FIJI’S locally based netballers will have an opportunity to showcase their talent on the international stage when the inaugural PacificAus Sports Netball Challenge takes place in Brisbane, Australia, from November 23–28, 2026.
The tournament, organised by Netball Australia in partnership with the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports, will bring together national teams from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands.
The stand-alone competition is designed specifically for Pacific-based players, providing a pathway for emerging talents to gain international exposure and strengthen their development towards national representation.
For Netball Fiji, the tournament presents an important opportunity to widen the pool of athletes considered for national selection, particularly given the significant number of players developing their skills within Fiji.
Fiji TOC Chair, Vasti Vugakoto, welcomed the initiative, saying the PacificAus Sports Netball Challenge is an important step in strengthening grassroots development and creating meaningful opportunities for locally based players.
“This tournament provides a valuable platform for our local netballers to showcase their talent, gain international exposure, and measure their development against other Pacific nations.”
“It is important for us to gauge the level of grassroots netball development in Fiji, identify emerging talent, and create stronger pathways for players to progress from community and club netball into national representation.”
“For Netball Fiji, this is also an opportunity to build depth within our national squads and ensure that locally based athletes are given the recognition, support, and experience they need to compete at the next level.”
The tournament follows consultations between Netball Australia and Pacific netball federations, which identified the need for clearer pathways for locally based players to compete at the national level and gain experience against international opposition.
Netball Australia Chief Executive Officer Stacey West said the initiative would create new opportunities for athletes and officials while supporting the continued growth and sustainability of netball across the region.
The Challenge will complement the established PacificAus Sports Netball Series, which is scheduled to return in its usual format in 2027.
For Fiji, participation in the tournament will form part of the broader work to develop local talent, build depth in national squads and provide emerging players with greater exposure to high-performance netball.
As Netball Fiji continues its development and revival efforts, opportunities such as the PacificAus Sports Netball Challenge will help connect grassroots participation with the next level of competition, giving more local players a chance to demonstrate their ability and pursue national honors.
Vatukaloko netballers receive their prize from the chairperson of the Netball Fiji Transitiion Oversight Committee, Vasiti Vugakoto. Picture: NETBALL FIJI
Talei Lesutikomailepanoni in action for Nasinu against Suva during the Crest National Netball Championship, at Lautoka’s Multipurpose Court.
INSET: Nadi’s Taniela Talilevu in control against Nasinu during the Crest National Netball Championship, at Lautoka’s Multipurpose Court. Pictures: BALJEET SINGH
Nadi’s Taniela Talilevu in control against Nasinu during the Crest National Netball Championship, at Lautoka’s Multipurpose Court. Picture: BALJEET SINGH
