Coco Talanoa — Sports / Page 1

Dr Hoani Smith, Dr Phillip Borell, Lefaoali’i Associate Professor Dion Enari

There’s something bigger here than just another UFC win.

When Carlos Ulberg steps into the Octagon, most see the obvious. Athleticism, composure, and the finish. But this one was different. It was a moment. Because this isn’t just about winning a championship anymore. It’s about building a global presence.

Whether we like it or not, Ulberg is carrying something bigger than himself. He’s carrying us and our country. 

New Zealand is known for punching above our weight on the world stage. Names like Jacinda Ardern, Lorde, or Russell Crowe, doing it large on the big stage. They shape how people see us. Ulberg’s starting to do that too. Just in a different arena.

He’s Māori and Samoan. He’s calm, measured, and doesn’t need to be loud to be noticed. In a sport where a lot of people lean into hype, he’s gone the other way, and it’s working. Remember, influence doesn’t just sit with politicians anymore.…more

John Tafi has broken the Oceania Senior Men’s 71kg clean and jerk record, lifting an incredible 172kg at the IBFC Universal Weightlifting Cup.

The Samoan star delivered a dominant performance in the 71kg division, completing a clean sweep and taking control of the competition from the very beginning. 

He opened with a strong 140kg lift in the snatch, immediately putting pressure on his competitors. But it was in the clean and jerk where he made history, powering through the 172kg lift to set a new Oceania record and seal gold in emphatic fashion. The lift not only secured his victory but also confirmed his status as one of the region’s most exciting and in-form weightlifters.

Fellow Samoan representing NZ, Olivia Selemaia continued her impressive rise with a record-breaking lift of her own, hitting 124kg in the clean and jerk in the 69kg division to set a new Oceania mark. The young Samoan Kiwi has been steadily gaining recognition and remains one to watch as she climbs the international rankings.…more

“Despite our limited resources, IBS strives to provide our young fighters the international pathways they deserve,” -  IBS President Tavu’i Mike Lemisio.

Samoa has dominated the Pacific Nations Cup in Suva, Fiji, bringing home an impressive 19 medals, 12 gold and 7 silver, in a commanding performance across both elite and youth divisions.

The result builds on last month’s Youth World Cup success in Thailand, where Samoa also secured gold and silver, further highlighting the rapid rise of Independent Boxing Samoa (IBS) on the international stage.

Led by Lemisio and head trainer, boxing legend Faumuina To’aletai David Tua, the team’s success reflects weeks of intense preparation, combining high-level training with a strong spiritual foundation. Their efforts were backed by a dedicated coaching and management group working behind the scenes.

“We could only send a small team… but we hope to one day field a full team covering all weight classes and genders for all world events,” Lemisio said.…more

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