Vanuatu cricketers get pay boost
The Vanuatu men's cricket team will see their monthly salaries increased by more than 30 percent.
The revised contract list sees a raise for all 14 players, including three tier-A players who will now receive $US584 per month.
The increase is under the new six-month system announced by the Vanuatu Cricket Association this week.
After the team's victory in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Pacific Qualifier hosted in Port Vila during September last year, the team now have the historic opportunity to qualify for the country's first-ever senior World Cup.
They will face off against Japan, Philippines, and hosts PNG in late-July in the regional final.
Drua player sacked
The Fijian Drua has confirmed that Vinaya Habosi has had his contract terminated with immediate effect, due to a "high-level breach" of the club's code of conduct.
Habosi was the breakout star of Super Rugby Pacific, play 11 games for the side.
He burst onto the scene as the season progressed, scoring five tries in seven games to earn himself a call-up to the Fijian side.
The team said the decision was made after careful consideration, and full due process was accorded to him throughout the process.
The Fijian Drua say they will not comment further.
Meanwhile, the Fiji Rugby Union's Acting chief executive says the Fijiana Drua head coach will be finalised by the end of this month.
Fiji Live reports the successful candidate will also coach the Fijiana national side.
Tevita Tuiloa said they have received numerous applications for the role, from both locals and people overseas.
New Caledonia football squad announced
New Caledonia has announced its 18-man football squad for the Pacific Games 2023 in Solomon Islands.
A trial match took place between New Caledonia's current champion club Tiga Sport against a selection of the best players of eight different teams across New Caledonia.
The Cagous will play five warm-up matches as part of their preparation for the Games.
The squad is:
Mickaël ULILE (g) - A Magenta
Warren HLUPA (g) - AS Lössi
Louis-Daniel DOUEPERE- As Kunié
Claude FOREST - Sc Ne Drehu
Germain HAEWEGENE - As Magenta
Nathanaël HMAEN - Sc Ne Drehu
Bernard IWA - Qanono Sport
Paul JONE - As Lössi
Gilbert KUGONE - As Magenta
Gianni MANMIEU - As Kunié
Roberto NEOERE - As Kunié
Fonzy RANCHAIN - Hienghène Sport
Willy READ - As Lössi
Antoine ROINE - Hienghène Sport
William ROKUAD - As Magenta
Vincent VAKIE - As Kunié
Claude WADELA - As Lössi
Brice WATRONE - Asc Gaïca
Canberra helping Solomons host PacGames athletes
The Australian Government is contributing to creating accommodation for the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands.
The Solomon Islands 2023 Steering Committee has met for the second time to discuss preparations for the Games since Australia signed a formal agreement to provide funding last December.
Inside the Games reports the main portion of Australia's $US11 million commitment is to assist with the refurbishment of school dormitories which will serve as athletes' accommodation.
Solomon Islands 2023 has also received financial support from China, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Japan and South Korea to aid preparations for the Games, which are set to begin in November.
