Coco Talanoa — Sports / Page 1

Samoa’s first-ever Muay Thai team has made history at the 21st World Muay Thai Championship in Thailand, bringing home three gold medals.

In this exclusive video, fighters and coaches (Eti Naseri, Felise Sua Pitone, Nooroa Anguna) share their journey, challenges, and what it means to represent Samoa on the world stage. Featuring insights from the team behind this historic campaign and the next generation inspired by legends like Ray Sefo, Joseph Parker and Mark Hunt.

Credits

Camp Op & Editor: Tui Akauola
Interveiwer: Destiny Momoisea
Gym: Ghost Fist Lee Gar

"I’m honoured to represent the Cook Islands"

New Zealand rugby has reached a landmark moment. Dave Rennie, of Cook Islands descent through his mother from Titikaveka, Rarotonga, has been named Head Coach of the All Blacks through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup. This makes him the first coach of Pasifika heritage to take the reins of Aotearoa’s most iconic rugby team.

For many of us in the Pacific community, this is more than a coaching appointment—it’s a milestone that reflects the significant impact Pacific peoples have had on rugby in New Zealand. A large percentage of Super Rugby and All Blacks players are of Pacific descent, yet this is the first time one of our own has led the team from the top. Rennie’s appointment sends a powerful message: Pacific people belong at every level of rugby, from grassroots to the pinnacle of the game.

Rennie spoke proudly of his heritage at his first press conference. “She [my mother] was hardworking, inspirational… I know she’d be really proud. I’m honoured to represent the Cook Islands,” he said.…more

“Behind the white outfits and traditions is a culture that's racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile to anyone who doesn’t fit its mould.” Destanee Aiava slams racsim in professional tennis 

When you carry the hopes of your people onto a stage that was never designed with you in mind, the weight is different.

Samoan Australian tennis player Destanee Aiava has announced that 2026 will be her final year in professional tennis, closing a chapter that began when she was just a teenager with a racquet and a dream. For many across the Pacific diaspora, she was more than a ranking - she was representation, a brown girl in white tennis gear, standing in spaces that have historically excluded people who look like her.

In a powerful and deeply personal statement, Aiava reflected on the cost of dedicating her entire life to the sport.

“From the moment I had my first lesson at Casey Tennis Club, my entire life was tennis,” she wrote.…more

As Oceania prepares for its first-ever professional football league, the small island of Niue will be represented by its first professional football player.

23-year-old midfielder Jaylen Rodwell has signed with New Zealand’s South Island United, making history for the island nation with a population of under 2,000 people.

“It was crazy once I found out that I was the first ever Niuean professional footballer, I didn’t think that it was true to be honest, until people confirmed that for me,” he says.

“I’m just super grateful and super proud to be the first professional and hopefully to inspire others and local guys that also live back home in Niue.”

Rodwell began his football journey at South Auckland’s Manurewa FC, before moving through several clubs around Auckland and Wellington. He also played NCAA college football at the University of Portland.

His senior career has included stints with Birkenhead United, Edgeworth Eagles in Australia, Auckland United, and now South Island United in Christchurch, part of the south island’s first professional football team.…more

Moana Pasifika kick off their 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign with exciting new signings and returning stars following a strong 2025 season.

All Blacks midfielder Ngani Laumape returns to Moana Pasifika after two years in Japan, coming home to represent his culture and inspire the next generation, including his sons.

Rising star Israel Leota, the 21-year-old former Brisbane Broncos player, officially switches codes to Rugby Union and joins Moana Pasifika as one of the team’s most promising young talents for 2026.

Newly appointed Moana Pasifika captain Miracle Fai’ilagi reflects on his journey to leadership and shares his excitement about leading a squad packed with experience, youth, and Pasifika pride.

Credits

Archival Footage: Moana Pasifika

“I love Scott Barrett. He’s one of the best players in the world, but I think we need to give the captaincy to Ardie,” said Sonny Bill Williams.

"He’s our guy moving forward, just because of the mana he brings. He’s got the runs on the board, look at what he’s done with Moana this year.”

Dual code star Sonny Bill Williams has added his voice to the current All Black discussion, saying that the changes to the team shouldn’t end with the firing of coach Scott Robertson.

Iconic sports star Sonny Bill, who played 58 tests between 2010-19 including several seasons alongside both Savea and Barrett, also said that the incoming coaching group should be focused on team culture.

“This is just my honest thoughts and opinion, but I think we need a coaching group that knows how to connect before correcting. Because these players know how to play and we do have the squad,” he said.…more

We head to Otahuhu Memorial Grounds and check out Tahiti’s first-ever international outing at the Moana Pasifika 7s Cup 2025 in Tamaki Maukaurau! 🇵🇫🔥

On 13 December, Moana Pasifika hosted its biggest community tournament yet at Otahuhu College, and for the first time two teams from Tahiti travelled outside their homeland to compete against Pacific youth sides from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Niue, and the Cook Islands 🏉🌺

In a major achievement for Pacific rugby, Fijian rugby star Bitila Tawake has been named the first female player representative from Fiji on the board of the Pacific Rugby Players (PRP). This union represents professional rugby talent throughout the region.

The announcement shows a positive change toward involving women and improving representation in rugby governance in the Pacific, a region known for its love of the sport and its development of top players.

Tawake’s appointment is a shift from elite athlete to influential leader. As a two-time Super W champion with the Fijiana Drua in Australia’s top women’s competition, she also represented Fiji at the 2021 Rugby World Cup.

Her on-field career has long been marked by both performance and leadership. Tawake captained Fiji at the 2022 Oceania Championship, guiding the team through a strong campaign, which included a decisive win over Papua New Guinea and a solid performance against Tonga.…more

Tuesday 24 March Update

Tongan rugby league player Eliesa Katoa may never play the game again, according to Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy.

Katoa had brain surgery in November as a result of head knocks he received during the Tonga and New Zealand Kiwis Pacific Championships match in Auckland.

The first was a head knock with a team mate during the pre-game warm up, followed by two more high hits during the match.

The 25 year old backrower was ruled out of the 2026 season but now Melbourne Storm coach Bellamy has revealed that Katoa may never return to the NRL.

Monday 12 January Update

Tonga rugby league star Eliesa Katoa is back on the field, but in a limited capacity, two months after being admitted to hospital with a serious head injury.

Eli Katoa's club, the Melbourne Storm, has posted video of him taking part in passing drills.

The Pacific is rallying around Katoa, who has undergone brain surgery and will miss the 2026 NRL season.…more