Nadroga to feature in upcoming TV series – FBC News
[File] Nadroga’s senior men’s rugby team will feature in an upcoming television series that will showcase their preparations for next year’s Skipper Cup competition. The series, titled House of Rugby, will be produced by local production company New Fossil Productions. According to director and co-producer Blair Robertson, the show will focus on the behind-the-scenes efforts of the team, highlighting the hard work and sacrifices required to prepare for one of the country’s premier rugby tournaments. Article continues after advertisement Robertson said Nadroga was chosen because of the club’s rich history in rugby and its strong legacy in the Skipper Cup competition. “We’re still taking advice on this and the overall structure of the show, but we have a blueprint and come next year’s skipper cup, we’ll be ready to start filming. And we will be filming as early as next week.” A renowned filmmaker and novelist, Robertson was born in Fiji and now lives full-time at Naboutini in Serua, where New Fossil Productions is based. He also has strong ties to local rugby—his father played for and coached Suva in the 1970s, and Robertson himself played locally before continuing his rugby career in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Fiji Football merchandise officially launched – FBC News
Fiji Football Association has officially launched its new range of Fiji Football merchandise at Jacks of Fiji today, marking an important milestone for the sport and its supporters. Members of the Fiji National Football Team were present at the launch, describing the initiative as a positive move that allows supporters to show their backing for the team both at matches and everyday life. Head of Procurement at Jacks of Fiji, Dilpesh Kumar, says the merchandise is aimed at growing fan involvement and pride in Fiji Football. Article continues after advertisement “Merchandise is here for the fans of Fiji. Buy it and support the Fiji team so we have more fan following. Pride for soccer will grow more in Fiji.” Fiji National football player Naomi Waqanidrola welcomed the partnership, saying the new apparel also benefits players on the field. “We are happy that Custom Athletics are coming on board to give us a new look for the national team. I think this will be great motivation for us as well to wear something that we are comfortable with. I think this is something too that contributes to how we perform on the field.” Fellow national player Merrill Nand highlighted the importance of fan presence during the competitions. “So now when we have home games, far away games, there’ll be fans wearing our jerseys. That’ll be a sort of motivation factor for us players.” The partnership with Jacks of Fiji is expected to make official merchandise more accessible nationwide, allowing more fans to actively support the team while strengthening the connection between supporters and Fiji Football. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Bose’s younger brother shines for Fiji Blue – FBC News
Growing up in the village in Navosa with his elder brother, Etuate Qalibau, never thought that one day they will be both in the national sevens squad. The 22 year old playmaker, is the younger brother of Fiji Airways Fijian 7s rover, George Bose. Qalibau couldn’t believe when he got a call from the Fiji 7s management after playing for Lavidi at the Namalata 7s in Kadavu last week. Article continues after advertisement The former Namataku District and Navosa Central College student says he was shocked when he got the call but everything started to sink in when he joined the national squad a few days ago. Many fans took to social media and called for his inclusion in the national squad after his outings for Devo Babas at the Super Seven tournament which was a qualifier to the 2026 McDonald’s Fiji’s Coral Coast 7s two weeks ago. Qalibau stood out for Fiji Blue at the Rooster Chicken Grassroots 7s at the HFC Bank Stadium and helped the side beat Vacalea in the final. The playmaker who featured for teams like Yamacia, Devo, Tubarua and Lavidi in the last few years says it’s a different feeling to be in the national extended squad with elder brother, Bose. Qalibau says Bose encouraged him to work hard and try to earn a spot in the final side. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Weightlifting Fiji trains through festive season – FBC News
With the Weightlifting Fiji National Championships set for this Saturday, preparations are intensifying as athletes and coaches push through the festive season with no plans to slow down. Weightlifting Fiji head coach Henry Elder says the commitment reflects the demands of the sport and the level Fiji is competing at internationally, with the championships forming a crucial checkpoint before major global events. “This year, our last training session is on the 31st of December. We will be training on Christmas Eve and on Boxing Day. We never stop. We continue to train. The grind has to continue.” Article continues after advertisement Elder explained that Fiji’s lifters are preparing to face some of the toughest competition in the world, making consistency and discipline non-negotiable even during the holidays. “We are fighting against a lot of very tough international teams at the World Cup. Also, within the Oceania region, we have a lot of Commonwealth and world champions. It’s not easy for us.” The national championships this weekend will showcase the country’s top lifters and help selectors assess readiness as Fiji targets strong performances on the international stage in the year ahead. The championships at the Rabuka Gym are expected to draw athletes from around the country as Weightlifting Fiji closes out the year with focus firmly on performance and progress. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
RKS coach keeps future in focus – FBC News
[File: Isaia Naqicatabua] Although the school rugby season has wrapped up, RKS Under-18 Deans championship-winning coach Isaia Naqicatabua remains firmly invested in the future of his players, forming a team to compete in the Rooster Chicken Fiji Sports Council Grassroots Fiji 7s tournament as a pathway to further opportunities in rugby and beyond. Naqicatabua says the move is aimed at keeping his players active after completing their secondary school commitments, while exposing them to new environments that could open doors to higher levels of the game. With most of the squad finishing school, the RKS mentor believes continued involvement in rugby is vital to maintaining discipline, fitness and focus during the festive period. Article continues after advertisement “School stuff is done and most of these boys have completed their secondary school, so this is something to keep the boys occupied and to find open doors to greener pastures in rugby.” He added that returning to the shorter format of the game was also a deliberate decision, allowing players to sharpen different skill sets while staying match-ready ahead of the next stage of their careers. “I wanted us to play a bit of 7s again before the year ends as well. This is something to also keep them fit and occupied during the festive season and also to prepare them for the teams that they will be joining next year.” Naqicatabua’s involvement highlights a growing focus on post-school player development, with grassroots tournaments increasingly viewed as stepping stones for young athletes seeking scholarships, club contracts and a better life through rugby. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
UK venues set to host Fiji’s Nations Cup home tests – FBC News
Flying Fijians top host all home matches in the UK [Photo: SUPPLIED] Fiji Rugby is expecting clarity in the coming weeks on venues and revenue projections for its home fixtures in next year’s Nations Cup, with all matches set to be staged in the United Kingdom. FRU Acting Chief Executive Koli Sewabu confirmed that while the games will be played in the UK, final confirmation on the specific stadiums and host cities is still pending. He said discussions are ongoing, with decisions expected before the end of the year. Article continues after advertisement “The venues are definitely in the UK, but the specific stadium and the city that we will be playing in, we should get confirmation of that in the next two to three weeks.” On the financial outlook, Sewabu said Fiji Rugby is still awaiting a detailed revenue forecast, but early estimates point to significant earning potential depending on venue size and ticket pricing. “We’re still awaiting a report on that, and in about two weeks’ time we should get a clear forecast. When you look at numbers, you can start to put approximations around it. If you host the games in Twickenham, that’s a 78,000 to 80,000 capacity stadium, with ticket prices averaging between 60 and 180 pounds.” The Nations Cup is expected to play a key role in Fiji’s preparations for upcoming international campaigns, while also providing an important commercial opportunity for the national union.Mataiasi Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Ahki’s Blues return was family-driven and his desire to give back – FBC News
Pita Ahki is excited for his Blues return [Photo: Planet Rugby] Midfielder Pita Ahki is set to return to Auckland and rejoin the Blues after spending the past six years with French giants Toulouse. Ahki made more than 130 appearances for Toulouse, playing alongside stars like Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack, and helping the club win five Top 14 titles and two European championships. The 31-year-old says the move home was driven by family and a desire to give back to the club he grew up supporting, having previously played for the Blues during the 2014–15 Super Rugby season. Article continues after advertisement Ahki’s return comes at a crucial time for the Blues following Rieko Ioane’s decision to take a sabbatical with Leinster in 2026. He is expected to bring experience and leadership to a young midfield group, as the Blues prepare for the next Super Rugby season. Ahki says he is there to help where he can and give what he has learned back to the Blues. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Cakau notes growth in local volleyball – FBC News
Former Fiji Volleyball Referee Director Jerry Cakau says the sport has grown significantly since he last officiated at a tournament nearly thirteen years ago. Cakau, who is currently a school teacher back in Australia, was called in as the competitions director of the Rooster Chicken End-of-Year Volleyball Festival. After observing player performances throughout the day, Cakau said he was impressed with the standard on display, noting that players now demonstrate a much stronger understanding of the game compared to previous years. Article continues after advertisement “Just looking back to the last time I officiated a match here in Fiji, there has been so much growth in the sport and it’s really nice to see. I was impressed with many things I saw today, and I am really looking forward to tomorrow.” He added that there has been a marked improvement in the overall quality of volleyball, which he attributed to the sustained development efforts of Fiji Volleyball over the years. He also mentions that having teams from as far as Macuata come down to compete, shows how much the sport has grown over the years. The tournament is being held at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva and will conclude tomorrow. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
FRU awaits legal clearance before responding to Malolo’s claims – FBC News
[FILE] Fiji Rugby Union is yet to formally respond to allegations raised by Skipper Cup champions Malolo over unpaid gate takings from the Skipper Cup final, with the union saying the matter is currently under legal review. The issue has sparked public debate around transparency and game management, prompting calls for clarity from stakeholders across the sport. FRU Acting Chief Executive Officer Koli Sewabu confirmed that a response is being prepared but will only be released once legal processes are completed. Article continues after advertisement “In regard to the Malolo incident, I won’t be able to comment on the details of it, because at the moment I’m awaiting a final green light from our legal team before we respond to Malolo and our stakeholders in the media.” He acknowledged the delay but stressed the importance of resolving the issue properly before the end of the year. Sewabu also pointed to broader challenges faced by the union throughout the season, particularly around governance and compliance. “There have been a lot of issues this year with regard to our game management, our terms of participation, and compliance issues from our unions. So a lot of that has happened this year.” FRU says it hopes to put the controversy behind it and focus on improving professionalism and systems across the game as it heads into the new season. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Romuakalou leads Fiji’s lone 400m huddle charge – FBC News
[FILE] Fiji’s lone 400-metre hurdler, Ratu Meli Romuakalou, is steadily rebuilding his career after injury, determined to return stronger as he eyes qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. After a brief eight-week preparation heading into this year’s Pacific Mini Games, Romuakalou admits the turnaround was tough, but says his current conditioning marks a major improvement. Now fitter, healthier and mentally stronger, the national athlete is focused on consistent training as he awaits next year’s Commonwealth Games trials, where qualification will be decided. Article continues after advertisement “It was a very short preparation, but now that I’m much more fitter, healthier and stronger than before, my preparation right now is more well-prepared than the competitions this year.” The return to elite competition has not been without pressure, with the hurdler acknowledging the mental battle that comes with coming back from injury and knowing younger athletes are watching his journey closely. He says fear of re-injury still lingers during training, but each session helps rebuild confidence and belief. Romuakalou is currently coached by level-five athletics lecturer Albert Miller, with support from local coaches who regularly assist with his programs. As Fiji’s only active 400-metre hurdler, he hopes his comeback will inspire more athletes to take up the event while he continues pushing toward national selection and international competition. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.