Pacific sipoti in brief for 29 April

Sevens

Former Fiji sevens skipper Jerry Tuwai has been named as an assistant coach to the current team.

Fiji Rugby said Tuwai emerged as the standout candidate, bringing with him a wealth of experience, tactical acumen, and a strong understanding of the Fijian sevens DNA.

Tuwai won Olympic gold with the Fiji sevens team at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and was named World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year in 2019.

Tuwai said he is ready to pour his knowledge and experience into the team.

The three-part sevens championship resumes in Valladolid, Spain, at the end of May.

Football

Fiji's Bula FC and South Island United from Christchurch will kick off the leaders' group of the OFC Pro League next week, at Go Media Stadium in Auckland.

Draws released by Oceania Football sees leaders Auckland FC face off against South Melbourne FC in the second match of the top four also on 6 May.

The botton four play-offs will see Solomon Kings FC take on Tahiti United at Eden Park in the opening game of the challengers' group on 7 May.

The second game in that play-off will be between Vanuatu United FC and PNG Hekari FC.

Round-robin matches are due to be completed by 13 May, before the semifinals are held.

League

Tongan international Haumole Olakau'atu has been hit with two careless high tackle charges following his Sea Eagles' win over Parramatta.

But he will be available to play the Panthers on Sunday, as both are grade 1 offences carrying fines.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs' Toa Samoa star Stephen Crichton will also pay a fine after submitting an early guilty plea on a tripping charge.

Fellow Samoan, Luciano Leilua, will miss one game for the Dragons after an early guilty plea to a grade 2 dangerous contact charge, for his late shot on Roosters halfback Sam Walker.

Swimming

Fiji has named a 23-strong team for the Oceania Swimming Championships next month, which will be hosted in Suva.

FBC reported the team is a blend of rising young talent with proven performers.

Pacific Games gold medalists Hansel McCaig and David Young headline the team.

The Oceania Swimming Championships will run from 8-13 May, with the pool events at the Damodar City Aquatic Centre.

Rugby

The Fijiana XV have defended their Oceania Women's XV rugby championship with a big win over Manusina XV.

The Fijiana XV won 60-7.

Fiji ran in nine tries, with winger Aqela Raitubu leading the charge with a hat-trick.

Fiji Rugby said the Fijiana XV have laid down a strong marker as they continue building toward higher-level international competition.

Football

Cook Islands football club Puaikura has secured its spot at OFC Women's Champions League with a 3-0 victory over American Samoa's PanSa FC.

They will join two-time defending champions Auckland United FC of New Zealand, and Drehu Athletico Club of New Caledonia, in group B of the Oceania Women's Champions' League in June.