From grassroots to the top

WELLINGTON, (SUDAY STAR TIMES) – They are two of New Zealand rugby’s hottest prospects and they both came here on student visas to attend high school. Fiji’s Waisake Naholo and Tonga’s Malakai Fekitoa were quickly spotted by provincial talent scouts and were soon on a fast track to All Black stardom. Fekitoa won a scholarship…

16 nations tie down spots in World Cup

THE NATIONAL – Sixteen countries have qualified to take part in the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Papua New Guinea from November 13 to December 3, a senior official of the Local Organising Committee said. Chairman Seamus Marten said Canada, Mexico, USA, Brazil and Venezuela rounded off their qualification late last year, joining France,…

Tonga rugby to focus on sevens

AUCKLAND, (RNZI) -The Tonga Rugby Union says it will do everything it can to ensure the national sevens team is fully prepared for next year’s Olympic repechage tournament. Tonga impressed at the Oceania Championship in Auckland, thrashing Samoa 41-5 in the semi finals before a 50-0 drubbing by Australia in the title decider. Second place…