Manusina Samoa 31-19 in a scrimmage match before the Women's Rugby World Cup in England.
It was played in Sigatoka in Fiji.
Both Pasifika teams wil head off to London on Wednesday.
Manusina were in Fiji for their last training camp last week.
League
The Papua New Guinea Hunters recorded another important win in the Hostplus Cup rugby league competition on Sunday.
The side defeated Western Clydesdale 48-12 to remain in the top eight, as they chase a play-off spot.
They are tied with the Jets and the Dolphins on points, but these two sides are ahead of them in sixth and seventh positions because of better points average.
The Hunters next face the Magpies at home in Port Moresby, this coming Sunday.
Rugby
The Fiji Sports Commission has supported the Fijiana's campaign to the upcoming women's Rugby World Cup in England, with a Government grant of around $660,000 US dollars.
Commission chief executive Peter Mazey said the Fijiana team continues to inspire the nation with their resilience, passion, and performance.
He said the commission is proud to play their part in the team's journey.
The Fijiana team departs on Wednesday for the world cup in England, and plays Canada in their first pool game on 24 August.
Rugby
Prop Taniela Tupou has reclaimed his spot in the Wallabies squad for the Rugby Championship, following impressive performances during the British and Irish Lions series.
Tupou, who played against the Lions for the Wallabies in the third test, also appeared for the First Nations Pasifika XV.
He is amongst eight players of Pasifika origin named by head coach Joe Schmidt to face Argentina, New Zealand and South Africa in the championship.
Tupou, born and raised in Tonga before moving to New Zealand and then to Australia, has signed with French Top 14 club Racing 92 for the 2026 season.
Football
Oceania Nations Cup winners Solomon Islands have climbed climbed 13 places in the world football rankings to 73.
It is the highest ranking they have achieved to date.
Samoa made a similar jump, up to the 86th spot from 99th, while Vanuatu made the biggest leap, 19 places, to 100th.
Fiji was the biggest loser, dropping from 71st to 78th.
League
Former Melbourne Storm and West Tigers player Justin Olam says the success of the new Papua New Guinea franchise depends on the unity and hard work of his countrymen and women.
The new franchise is set to debut in the 2028 National Rugby League season.
The National reported Olam, who was also a former PNG Kumuls player, has called on everyone in PNG to play their role in growing the sport through schools and communities.
He said the franchise will be stronger if local development and the player base are strong.
Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee
Former national touch coach and player Geoffrey Halston is the new Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee secretary-general.
Cook Islands News reported Halston will start in the new role on 1 September, taking over from Keziah Lewis.
The committee said Halston brings a wealth of experience in sports leadership and administration.
President Luisa Peters said Halston's leadership, integrity and passion for sport will be a great asset to the organisation and the wider sporting community.
