# Nauru national Australian rules football team

The Nauru national Australian rules football team represents Nauru in Australian rules football. Despite its small size and population, Nauru, which is the only country with Australian football as its national sport, consistently ranks among the top eight teams in the world.
The men's team, nicknamed the Chiefs, debuted in 1976 and finished 5th at the 2008 Australian Football International Cup. A women's team, nicknamed the Aoreni, debuted at the 2024 Pacific Cup which it won. Male and female youth sides, nicknamed the Stars, have also competed regularly since 2009.

## History

Australian rules had been played on Pleasant Island as early as 1916 with regular competition between local teams from 1921. As an Australian trustee, Nauru was the only overseas league recognised and supported by the Australian National Football Council in 1929. By 1954 its popularity had grown such that it became the only football code that children played on the island.
Following Nauru’s independence in 1968 and the independence of the Australian territory of Papua New Guinea in 1975, an opportunity presented itself for a Nauruan national team to compete. The nation's first internationals occurred when the team toured Papua New Guinea a year later in 1976. Among the better players in the squad were Royong Itsimaera, Ali Iwagia, Johaness Itsimaera, Richardo Solomon, Vinson Detenamo, Manfred Depaune and Pres Nimes. Papua New Guinea went on to win the match by 129 points.
Until sometime after 1999, the team went by the nickname the Frigatebirds. In 2000, Nauru travelled to Queensland to compete in the inaugural Web Sports Cup. The side played against a team from Samoa and the Robina Roos of the AFL Queensland. Nauru won both matches. The team returned to Australia for the competition again the following year, this time defeating another two teams, including the Gold Coast Old Boys.
In November 2012 Nauru travelled to Suva to take on Fiji in a three-match test series. Nauru won the first two matches by a combined 140 points. The team re-asserted its dominance in the final match, securing the sweep with a 103 to 31 win. This test series was the first official AFL international ever held outside of Australia.
The women's team on debut. The Under 17 male side also won the cup. The men's side reached the grand final.

## Players

Despite the sport's popularity and the national team's success, as of 2017 no Nauruan international has played in the Australian Football League. However, in 2008 seventeen Nauruan players competed in the Victorian Football League in preparation for the 2008 Australian Football International Cup. In 2012 Yoshi Harris played a few matches for Greater Western Sydney Giants's reserve squad and in the AFL Sydney. Though shorter in stature than the average AFL player, Nauruans are fast and athletic. Not a single player in the 2008 International Cup squad was over 183cm. Because of this height, the Nauruan style is to play close to the ground and is suited to playing in wet conditions.

## Stadium

As the only Australian rules ground on Nauru, the Linkbelt Oval in the Aiwo District is home to the sport on the island. However, because the pitch surface is rock and phosphate dust, and markings are drawn on the rock with oil, the ground does not meet standards for international matches. In April 2024, the Australian Defence Force visited the island and were surprised by the playing surface. At that time, the government of Australia was attempting to build Nauru a second field with a grass surface through the Australian Aid so the country could host other national teams and international competition. Other clubs and nations would not travel to Nauru previously because of the oval's surface.

## Men's team

The men's team, the Chiefs formed debuted in 1976.

### International Cup

Nauru has participated in the Australian Football International Cup since the inaugural tournament in 2002. They have gone on to compete in every edition of the tournament, aside from 2005 when the team had to withdraw because of financial difficulties shortly before the games started.
International Cup results :
| Year | Finish | P | W-L-D | PF | PA |
| 2002 | 8/11 | 6 | 1-5-0 | 269 | 247 |
| 2005 | Withdrew |
| 2008 | 5/16 | 5 | 4-1-0 | 387 | 166 |
| 2011 | 6/18 | 6 | 4-2-0 | 312 | 238 |
| 2014 | 7/18 | 5 | 4-1-0 | 419 | 170 |
| 2017 | 5/18 | 5 | 4-1-0 | 232 | 235 |

### Arafura Games

Nauru competed in the 1995 Arafura Games in Darwin, the first edition of the tournament to feature national teams. That year they were coached by former Geelong Football Club player Mark Yeates. Nauru went on to win the bronze medal that year. The Chiefs went on to win the tournament in 2001, defeating the Northern Territory Eagles in the final. The team did not compete in 1997 or 1999 despite national teams competing in the sport at those games.
Arafura Games results :
| Year | Finish | P | W-L-D | PF | PA |
| 1995 | 3/5 | 5 | 2-3-0 | 233 | 236 |
| 1997 | Did Not Enter |
| 1999 | Did Not Enter |
| 2001 | 1/4 | 3 | 3-0-0 | 307 | 81 |

### Matches

| Date | Opposition | For | Against | Venue | Winner | Status |
| 11 October 1976 | Papua New Guinea | | | Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, Port Moresby | Papua New Guinea | Friendly |
| 1995 | New Zealand | 19 | 54 | Marrara Oval, Darwin, Australia | New Zealand | 1995 Arafura Games |
| 1995 | Japan/Singapore | 35 | 41 | Marrara Oval, Darwin, Australia | Japan/Singapore | 1995 Arafura Games |
| 1995 | Papua New Guinea | 30 | 52 | Marrara Oval, Darwin, Australia | Papua New Guinea | 1995 Arafura Games |
| 1995 | Hong Kong | 65 | 30 | Marrara Oval, Darwin, Australia | Nauru | 1995 Arafura Games |
| 1995 | Japan/Singapore | 84 | 59 | Marrara Oval, Darwin, Australia | Nauru | 1995 Arafura Games (Bronze) |
| 2001 | Japan | 142 | 9 | Marrara Oval, Darwin, Australia | Nauru | 2001 Arafura Games |
| 2001 | Northern Territory Superules | 74 | 37 | Marrara Oval, Darwin, Australia | Nauru | 2001 Arafura Games |
| 2001 | Northern Territory Eagles | 91 | 35 | Marrara Oval, Darwin, Australia | Nauru | 2001 Arafura Games (Gold) |
| 14 August 2002 | Japan | 119 | 14 | Warrawee Park, Oakleigh, Australia | Nauru | 2002 International Cup |
| 15 August 2002 | Great Britain | 59 | 65 | Elsternwick Park, Elsternwick, Australia | Great Britain | 2002 International Cup |
| 16 August 2002 | Denmark | 27 | 40 | Whitten Oval, Melbourne, Australia | Denmark | 2002 International Cup |
| 21 August 2002 | Papua New Guinea | 44 | 91 | Trevor Barker Oval, Sandringham, Australia | Papua New Guinea | 2002 International Cup |
| 23 August 2002 | Samoa | 20 | 37 | Victoria Park, Melbourne, Australia | Samoa | 2002 International Cup (7/8) |
| 27 August 2008 | Papua New Guinea | 20 | 69 | Ransford Oval, Melbourne, Australia | Papua New Guinea | 2008 International Cup |
| 29 August 2008 | Great Britain | 65 | 18 | Western Oval, Melbourne, Australia | Nauru | 2008 International Cup |
| 1 September 2008 | Peres Team for Peace | 177 | 7 | Walter Oval, Warrnambool, Australia | Nauru | 2008 International Cup |
| 3 September 2008 | United States | 45 | 23 | Walter Oval, Warrnambool, Australia | Nauru | 2008 International Cup |
| 5 September 2008 | Canada | 80 | 49 | Ransford Oval, Melbourne, Australia | Nauru | 2008 International Cup (5/6) |
| 13 August 2011 | Japan | 42 | 19 | Blacktown International Sportspark, Sydney, Australia | Nauru | 2011 International Cup |
| 13 August 2011 | Fiji | 42 | 15 | Blacktown International Sportspark, Sydney, Australia | Nauru | 2011 International Cup |
| 15 August 2011 | Tonga | 61 | 35 | Blacktown International Sportspark, Sydney, Australia | Nauru | 2011 International Cup |
| 20 August 2011 | Papua New Guinea | 27 | 110 | Blacktown International Sportspark, Sydney, Australia | Papua New Guinea | 2011 International Cup |
| 24 August 2011 | Denmark | 94 | 7 | Ransford Oval, Melbourne, Australia | Nauru | 2011 International Cup |
| 26 August 2011 | South Africa | 46 | 52 | McAllister Oval, Melbourne, Australia | South Africa | 2011 International Cup (5/6) |
| 16 November 2012 | Fiji | 147 | 47 | Albert Park, Suva, Fiji | Nauru | Test series |
| 20 November 2012 | Fiji | 75 | 35 | Albert Park, Suva, Fiji | Nauru | Test series |
| 23 November 2012 | Fiji | 103 | 31 | Albert Park, Suva, Fiji | Nauru | Test series |
| 10 August 2014 | Indonesia | 227 | 7 | McAllister Oval, Melbourne, Australia | Nauru | 2014 International Cup |
| 13 August 2014 | Great Britain | 50 | 29 | Ransford Oval, Melbourne, Australia | Nauru | 2014 International Cup |
| 16 August 2014 | Ireland | 39 | 66 | Ransford Oval, Melbourne, Australia | Republic of Ireland | 2014 International Cup |
| 19 August 2014 | Great Britain | 49 | 33 | McAlister Oval, Melbourne, Australia | Nauru | 2014 International Cup |
| 22 August 2014 | United States | 54 | 35 | McAlister Oval, Melbourne, Australia | Nauru | 2014 International Cup (7/8) |
| 6 August 2017 | New Zealand | 34 | 81 | Ransford Oval, Melbourne, Australia | New Zealand | 2017 International Cup |
| 9 August 2017 | Papua New Guinea | 35 | 84 | Marty Busch Recreation Reserve, Sebastopol, Australia | Papua New Guinea | 2017 International Cup |
| 12 August 2017 | France | 106 | 14 | Victoria Oval, Kew, Australia | Nauru | 2017 International Cup |
| 15 August 2017 | Canada | 56 | 24 | Ransford Oval, Melbourne, Australia | Nauru | 2017 International Cup |
| 18 August 2017 | Great Britain | 53 | 32 | McAlister Oval, Melbourne, Australia | Nauru | 2017 International Cup (5/6) |

### Squads
#### 2002 IC

* Coach: Gonzaga Namaduk
* Players: Alfred Spanner, Quinson Cook, Devin Grundler, Jericho Detenamo, Ramaraka Detenamo, Ken Blake, Javin Agir, Rudeen Spanner, Robert Timothy, Linko Jeremiah, Enoch Canon, Joel Joram, Aaron Canon, Paner Baguga, Merlin Talcka, Jaxon Jeremiah, Spencer Tannang, Brian Hiram, George Gioura, Jesse Uepa, Junior Dowiyogo, Raynor Tom, Vaiuli Amoc, Carlson Hartman, Paul Hartman, Xavier Namaduk, Cidro Namaduk, Slim Notte, Bayonet Aliklik, Syd Namaduk, Anthony Hiram

#### 2008 IC

* Coach: Manfred Depaune
* Players: Trent Depaune, Priven Dame, Mallinson Batsiua, Agir Amwano, Rudin Spanner, Timothy Teabuge, Deamo Baguga, Clint Engar, Vili-Kesa Jeremiah, Torio Mwareow, George Quadina, Otto Adam, German Grundler, Brendan Waidabu, Ronpade Cook, Johnny Dagiaro, Neil Scotty, Rennier Gadabu, Nash Starr, David Dagiaro, Tiana Waidabu, Shadrach Notte, Pesky Agir, Adolph Muasau, Aronson Eobob, Derrick Seymour

#### 2011 IC

* Coach: Graham Pratt
* Assistant Coach: Wes Illig
* Players: Snuka Adire, Derio Namaduk, Febriano Baguga, Jude Cook, Otto Adam, Deiri Cook, Yoshi Harris, Kingston Ika, Maska Hubert, Maverick Batsiua, Johnny Dagiaro, Donatello Moses, Reason Satto, Trent Depaune, Nash Starr, Timothy Teabuge, Ralph Teimitsi, Mallinson Batsiua, Zac Temaki, Jose Uepa, Brendan Waidabu, Tiana Waidabu, Kabureta Dannang, Robroy Grundler, Kamtaura Kamtaura, Robby Deireregea

#### 2014 IC

* Coach: Paner Baguga
* Players: Otto Adam, Snuka Adire, Lennox Agege, Jonas Amwano, Mallinson Battsiua, Maverick Battsiua, Kazaam Baui, Ronpade Cook, Charles Dagiaro, Johnny Dagiaro, Pilo Dagiaro, Aykers Daniel, Trent Depaune, Marcus Paul Detenamo, Hess Tekai Fiolape, DJ Grundler, German Grundler, Yoshi Harris, Mikey Hiram, Kingston Ika, Tipung Kamtaura, Donatello Moses, Dave Mwaredaga, Kenneth Oppenheimer, Timothy Teabuge, Zac Temaki, Jose Uepa, Greigor Uera, Tiana Waidabu

#### 2017 IC

* Coach: Zac Temaki
* Players: Bronco Deidenang, Yoshi Harris, Kenneth Oppenheimer, Aykers Daniel, Joeson Kanimea, Trent Depaune, Tipung Kamtaura, Donatello Moses, Jencke Jeremiah, Richmond Spanner, Mikey Hiram, Mallinson Batsiua, Darnel Diema, Patrick Agadio, Dave Mwaredaga, Agir Nenabo Amwano, Kais Tatum, German Grundler, Tiana Waidubu, Charles Dagiaro, Jose TripleJ-Jems Uepa, David Japheth Adeang, Jeremiah Gil Kam, Devine Agir, Teolime Kamtaura, Tama Jeremiah, Niga Haulangi, Shawnkemp Maaki, Ishmael Fritz, Mick Vorbach

## Women's team

An open women's team, nicknamed the Aoreni, formed to compete in 2024 winning the Pacific Cup at Maroochydore, Queensland winning on debut.

## Youth sides

AFL Nauru also organizes youth sides. The male youth side is nicknamed the Stars. At the under-16 level the nation has experienced much success, including Oceania Cup championships in 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2019; and multiple second-place finishes; and appearances in the Barassi International Australian Football Youth Tournament.
In 2023, female youth sides were fielded for the first time, including the 2023 Oceania Cup and 2024 Pacific Cup.

### Oceania Cup
#### Key

Champion  Runners-up  3rd Place
Oceania Cup results :
| Year | Finish (male) |
| 2009 | 2nd |
| 2010 | 4th |
| 2011 | 2nd |
| 2012 | 2nd |
| 2013 | 1st |
| 2014 | 2nd |
| 2015 | 1st |
| 2016 | 1st |
| 2017 | 2nd |
| 2018 | 2nd |
| 2019 | 1st |
| 2023 | 2nd |