Football fans invited to Bula FC open training session – FBC News
Football lovers in Ba will have something exciting to look forward to next week, as the country’s first professional football club, Bula FC, hosts an open training session. Fans, supporters, and football enthusiasts are encouraged to bring their families and enjoy a rare opportunity to watch some of Fiji’s top footballers, alongside several overseas-based players, in action. Attendees will also have the chance to meet the players following the training session. Article continues after advertisement The open training session will be held at 4R Stadium, Govind Park, from 8.30am to 10.30am next Wednesday. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Bula FC two weeks away from Pro League campaign – FBC News
The Bula FC is just two weeks away from kicking off its inaugural Oceania Football Confederation Pro League campaign. Stephane Auvary’s side will begin round one with matches against Vanuatu United on the 17th, South Island United on the 20th, and hosts Auckland FC on the 23rd. Round two will be played in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, where Bula FC will face Solomon Kings FC on February 1, South Melbourne FC on the 4th, and Tahiti United on the 8th. Article continues after advertisement The third round will take place in Australia, with venues yet to be confirmed. Bula FC will meet Vanuatu United on the 22nd, PNG Hekari FC on the 25th, and Solomon Kings FC on the 28th. Round four moves to the Solomon Islands, featuring matches against Vanuatu United on March 15 and South Island United on March 19. The final round will be hosted at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, where Bula FC will play Hekari FC on April 12, South Melbourne FC on April 15, and Auckland FC on April 18. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Big prize, bigger battles at Coral Coast 7s – FBC News
The McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s is set to deliver one of its most competitive editions yet, with tournament organisers ramping up the intensity across all divisions. The return to a 24-team men’s draw has raised the stakes in pool play, where every match now carries knockout-level significance. With increased overseas participation and bigger prize money on offer, the Sigatoka showcase is shaping up as a true battleground for sevens supremacy. Article continues after advertisement “Each pool match will almost feel like a final because there’s so much to play for, and that’s what excites us most this year.” Whyte says the excitement extends well beyond the men’s competition, with a strengthened women’s draw featuring New Zealand Development Sevens, three Australian sides as well as two Chinese squads using the tournament as part of their Olympic development pathway. The youth division also promises fireworks, with reigning champions Southland Broncos returning to defend their crown against the country’s top emerging talent. Whyte believes the youth competition offers a glimpse into Fiji’s rugby future, while the increased prize pool, highlighted by a $50,000 men’s division payout, ensures every team arrives hungry for silverware and a share of the spoils. The Coral Coast 7s starts on the 15th of this month to the 17th at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. You can watch the LIVE coverage on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
FRU begins search for key coaching roles – FBC News
[Photo: FILE] With the Fiji Airways Men’s 7s team setting their sights on winning gold at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the Fiji Rugby Union has begun the search for a new assistant head coach to strengthen its coaching set-up. The FRU has also opened applications for an assistant head coach position within the women’s national sevens program, as preparations intensify ahead of the next Olympic cycle. Meanwhile, the union is looking to bolster its development pathway by recruiting a new head coach, as well as specialized forwards and backs coaches, for the Fiji Under-20 men’s team. Article continues after advertisement These appointments form part of the FRU’s long-term strategy to build depth, improve performance across all levels, and ensure Fiji remains competitive on the world stage in both sevens and fifteens rugby. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Sunderland holds City to nil-all draw as title race tightens – FBC News
[Photo: GETTY IMAGES] Manchester City’s Premier League title push took a hit after they were held to a goalless draw by a resilient Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side four points adrift of leaders Arsenal. City dominated possession and created chances but were repeatedly denied by a disciplined Sunderland defence and goalkeeper Robin Roefs. An early Bernardo Silva effort was ruled offside, while Erling Haaland failed to convert City’s best opening when he fired straight at Roefs from close range. Sunderland were far from passive, with Brian Brobbey and Trai Hume both going close before the break as the hosts matched City’s intensity. Article continues after advertisement The visitors pushed harder after halftime, with Rodri returning from injury, but heroic defending saw Jeremy Doku blocked bravely by Nordi Mukiele, while Josko Gvardiol struck the post. Despite late pressure from both sides, neither could find a breakthrough. Sunderland claimed a deserved point to maintain their unbeaten home record, while City left Wearside frustrated as Arsenal strengthened their grip on the title race. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Turaganivalu excited for 2026 season – FBC News
[File Photo] With several major international tournaments on the calendar for Weightlifting Fiji this year, 15-year-old Mereia Turaganivalu is excited to represent her country once again. The 2024 Youth Female Athlete of the Year last competed for Fiji at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in India last August and is eager to showcase her talent on the international stage once more. Turaganivalu says while 2025 was a tough year for her, she remains optimistic of the upcoming season. Article continues after advertisement “It was hard, quite difficult, but I’ve been praying a lot and I just thank the lord for making it to 2026. But it was really difficult because of my school, schedule of school work and training along with competitions.” Turaganivalu comes from a family with strong weightlifting backgrounds, with her mother Ivy Shaw being a former Olympian, representing Fiji at the 2004 Athens Games. Turaganivalu also boasts an impressive record having won gold and silver at the 2024 Oceania Weightlifting Championships and a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship that year. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Passion and partnerships build Coral Coast 7s: Whyte – FBC News
[Source: Coral Coast Fiji 7s/Facebook] McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s founder Jay Whyte says preparations for this year’s tournament have been demanding but rewarding, as growing interest and participation continue to push the event to new heights. With the tournament now firmly established on the local and international rugby calendar, Whyte says strong partnerships and community support remain the backbone of its success. He adds that maintaining the tournament’s unique identity, including free entry for fans, is a priority the organizers work hard to protect. Article continues after advertisement “It’s always a challenge, but we’re very fortunate and grateful to all the sponsors who help make it happen. Because of their support, we’re able to put on a world-class event and still keep it free for the people of Fiji, which is a very unique part of the Coral Coast 7s experience.” Whyte acknowledged the contributions of major partners. He also highlighted the dedication of the organizing committee, who work on a voluntary basis while balancing full-time jobs, driven purely by their love for the game and a desire to give back to Fiji. The Coral Coast 7s starts on the 15th of this month at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. You can watch the LIVE coverage on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Women’s Cricket League to start next weekend – FBC News
[File Photo] Cricket Fiji’s 2026 domestic season will kick off next weekend when their Women’s League competition resumes. Chief executive officer Sitiveni Rokoro explains that the league started last year and was on a break during the festive season. With the Women’s Under-19 World Cup Qualifiers just around the corner, Rokoro says the league will help their coaches with selections for their national team. Article continues after advertisement “But in between all this, the women’s league, we will have the under-19 trials on the 14th of January, this is on a Wednesday down here at Albert Park. So we hope to get the girls down from Nadi here as well so we can have our trials for a wider training squad for the World Cup Qualifiers in Papua New Guinea in April.” The league features eight teams from the central division and six from Nadi. The finals will be held on the 17th of this month. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Castres lock in Botitu until 2028 – FBC News
Vilimoni Botitu. [Source: Castres Olympique] Olympic gold medallist Vilimoni Botitu says Castres Olympique has given him a great deal since his arrival in 2020, and he is looking forward to another strong chapter with the club after signing a contract extension until 2028. The club announced Botitu’s two-year contract extension earlier today. According to Castres Olympique, Botitu has gradually established himself as a key member of the squad. Article continues after advertisement With 114 appearances in the blue-and-white jersey and 24 tries, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest level. The explosive 27-year-old, capable of turning a match in an instant, brings power, speed and creativity to the midfield, making him a respected figure in the Top 14. On the international stage, Botitu has earned 19 caps for Fiji in XVs rugby and also boasts significant experience in sevens. He was a member of the Fijian side that captured gold at the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games, further underlining his quality and experience at the highest level. Discreet, humble and hardworking, Botitu embodies the values cherished by Castres Olympique. His dedication and daily commitment are highly valued within the club, with the midfielder consistently placing the team first. Castres Olympique also prides itself on its strong connection to the Fijian community, which has been part of the club for several years. Botitu is one of its leading representatives and, through his longevity and deep attachment to the club, has become one of the most “Tarn-like” of the Fijians. “I am very happy and very proud to continue the adventure with Castres Olympique,” Botitu said. “This club has given me a lot since my arrival. I am really enjoying working with our group of players and the staff. I feel good here and want to keep working hard and give my all for the jersey and for the supporters.” Castres Olympique says it is delighted to continue the journey with Vilimoni Botitu through to 2028. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Rees-Zammit commits long term future to Bristol Bears – FBC News
Welsh speedster Louis Rees-Zammit. [GETTY IMAGES] Welsh speedster Louis Rees-Zammit has committed his long-term future to Bristol Bears, the club has confirmed. Rees-Zammit, who had been linked with several high-profile clubs, has opted to remain at Ashton Gate after impressing since his return to rugby following a stint in the NFL. The 24-year-old showcased his explosive pace earlier this season, clocking a 23.57mph GPS speed while scoring against Leicester Tigers. Article continues after advertisement Bristol Bears Director of Rugby Pat Lam described Rees-Zammit as a world-class talent, praising his professionalism and hunger to improve since returning to the sport. Lam says while his speed, power and skill are clear, what stands out most is his willingness to learn and perform on the biggest stage, adding that the club believes he has the potential to become one of the best players in the world. Rees-Zammit says he is incredibly happy to have committed his future to Bristol, describing the club as the perfect environment for him to express himself and play the game he loves. He adds that running out at Ashton Gate in front of passionate fans is special and he is excited about what the team can build together in the years ahead. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.