In 1954, local rugby and soccer leagues were all wound up as the popularity of Australian rules football on the island skyrocketed.
[citation needed] The all-time top scorer for the Tuvalu national football team, Alopua Petoa, is from Nauru.
[4] In the 2019-2020 budget report by the Government of Nauru it was noted that all available open spaces on the island are used for Australian rules football, making it difficult to promote other sports such as soccer and softball.
[5] On 14 March 2024, former Premier League striker Dave Kitson was announced as Nauru's first ever national team manager, in addition to a role as international ambassador, with Charlie Pomroy appointed as the team's head coach by Head of Nauru Soccer Federation Gareth Johnson.
Kiribati, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands planned to participate, in addition to Nauru.