Coco Talanoa — Sports / Page 54
Tonga to host 2019 Pacific Games!
Prime Minister Hon. Samuela 'Akilisi Pohiva has released a statement stating the Games will be held in the Kingdom, despite difficulties in raising the funds necessary to finance it.
The decision was made to go ahead with the hosting after a special Cabinet meeting held earlier this week, with the Sports Organising Committee leaders meeting with Government officials to discuss details of the Games.
With the lack of funding for the construction of proper facilities and equipment for the Games, it was doubtful that Tonga would go ahead with hosting.
Sporting facilities such as a golf course and a swimming pool do not currently exist in Tonga, and these two facilities alone would take up half of the budget claimed to be needed for the 2019 Games. In addition, existing facilities in Tonga are not adequate for the Games - which includes an outdoor stadium, and an indoor stadium that would host basketball, volleyball, netball, and other events.
But Minister for Finance and National Planning, Dr. Hon.…more
Jerome Kaino autobiography - My Story
Growing up a skinny Samoan in South Auckland, Jerome Kaino has be fighting hard to get to where he is today - and although he was an All Black at 21, some dark years followed him on his way to the top. His new book describes his humble origins in Papakura to the dizzying heights of rugby glory.
Check out an excerpt from his new book My Story, on sale from 31 July 2015.
All Blacks in Samoa
Check out the All Blacks cooling off and having fun at Papase'ea (Sliding Rocks) after their test last week!
Vid courtesy of Code.
PNG take Gold in Rugby League 9's at Pacific Games!
The host country of the XV Pacific Games defeted Samoa in the final 38-10 to win gold, much to the delight of the home crowd.
The host team were on fine form throughout the tournament, and their win was a huge morale boost for the country. Tonga come away with the bronze medal after narrowly defeating Fiji 16-14 in the bronze medal match.
The Rugby League gold brings the PNG tally up 74, with a total of 32 gold overall with one more week left for the games.
Snapchat Story: All Blacks Vs Manu Samoa 2015 with 'CocofreshTV'
Man!!!! What a beautiful moment in history! One of the most epic matches between between the NZ All Blacks Manu Samoa! Here are some snaps we managed to get off the field with some of our favorite present and pass players. Thanks for these cool guys for the shout outs!
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All Blacks vs Manu Samoa highlights
Check out the highlights from the All Blacks vs Manu Samoa test match at Apia Park!
Vid courtesy of the All Blacks.
All Blacks Haka vs Manu Samoa Siva Tau
Check out the stirring Haka and Siva Tau performance from the historic All Blacks vs Manu Samoa game held at Apia Park!
Both sides fought a hard game in this match between two great rugby-nations, but there can be only one winner, with the All Blacks winning 25-16.
Samoan fans were out in full-force, with the island-nation on holiday for half of the day as they stopped to watch the battle commence.
Hansen to receive honorary Matai title
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is to be gifted an honorary chiefly title after the historic test in Apia this week.
The title will be bestowed by the village of Vaiala, home of Sky Sport commentator Ken Laban who is helping to organise the traditional gesture.
"Steve is being honored because, as we all know, there will be no game in Samoa without his express approval. If he said no there would be no game," Laban said.
Chiefs are honoured for their leadership, service, humility and impact they have on the village, families and Samoa - Hansen has done all that and more says Laban.
The Vaiala village is also home to Manu Samoa coach Stephen Betham and former sevens coach Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua. The venue for the All Blacks vs Manu Samoa clash is also on Vaiala land, who gifted it to the government for the building of Apia Park.
The ceremony is to take place on Thursday morning, the day after the historic test.…more
Tana Umaga named head coach for Blues!
Former All Blacks Tana Umaga has just been announced as the new head coach for the Auckland Blues!
He replaces former head coach Sir John Kirwan after his resignation last week Friday, and is unfazed by the work ahead of him. The Auckland Blues have had a rough season, winning only 17 of 58 games - their most disappointing season to date.
"It is going to take a lot of very hard work which will be my focus. I want to let our performances on the field do the talking."
Umaga will begin his stint as head coach later on this year, once his commitments as head coach of Counties Manukau have ended.
Congrats uso!
Images: Getty Images
Samoa deaf rugby team beat Australia
Samoa's deaf rugby team has beaten the visiting Australian team 20-19 in the country's first ever rugby match for deaf players.
The game was used to promote awareness for people with disability and to kick-start Samoa's preparations for next year's deaf rugby World Cup in Australia.
Samoa coach and deaf instructor Petaia Iamafana says the game was a massive opportunity for the players.
"It helps our deaf community here build their confidence, be more involved and be able to compete in the same level of competitions as everyone else and hopefully to open up more opportunities for them in the future because, at the moment, deaf people here are more in homes and doing all the chores at home. This is an eye-opener for their future and their raw talent in rugby and any other sport".
Source: Radio NZ