League
New South Wales and Queensland have made changes to their lineups ahead of the third and deciding State of Origin game in Brisbane on 8 July, with a number of Pasifika heritage players featuring again in the decider.
The Blues have dropped Toa Samoa’s Brian To’o, Tonga’s Kotoni Staggs and Fiji Bati Api Koroisau and recalled Toa Samoa stalwart Stephen Crichton and Tonga international Haumole Olakau’atu.
The Maroons of Queensland have dropped Toa Samoa international Heilum Luki and Tongan rep Kulikefu Finefeuiaki but will feature Samoa heritage player Murray Taulagi and Jeremiah Nanai.
Rugby
Former All Blacks and Chiefs outside back Shaun Stevenson has committed his international future to Samoa ahead of their November tests.
Rugby JP reported the one-cap All Black saying it was a tough call, but he felt out of favour with previous New Zealand coaches.
Stevenson’s three-year stand-down period, before he can switch allegiance, ends in August.
Samoa will compete in the tier-two World Rugby Nations Cup with Stevenson available for fixtures against Portugal, Zimbabwe and Spain.
Rugby
Five players of Pasifika heritage have been named in the Japan national rugby squad to compete at the Nations Championship starting next month.
Three are of Fijian heritage, including former captain Michael Leitch.
Two are of Tongan heritage – Esei Ha’angana and Samisoni Tua.
Japan will meet Italy, Ireland and France in their July matches.
Rugby
Lakapi Samoa board chairman Namulauulu Papalii Leota Sami Leota has been formally appointed by World Rugby as Samoa’s representative on the World Rugby Council.
The union said the appointment reflects World Rugby’s recognition of Lakapi Samoa’s constitutional processes.
Namulauulu said this ensures Samoa continues to have a voice at the table where important decisions affecting the global game are made.
Commonwealth Games
Tonga is sending a 28-member team to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games next month.
The Tonga Sports Association and National Olympic Committee has revealed the country will compete in eight different sports, including netball, swimming, weightlifting, athletics, 3-by-3 basketball, boxing, judo and lawn bowls.
Tongan Tala netball captain Hulita Veve will be Tonga’s flagbearer at the opening ceremony.
Rugby
The Fiji Rugby Union says no local player will be released to take up overseas contracts unless the Fiji Rugby Players Association has given the green light.
Union chief executive officer Koli Sewabu said they have liaised with overseas unions and global partners about the new position.
The issue was approved at the union’s annual general meeting in Lami last month, with the players’ association now finalising regulations.
Sewabu said the stand has been taken to protect Fijian players’ interests, after welfare issues in the past.
