Netball Australia, with the support of the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program, has unveiled the inaugural PacificAus Sports Netball Challenge, set to occur from November 23-28, 2026, at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena. This innovative tournament is dedicated to showcasing Pacific-based netball talent, featuring teams from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, and the Cook Islands.
The event promises to be a significant platform for local athletes, allowing them to compete at a national level and potentially secure a place in their respective country’s squads. RubyAnn Sorovaki, the President of Netball Fiji, expressed her excitement for the opportunity this competition provides. She emphasized how it enhances access for a broader range of athletes to participate in both the competitive landscape and the developmental pathways of netball.
Additionally, the PacificAus Sports Netball Challenge aims to foster the growth of the sport in the region by offering professional development opportunities for local coaches, umpires, and bench officials. This holistic approach underscores the commitment to building a robust netball ecosystem in the Pacific region, which could lead to the emergence of new talent and further elevate the sport’s profile. The initiative is a promising step toward strengthening netball in the Pacific, creating pathways for future generations of athletes and officials.