Advertise on podcast: Champions of the Pacific

A weekly show celebrating the best of Pacific Island sport. 

From representing Samoa on the football field to becoming FIFA's first chief women's football officer. Sarai Bareman is on a mission to put women front and centre of the football world stage. The former Samoa representative tells us how a holiday in Samoa set her on the path for a career in the sport, and her dreams for women's football in the Pacific.

Pacific nations are gearing up for a boost after World Rugby decided that players will be allowed to switch national teams from next year.  Prior to the new change, once a player had represented a country at international level, they couldn't turn out for another - unless they utilised an unintended sevens loophole. We talk to Manu Samoa coach Seilala Mapusua, 'Ikale Tahi coach Toutai Kefu, and a former All Black who says he's ready to represent his Pacific heritage. 

A weekly show that talks to the stars and unsung heroes of Pacific Island sport.

It's no secret that Fiji is packed with sporting talent. All over the world Fijians can be found running, jumping, tackling and shooting with the best of the best.  But when it comes to roles off the field, particularly in the nation's more popular sports, it's overseas coaches and administrators that dominate leading roles.  Sainimili Saukuru tells us what she's doing to see more locals leading the way.  

Sosaia Tulikihakau is one of the few Pasifika football referees in Aotearoa. The 21-year-old has been recognised by the community as a champion for diversity and inclusion in football, selected as a finalist for the Counties Manukau Sporting excellence awards for Referee of the Year.  We talk to Sosaia about his football journey and his hopes to see more Pasifika in the game. 

A weekly show that celebrates the best of Pacific Island sport.

The World Rugby Council will consider a proposal next week to change the sport's eligibility rules to make it easier for players to switch their international allegiance. Think Lima Sopoaga lining up for Manu Samoa or Charles Piutau playing for Tonga. So will it happen? Or will Pacific Island nations once against be given rugby's cold shoulder? Former 'Ikale Tahi captain Inoke Afeaki and Pacific Rugby Players Welfare CEO, former Manu Samoa lock Dan Leo, join us to discuss rugby politics, representation and why eligibility reform is long overdue.

More than 100 people drown in New Zealand waters each year and one Pasifika family is on a mission to educate the community about keeping safe when making a splash. The Fuluifaga Chan Foung aiga - mum Aanoali'i Rowena, dad Mike and their daughter Helena - talk to us about their experiences as surf lifeguards at Te Henga, Auckland's Bethells Beach and we discuss what more can be done to ensure people are being safe in and around the water.

A weekly show that explores the world of Pacific Island sport.

She was the last woman to captain the Samoa women's rugby team at a Rugby World Cup, now she's doing everything she can to help them return to the games biggest stage in 2022. ‎Cynthia Ta'ala-Timaloa talks to us about the obstacles the Manusina face to compete and qualify next year, and reflects back on her time with the team as both a player and now assistant coach. 

Mariner Fagaiava-Muller talks to Johnnie Timu, the Pasifika owner of Brown Pride gym in South Auckland, about the struggles of running a business during lockdown, and how they're keeping the community moving.