Timely support for Skipper XV’s against Drua – FBC News
[File Photo] Burger King Fiji has thrown its support behind a landmark domestic rugby showdown, backing the Skipper Cup XV as they prepare to take on the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in a historic pre-season clash on the 6th of next month. The match will pit the best provincial players from the Skipper Cup against Fiji’s professional Super Rugby Pacific side, giving emerging talent a rare opportunity to test themselves against the intensity and standards of the Drua. It will be the first time the Fijian Drua face a locally selected side in a formal pre-season fixture, further elevating the Skipper Cup’s role as a key pathway in Fiji’s high-performance rugby system. Article continues after advertisement Burger King Fiji general manager Kavinesh Reddy says supporting the fixture reflects confidence in the depth of local rugby. “Rugby is an integral part of Fiji’s national identity, and this match highlights the quality and future of our domestic game.” Fiji Rugby CEO Koli Sewabu believes the contest will showcase the strength of the local competition. “The Skipper Cup remains the heartbeat of our domestic rugby, and this game gives our top provincial players a chance to challenge themselves against the Drua.” The February 6 encounter is expected to draw strong interest from fans eager to see how homegrown talent stacks up against Fiji’s professional ranks in one of the most anticipated pre-season fixtures on the local rugby calendar. The Drua will meet Chiefs for their first pre-season match in New Zealand on the 30th of this month. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Fiji U19 to head into camp next week – FBC News
[Photo: FILE] Members of the National Men’s Under-19 Football team will be heading into camp on Tuesday as they prepare to face a visiting Australian team in their tour here in Fiji. Head coach Dhirend Chand says their players have been given their individual training programs before going on break for the Christmas season. However, he says they have been watching closely, making sure these players follow their own programs. Article continues after advertisement The side will remain in camp until their match against the Australian side in the next two weeks. He also mentions that the match will provide his team with valuable game time ahead of the OFC Qualifiers. “After this we will have to go back to our drawing board. We will have to sit down, make a plan on the strengths and weaknesses of the team. And we will also be reviewing the game and our structure.” He adds that this will be enough time to make final adjustments in their training. They will face the visitors on the 17th of this month at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Smith craves legacy in Pacific hockey – FBC News
Since first picking up the sport of hockey back in high school more than 20 years ago, Astral Smith never imaged that the game would one day carry her far beyond the sidelines and onto the international stage. What began as an after-school pastime gradually grew into a lifelong calling, one that would take Smith across the Pacific and into the heart of elite hockey competition. Yet unlike the traditional journey from player to champion, her defining moment came not on the field, but from the stands. Article continues after advertisement In 2016, at the Oceania Pacific Cup, Smith sat in the crowd, pregnant with her first child, passionately supporting the Fiji team. It was there that the late Andrea Manueli — a highly respected figure in international hockey officiating — recognized her potential and offered advice that would alter the course of her career. Encouraged to step into officiating, Smith embraced the challenge with humility and determination. Despite initial uncertainty, she quickly found her stride, discovering a new way to serve the sport she loved. Today, Smith stands among Fiji’s leading technical officials, officiating at international tournaments and helping to shape the future of hockey officiating across the Pacific. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Bula FC welcomes strength and conditioning coach – FBC News
Indian national Joshua Raj has joined the Bula FC camp as the club’s strength and conditioning coach for the OFC Pro League season. Joshua arrived in Fiji last week and has already begun working closely with the squad as preparations continue for the OFC Pro League. Originally from India, Joshua brings over seven years of experience in high-performance fitness, having worked with athletes across India, the Middle East, and Europe. Article continues after advertisement He said he was grateful and excited for the opportunity to join the club and contribute to the growth of football in Fiji. “I hope things go well in place. I think there’s a great potential with the team and there’s a mixture of young talents and a bit of experience. I believe foreigners coming in; though the culture that they’re going to bring in from different places is definitely going to add more value to the team and also the staff and the expertise is definitely going to add more value and I believe that even as we head towards the competition I’m sure that all of us are going to be on the same page and we are ready for it.” He has previously served as a Strength and Conditioning Coach with the Indian Football Federation, working across the men’s, women’s and age-group national teams. At club level, he was also the Performance Coach for Malappuram FC in the Kerala Super League, where Fijian star Roy Krishna featured as a marquee player last season. He has also worked as a Strength and Conditioning Coach with Rapidsportfitness center in India. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Elder thankful to parents for continuous support – FBC News
Weightlifting Fiji is preparing for the 2026 season, and head coach Henry Elder says parental support has been crucial to the team’s international success. Elder says parents have helped financially and provided essentials like fruits, water, and training materials during sessions. He adds that the support of the parents also plays a huge role in motivating the athletes during training sessions and at overseas tournaments. Article continues after advertisement “I would just like to thank everybody for the support, you know the families who have come to support us throughout the year, and they’ve always showed up right throughout training.” He adds that when parents turn up to training sessions, it’s always special for the athletes and you can actually see that they work even hard and record good results. He also acknowledges then support of the Fiji National Sports Commission for allowing the team to use their facilities to train. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Navua FA kicks off 2026 season with Ratu Suliano Matanitobua Cup – FBC News
The Navua Football Association will host a tournament later this month to officially kick off its 2026 season. The association is inviting registered clubs, as well as interested teams, to take part in the competition and support the development of quality grassroots football in the region. The Ratu Suliano Matanitobua Cup is scheduled for January 18, with match venues to be confirmed. Article continues after advertisement The tournament champions will receive a cash prize of $2,000, while the runners-up will take home $500. Each semi-finalist will also receive $250. Pool draws and further tournament details will be announced in the coming days. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Arsenal strengthen Premier League grip – FBC News
Arsenal beat Bournemouth 3-2 on Saturday to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League, with Aston Villa moving into second place and Wolverhampton Wanderers finally getting their first league win of the season at the 20th attempt. Mikel Arteta’s side went a goal behind before Gabriel Magalhaes equalised and midfielder Declan Rice added two second-half strikes. However, Eli Kroupi’s 76th-minute goal for Bournemouth to make it 3-2 had the Arsenal coach’s nerves jangling all the way to the final whistle. Article continues after advertisement Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Volmer gives back through coaching – FBC News
While many spent the festive season with their families and loved ones, long and triple jump veteran Eugene Volmer dedicated his time to developing young athletes. The Pacific Games gold medalist, who serves as the long jump coach for the Marist Athletics Club, has been actively involved in training athletes through the club’s off-season program over the past few weeks.For Volmer, coaching the next generation is a meaningful way of giving back to the sport that has shaped his career. “Volmer is one of Fiji’s most accomplished jumpers, having won gold at the Pacific Games, represented the country at the Commonwealth Games, and claimed multiple national titles in both the long jump and triple jump over a distinguished athletics career.” Article continues after advertisement Volmer is one of Fiji’s most accomplished jumpers, having won gold at the Pacific Games, represented the country at the Commonwealth Games, and claimed multiple national titles in both the long jump and triple jump over a distinguished athletics career. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Cricket Fiji steps up preparation for World Cup Qualifiers – FBC News
With the Men’s World Cup Qualifiers just around the corner, Cricket Fiji is wasting no time in lifting up preparations. Chief Executive officer Sitiveni Rokoro states they will be sending two of their promising and upcoming players to participate in a major tournament called the Multicultural Cup in Australia later this month. He said this tournament should provide these players with valuable game time and learnings, that will be very beneficial for preparations for the qualifiers. Article continues after advertisement “We will be sending two players down to Canberra to play in a multicultural cup that will be played in Canberra. So we are sending two players down to Canberra to play and just to get a feel of playing on the turf because we don’t have a turf here in Fiji, this is a synthetic pitch. Just to get a feel of playing on the turf before they move to play in Japan in the World Cup qualifying in May.” He also mentions that their men’s extended squad had recently had a fitness test to gauge their player’s overall fitness, before drawing up their preparation plan leading to the qualifiers. The qualifiers will be held in Japan on May. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Tabuawaiwai hopeful for 2026 weightlifting season – FBC News
After a shaky start last year, Fijian weightlifter Apakuki Tabuawaiwai is adamant to stamp his mark and better his performance this time around. The 24-year-old stepped away from the sport for a few months early last year before making a comeback, and for the 2026 season, he is focused on improving his performance. Despite the many challenges he overcame throughout last year, Tabuwaiwai is adamant on giving his best for the country. Article continues after advertisement “First of all I would like to thank the Lord for giving me another year. Looking back to 2025, it was quite good, I had a break at the starting of the year before making a comeback before having a major tournament in India.” Tabuawaiwa has represented Fiji at a handful of international tournament’s like the Commonwealth Championships and the Pacific Games, and he is aware of what he needs to do if he wants to be the best in his weight class. Looking towards this year, he says he aims to represent Fiji to at least four international tournaments. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.