Samoa

World Bank highlights Pacific debt distress

The report, named Raising Pasifika: Strengthening Government Finances to Enhance Human Capital in the Pacific is a public expenditure review for Kiribati, Nauru, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

According to RNZ Pacific, the report's executive summary says the Covid-19 shock, combined with overlapping shocks from natural disasters and global inflation, risks reversing a decade of progress in building human capital across the Pacific.

Draw finalised for OFC U-19 Women’s Championship 2023

The draw was finalised in Port Vila, Vanuatu yesterday.

The tournament will see ten nations from across the Pacific competing, with New Zealand defending the title they won in 2019, defeating New Caledonia in the final in Cook Islands.

Tahiti, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Cook Islands are also participating in the tournament which will be held from June 21 to July 8.

The draw was conducted by OFC Head of Competitions, Chris Kemp, OFC President, Lambert Matlock and host President of Fiji Football Federation, Rajesh Patel.

Super Rugby Pacific: Moana Pasifika fall short in Apia clash

In a ten-try thriller, the visitors came out on top after 80 minutes of high-intensity rugby in front of more than 15,000 home supporters in the much-anticipated Super Rugby clash, as the hosts turned the heat on until the final whistle.

PMN News reports the result means the Reds ended their three-game losing streak, while Moana Pasifika will have to continue to seek their inaugural win in the 2023 season.

​Moana Pasifika coach Aaron Mauger said he was happy with the way the side played despite the loss.

"They showed the fans that they can be among the big boys.

Partisan crowd will roar on Moana Pasifika in Apia

Head coach Aaron Mauger is counting on the noise of the partisan crowd to get his players over the line in a historic match, the first Moana Pasiifka has played in any of its base countries.

RNZ Pacific reports Mauger hopes that home advantage will give his warriors their first win of the season.

"It has been exciting. The fans are excited. The players are excited," he told RNZ Pacific.

"We have had a good week [in Apia] and the players are focused on the job at hand."

Moana Pasifika officially arrive in Samoa

A welcoming reception was hosted for the team by Samoa's Minister of Tourism, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster at the STA Fale last night..

The team will host its first ever match in Samoa against the Queensland Reds on 14 April at Apia Park.

"I’m sure there’s plenty of excitement building in Samoa for the game on Friday," said Head Coach Aaron Mauger.

"The team is very excited to play in Samoa, especially our local players who will be able to introduce the team to our aiga in Samoa.

Four-nations Rugby Challenge to return for first time since 2020

The tournament returns for the first time since 2020 due to the Covid-19 lockdowns.

RNZ Pacific reports National 'A' teams of Fiji, Japan, Tonga and Samoa will battle for the title.

It is the first time in 13 years that Samoa has hosted a World Rugby tournament - the last being the Pacific Nations Cup in Apia in 2010.

"We are excited to be hosting this event in Samoa after the last three years of the pandemic but also a start on what is an exciting year for rugby in our region heading towards Rugby World Cup in France.

Oceania Champions League draw completed

Home side Ifira Black Bird will play their group B matches in the capital and have been joined by Hekari United of Papua New Guinea, AS Pirae of Tahiti and Tiga Sport of New Caledonia.

Fiji's Suva are in group A with defending champion New Zealand's Auckland City, Solomon Warriors and Lupe Ole Solaga of Samoa who topped a qualifying section played in Apia.

RNZ Pacific reports the two highest placed teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals. 

Draw date confirmed for OFC Champions League 2023

The draw will take place at 1pm NZT at the OFC Home of Football – Te Kahu o Kiwa in Auckland, New Zealand.

OFC Competitions Director Chris Kemp will conduct proceedings.

There is no seeding system for this edition of the OFC Champions League so teams will be drawn from a single pot and will be drawn into two groups of four, Group A and Group B with matches to be played in Port Vila and Luganville.

Pacific Island Food Revolution season 3 starts with seafood delights

PasifikaTV is excited to be broadcasting the series to the Pacific in what is sure to be another delicious celebration of vibrant food from across the region that highlights the passion and skill of the people making it.

Teams of two will be representing the Kingdom of Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea.

Season 3 will take place over six episodes, displaying the skills of contestants while also educating viewers on how food can be used to address issues the Pacific is facing including obesity, stunting, diabetes and climate change.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck anticipating a big year ahead

The Blues utility back was the only All Black for his team to run out against the Hurricanes last weekend in their first pre-season fixture of the year. It’s an opportunity that Tuivasa is appreciative of.

“I think making it through the first 40 minutes was the box I wanted to tick,” he says.

“It was good to get some fitness into my game and have some time to watch the clips after to see where I can grow from today.”