British & Irish Lions prop 'gladiators' form secret society in Australia - but competition for places is fierce as first Test draws closer

A secret society of Lions prop 'gladiators' has been formed in the early stages of this Australia tour, but amid the bonds of new friendships, these competitive beasts are jostling for places in their own complex hierarchy. With a fortnight to go...

Prime Minister's office only given hour's notice before Winston Peters' speech dismissing 'trade war'

Christopher Luxon and Winston Peters. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone The Prime Minister's office was only given an hour's notice of the contents of a speech by the Foreign Affairs minister, in which Winston Peters criticised the language used by...

Identifying forest invasive species in Fiji and Tonga using machine learning: A Pacific Islands case study

Ex-Wales centre Halaholo set for Tonga debut

Former Wales and Cardiff centre Willis Halaholo is set to make his Tonga debut in August. The 34-year-old won the last of his Wales caps in April 2022 and can now play for Tonga under global governing body World Rugby's eligibility rules. Halaholo...

The one called Ma‘afu

Last week, we explored Ma’afu’s reign as Fiji’s first Tui Lau, his complex relationship with Ratu Seru Cakobau, Vunivalu of Bau, and his governance underpinned by support for Methodist missionaries. Today, we delve into his formative, turbulent...

MPs urge for more Tongan seasonal worker opportunities in Australia

A high-level Tongan delegation has wrapped up an official visit to Australia focused on deepening regional cooperation. Led by former Prime Minister Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, the delegation met with Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Assistant Minister...

Today's rugby news as Wales international switches allegiances and 'richest game in rugby' proposed

These are your rugby headlines on Friday, July 4 Halaholo gets Tonga call-up Willis Halaholo has been named in the Tonga squad for this summer's Pacific Nations Cup. Halaholo won 10 caps for Wales after moving to the country in 2016 and making...

Canberra opens door to supporting Pacific rugby cash plea

The Albanese government has opened the door to financially supporting a $150 million pitch from Tonga, Samoa and Fiji for rugby union, amid efforts by China to use sports diplomacy to build influence in the Pacific. But one former diplomat...

Crown Prince and Princess lead support for Trade Fair 2025

Tonga’s biggest trade fair kicked off yesterday, led by HRH Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala at Queen Salote Memorial Hall. The Tonga Trade Fair 2025 celebrates local enterprise, culture and innovation over three days in Nukuʻalofa. HRH Princess Sinaitakala...

BeaversEdge Top 25 For 2025: No. 22 DL Tevita Pome’e

In the months leading up to the start of fall camp, BeaversEdge.com will be counting down the Top 25 Oregon State football players on the 2025 roster. Want to give your two cents on the rankings? Subscribe to BeaversEdge.com to join The Dam Board...

Tahiti Clinches Multiple Titles in Archery Finals at 2025 Pacific Mini Games

MELEKEOK, Palau — Tahiti reinforced its dominance in regional archery on Wednesday, securing multiple gold medals in the compound and recurve events at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games held at the Melekeok archery range. In the men’s 50-meter compound...

Tupou gets chance to stake claim for Lions series with Waratahs

SYDNEY :The Wallabies thought they had a tighthead prop for a generation when Taniela Tupou packed his bags and headed to Australia to join his brother after completing his education in New Zealand. This weekend, however, he will not be facing...

Rugby-Tupou gets chance to stake claim for Lions series with Waratahs

SYDNEY (Reuters) -The Wallabies thought they had a tighthead prop for a generation when Taniela Tupou packed his bags and headed to Australia to join his brother after completing his education in New Zealand. This weekend, however, he will not be...

Pasifika Sipoti in brief for 4 July

Christian Lio-Willie. Photo: John Cowpland / action press Rugby Christian Lio-Willie will make his debut for the All Blacks when the team meets France in Dunedin on Saturday in the first of three test matches. The Crusaders number eight, who is of...

FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League - Oceania powers into the weekend as medal race heats up

KOROR (Palau) - After three stops of 3x3 action, the inaugural FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League - Oceania has already delivered history-making performances, nail-biters, and regional bragging rights in the making. With a rest day on Friday, all eyes...

Regional Pacific Workshop Strengthens Link Between Agriculture and Tourism

UN Tourism, the Mountain Partnership Secretariat at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), concluded a successful three-day Regional Workshop on Sustainable Gastronomy...

New Zealand floods trigger tsunami flashbacks for Samoan man

Waihopai and Wairau rivers. Photo: Webcam/Marlborough District Council With New Zealand's recent weather warnings and widespread flooding, a Samoan man whose home in Marlborough was affected says the experience triggered haunting memories of the...

A glimpse into the 2025 Pacific Mini Games - voices of athletes in Palau

2025 Palau Mini Games enters its fifth day of competition on Friday. Photo: Facebook / Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games The 2025 Pacific Mini Games has been a colourful affair so far, bringing together 23 Pacific nations to compete in a variety of...

Scott ready for debut

Ka’iulani Scott says it will be a proud moment when she makes her senior debut for the Fiji Kulas at the OFC Women’s Nations Cup this Saturday in Suva. The 17-year-old goalkeeper, who plays for Eastern Suburbs in New Zealand and has family roots...

4 Changes Triple H must make to WWE SummerSlam 2025

WWE's first-ever two-night SummerSlam is just five nights away. The grand event will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on August 2 & 3. Almost all the matches for both nights have been announced. On this week's episode...