Tuvalu competing in the Conifa World Cup Photo: Twitter/CONIFAOfficial
Tuvalu makes plea to footballing body
Tuvalu is hopeful the world football body, FIFA, will understand its issues with facilities and allow it to become a member.
Tuvalu has previously tried to join FIFA but the requirement is to first join the regional football body, the Oceania Football Confederation.
Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Kofe said to join the OFC they are required to have a football stadium and a proper field, and accommodation to host
international games.
Kofe said the island's airstrip is used as an alternative football pitch, but during high tides "water seeps through the ground".
But he argues football is an inclusive sport and he hopes a country like Tuvalu can be considered for membership with FIFA.
He said they are asking for flexibility in membership rules to allow people to play football, despite climate change.
Tuvalu has competed in the South Pacific and Pacific Games since 1979 and also the Conifa World Cup for small nations and territories.
Women rugby players benefit from scholarships
Scholarships will allow six Pacific women to join the Australian Super W rugby clubs in 2023.
PacificAus Sports, which is awarding the scholarships, is an Australian government-funded organisation that creates opportunities for coaches, athletes and administrations.
Shonte To'a and Tilila Hifo from Tonga's Fuifuilupe will join the ACT Brumbies.
Samoa's Manusina players, Easter Savelio and Fa'alua loe Tugaga, will join the Melbourne Rebels.
Penina Tuilaepa, Angelica Uila and Saelua Lealua are joining the Western Force in Perth for a season.
The Brumbies have offered a short-term coaching placement to current Lakapi Samoa Women's Academy Manager Filoi Eneliko.
The Australian government continues to support the Fijiana Drua's participation in the Super W competition, with two home matches in Fiji in 2023.
Hartwell fights well to win MMA event
English fighter Danny Hartwell has won the Hiva Nui MMA Tournament in French Polynesia.
The final saw Hartwell face off against Paku Abraham and he won when the New Zealander submitted in the third round.
The big Pacific names in the tournament included the greco-roman wrestler Loic Tautu, and fellow French Polynesian Maui Teriinohorai.
Personal bests for PNG swimmers
The Fina World Short-Course Swimming Championships ended on Sunday with Papua New Guinea's small team of swimmers gaining valuable experience.
PNG has four swimmers heading to the Pacific Games in 11 months, and they all competed at the championships held in Australia as part of their preparation.
All four swam personal-best times in various events.
Coach Rick Van Der Zant said the competition will be the platform to build on their experiences, to return home with a renewed enthusiasm to pursue further excellence in swimming.
