Netball Australia, in partnership with the PacificAus Sports program from the Australian Government, has announced the launch of the inaugural PacificAus Sports Netball Challenge. Scheduled to take place from November 23-28, 2026, at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena, this event is set to highlight the netball talent from the Pacific Islands, featuring teams from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, and the Cook Islands.
This tournament serves as a crucial platform for local athletes to showcase their skills on a national stage, providing them with a chance to earn spots on their national teams. RubyAnn Sorovaki, President of Netball Fiji, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, noting that it will significantly expand opportunities for diverse athletes within the competitive landscape and enhance their pathways in netball.
Moreover, the PacificAus Sports Netball Challenge aims not only to spotlight player talent but also to promote the sport’s growth throughout the Pacific region. The initiative includes professional development for coaches, umpires, and bench officials, contributing to a well-rounded approach in building a sustainable netball ecosystem. Such efforts are geared towards fostering new talent and enhancing the overall profile of netball in the area, creating a hopeful future for upcoming generations of athletes and officials alike.