Fiji juniors impress at Oceania chess zonal – FBC News
Fiji’s young chess players are holding their own against strong regional opposition at the Oceania Youth Zonal Chess Championship, currently underway in Brisbane, Australia. The national team has recorded several impressive results across multiple age divisions, highlighting growing depth and confidence in Fiji’s junior chess ranks. In the Under-14 Open division, Lionel Vaurasi has produced one of Fiji’s standout performances so far, claiming a notable Round Two victory over higher-rated New Zealand player Joshua Barnes. Article continues after advertisement He followed that effort with a draw against Australia’s William Searle in Round Three before securing another win in Round Six against Bryce Chen of Australia. In the Under-14 Girls division, Latileta Masau also turned heads with a breakthrough win over higher-rated Australian Emma Ye in Round Two, later adding another victory in Round Six against Tonga’s Hinavakamea Helu. The Under-18 Open division has seen steady performances from Fiji’s representatives, with Praveer Singh recording a hard-fought win over Australia’s Rayen Tiong in Round Four. He later shared a draw with teammate Randev Singh in Round Six, as both players showed resilience in a competitive field. Fiji’s senior youth players have also delivered encouraging results. In the Under-20 Girls division, Woman Candidate Master Tanvi Prasad bounced back from earlier draws in Rounds Three and Five to defeat higher-rated Australian Angela He in Round Six. Meanwhile, in the Under-20 Open division, Candidate Master Rudr Prasad closed Round Six with a strong win over Nauru’s Wiseman Daumana. Team Manager Kristy Fong said the championship has been a valuable platform for development, praising the players’ commitment and growth throughout the tournament. The tournament will conclude tomorrow. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
“Skipper Cup talent needs time to reach test level”: Byrne – FBC News
With the Rugby World Cup still nearly two years away, questions are being raised about whether standout performers from Fiji’s domestic competitions could force their way into the Flying Fijians setup. Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne says while local talent is abundant, bridging the gap between provincial rugby and the demands of Test and Super Rugby remains the biggest challenge. He stressed that selection is not about skill alone, but about whether players can physically cope with the intensity of the international game. Article continues after advertisement “Currently, the level of players in the Skipper Cup, while there’s a lot of talent there, just can’t meet the demands of Super Rugby standards.It’s got nothing to do with rugby talent, it’s about the level of workload and work rate, which is only around 40 to 50 percent of what’s required for a Test match.” Byrne acknowledged ongoing efforts by Fijian Drua to close that gap, pointing to improved collaboration and development pathways under the leadership of Drua officials. He said those initiatives could eventually open the door for local players, but player welfare remains a key consideration. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Maximum tackle height lowered for under-20 Worlds – FBC News
Tackles above the sternum will be banned at the World Under-20 Championship in Georgia next summer, as World Rugby moves closer to lowering the maximum tackle height across elite levels. Over the past two seasons, community-level tackle limits have already dropped from shoulder to sternum in 11 countries, with analysis of nearly 150,000 tackles showing fewer concussions and players adjusting their body height accordingly. World Rugby Chairman Brett Robinson says layer welfare is at the heart of everything World Rugby does. He says they will study this trial closely to ensure a game that excites players and fans alike while keeping it safe. Article continues after advertisement The lower tackle height will not apply when players “pick and go” around breakdowns, the base of a scrum, or when scoring. Ball carriers leading with their head will still be penalised, and tackles above the sternum but below the head will allow play to continue with an advantage to the attacking team. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
FNRL to decide Kativerata’s future this week – FBC News
[Photo/file] The future of Vodafone Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata remains under review as the Fiji National Rugby League board weighs performance expectations with the approach of the next Rugby League World Cup. With public debate growing around the national side’s direction, the board has confirmed that discussions have taken place internally, taking into account results, club feedback, and the broader development of the game in Fiji. FNRL Board Chair Akuila Masi said the issue was formally addressed during board deliberations this week. Article continues after advertisement “We understand there has been discussion on social media and in the newspapers regarding the position of the head coach. We have had our discussion today and looked at it from all angles.” He said the timing was critical, with the World Cup approaching and local clubs seeking stronger outcomes and clearer progress pathways. “The World Cup is just around the corner and the clubs are also asking for results and growth of the game. We have mixed comments from everywhere and the board is aware of that.” Masi confirmed the review process is ongoing and is expected to be completed in the coming days. “We have discussed it at our level and next week we should be able to complete the process and advise our partners and stakeholders on the progress.” An official decision on Kativerata’s position is expected to be communicated once the review is finalised. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
‘Not good enough’ – Amorim admits he and Man Utd are ‘underachieving’ – FBC News
[Source:BBC Sport] Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim says criticism from legendary former players is to be expected because the club is “underachieving”. United go into their Premier League game with Bournemouth on Monday knowing victory will keep them in the top six for a second successive week. Remarkably, it would be the first time that has happened since the end of the 2023-24 season, just before a 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace that could have seen Erik ten Hag sacked before the FA Cup final win that followed. Article continues after advertisement While it would represent an achievement of sorts for Amorim, it is a massive step down from Sir Alex Ferguson’s time, when United never finished lower than third following his first title in 1993. It is from this standpoint Paul Scholes argued on his The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast last week that Amorim is not “the right man” to take charge of his old club because his system does not fit the United tradition of playing with wingers. Asked if he had an issue with former players repeatedly criticising him, Amorim said: “I think it’s normal. “It’s a fact that me as a manager of Manchester United, I think we are underachieving. We should have more points, especially this season. So, I take that naturally. “Sometimes they don’t have all the information and see Manchester United with the standards they lived here, always winning. It’s hard for them to see their club in this situation.” Amorim rejects the theory the attacks make his job more difficult. His assessment is more simplistic. “No,” he added. “Not winning is the issue. “The problem is that me as a manager, I’m not doing good enough. That is a fact also and I can accept that. The only problem for them is that Manchester United is not winning and is not in the position that it’s supposed to be. “If you are winning, there is no issue.”‘I just want my players happy’ Amorim has pointed to the standards of some younger players he had to use last season as evidence he was working with tools that were simply not capable of doing the job he needed. Arguably, that is still the case. United have deliberately chosen not to release details of whether Noussair Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo will be available for the Bournemouth game amid uncertainty over their release for Africa Cup of Nations duty. However, with Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire currently sidelined through injury, it seems likely 20-year-old Leny Yoro and 19-year-old Ayden Heaven will be part of his three-man defence at some point over the next few weeks, which is not ideal given their inexperience. Yet sympathy for Amorim is limited due to his use of midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who is yet to start a Premier League game this season and was given an enthusiastic reception by United’s travelling fans when he was brought on during the 4-1 win at Wolves. Mainoo is eager to make a loan move away from United next month in an attempt to get more regular football. Amorim was not keen on that plan in the summer when the 20-year-old had a deal with Serie A title winners Napoli lined up. He is refusing to say what his answer would be should a similar request be made before the January window closes, but he would welcome Mainoo seeking him out for a chat. “I had some conversations with him, especially last year, and with other players, but about that subject, no, I didn’t speak with him,” said Amorim. “I will be really pleased if Kobbie comes to talk to me about that. I just want my players happy. “I understand every individual has their goals and the frustration doesn’t help anybody. “I’m not going to say what I would say but I would talk to him. “I am completely open, that is clear. I have my ideas and that is also clear. I will not change if I don’t believe it but I’m open to speak with any player. I love that.” Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Van Dijk – FBC News
[Source: BBC] Captain Virgil van Dijk says Liverpool “are absolutely united and go forward as one” after Mohamed Salah returned to the squad for Saturday’s win over Brighton. Salah came off the bench for his first Liverpool appearance since claiming after last weekend’s 3-3 draw with Leeds that he had been “thrown under the bus” by the club. The 33-year-old was left out of the squad for the midweek Champions League win at Inter Milan, but returned for the Brighton game following talks with manager Arne Slot – and claimed an assist in the 2-0 win. Article continues after advertisement Salah joins up with the Egypt national team for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) on Monday and could miss up to eight Liverpool games if his country go all the way to the final on 18 January. “We showed this week that we are absolutely united. We go forward as one,” said Van Dijk, who made his 250th Premier League appearance for Liverpool on Saturday. “Mo is going to Afcon and we all hope that he’ll be successful there and he’ll come back and be important for us for the rest of the season. “The other side of it is that we all know football and we have no idea what is going to happen. I hope that he stays because he is one of my leaders and still very important for the football club. But there’s more parties to this situation.” Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Kumar returns after five year lapse – FBC News
Fijian badminton received a timely boost over the weekend as former national player Chloe Kumar marked an inspiring return to competition, claiming a bronze medal in the senior women’s division after a five-year break from the sport. Originally from the Western Division, Kumar began her badminton journey in 2010 while in high school, before continuing through university and competing in several national tournaments. After stepping away from the game to focus on her professional career as a physiotherapist and navigating the disruptions of COVID-19, Kumar made a determined comeback despite carrying multiple injuries. Article continues after advertisement She admitted the return was far from easy, balancing work, training and recovery, but said the achievement made the journey worthwhile. Kumar also praised the current standard of competition, noting the growth of women’s badminton in Fiji and the promising talent emerging among younger players. Now back on court, Kumar hopes her journey will encourage more Fijians to take up the sport, stressing that badminton is open to everyone and offers strong opportunities for development through both competitive and social pathways. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Byrne targets winning form through Nations Cup – FBC News
The Flying Fijians are set to approach the upcoming Nations Cup with a clear focus on performance and momentum as preparations gather pace toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup. With a growing pool of overseas-based professionals and local talent, the tournament is seen as a key competitive platform rather than a development experiment, as Fiji looks to build winning habits against quality opposition. Selection and team cohesion, according to the national setup, will be driven by form and results as Fiji targets consistency at the highest level. Article continues after advertisement “We won’t be using the Nations Cup other than playing our best football. We’ll be making sure that we go out to win every game of rugby in the Nations Cup. We’ll be selecting our players based around their form leading into the tournament, and then we’ll be picking our teams to win all those games.” Byrne stressed that strong performances in the lead-up competitions are vital to setting the tone for a World Cup campaign, noting that confidence and cohesion are built through results on the field. He added that entering a World Cup year in good shape, playing quality rugby, is the best preparation possible for the demands of a global tournament. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Skipper select named for Drua clash – FBC News
The Skipper Select squad has been officially named ahead of their much-anticipated pre-season clash against the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua on next year. The squad brings together some of the top-performing players from provincial unions around the country, highlighting the depth of local talent within Fiji’s domestic rugby system. Nadroga, Naitasiri, Suva, Malolo, Ba, Macuata and Tailevu are all represented, making the side a true national selection tasked with testing themselves against the Super Rugby Pacific outfit. Article continues after advertisement The forwards are led by loosehead props Aisake Atani and Nedley Grant of Nadroga, with hookers Seremaia Komailevuka of Naitasiri and Joeli Nainoca of Suva anchoring the front row stocks. The tighthead options include Inoke Ravuiwasa and Josefa Nasaroa, both from Suva. The locking department features Michael Ferei of Naitasiri and Nadidi Taginiselala of Suva, while the loose forwards include Isaia Lotawa of Ba and Marika Natau of Naitasiri on the flanks, with Ravuma Tuimacou of Macuata and Aminiasi Natuniyaga of Malolo providing options at number eight. In the halves, the squad includes halfbacks Napolioni Batimala of Naitasiri and Meli Buinimasi of Nadroga, with flyhalves Etonia Rokotuisawa of Naitasiri and Anare Tabakaucoro of Tailevu steering play. The midfield is bolstered by inside centres Apimeleki Nasalo of Lautoka and Joseva Tamata of Malolo, while Sevuloni Lutu of Suva and Esala Nalobo of Malolo are named as outside centre options. Out wide, the back three features Iliesa Bete of Naitasiri and Onisimo Nawalu of Suva on the wings, with Douglas Daveta of Malolo and Ponipate Tuberi of Suva covering fullback duties. The squad also includes utility backs Malikeli Matanisiga of Nadroga, Sakiusa Vosayaco of Nadroga and Ro Kaveni Seru of Naitasiri, adding versatility and depth to the match-day options. The fixture against the Drua is expected to be a strong test for the Skipper Select, offering provincial players a rare opportunity to measure themselves against professional opposition while providing fans with an exciting showcase of Fiji’s rugby depth at Churchill Park. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Evans’ last word on Drua journey – FBC News
[file photo] Outgoing Swire Shipping Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans has delivered a heartfelt farewell to the Drua organisation, its players and Fijian rugby fans, reflecting on the team’s journey and the broader growth of rugby in Fiji. Under Evans’ leadership, the Drua have become a professional platform for Fijian talent, competing against some of the strongest teams in the world. The franchise has shown that Fijian rugby can thrive on the global stage, providing players with experience without leaving home. Article continues after advertisement But Evans knows that building a world-class team is a marathon, not a sprint. “The message, not just for the players, but for the whole organisation and for the country, is… we’re nowhere near where we could get to, or I think we will get to. But we’re in a very tough competition, and it will take two things. It’ll take a bit of time, because, you know, we want to win it eventually. We want to win the thing.” The Drua, Fiji’s professional Super Rugby team, have become a key piece in the national rugby puzzle. They provide Fijian players with a platform to compete against the world’s best without leaving home, building experience and cohesion that feeds directly into the national teams. But Evans stressed that success is about more than just the Drua. It depends on the wider rugby infrastructure, including school programs, training facilities and player welfare systems. Evans also praised the progress of Fiji’s national teams. The men’s 15s team has consistently held a top-10 world ranking, while the women’s 15s have surged from 23rd to 13th in just a year. Evans says he sees real potential for Fiji to break into the top tier consistently—if investments continue in youth development and resources. “Look, I’m pretty optimistic about it. I think we’ve come a long, long way. I think the Drua have helped a lot with that and will continue to help a lot with that. And I don’t think we’ve stopped improving yet.” For Evans, the message is clear Fijian rugby is on the rise, but the climb to the top requires patience, planning and unity across the game. He says the Drua are just one part of a bigger vision that could see Fiji competing consistently with the rugby giants of the world. Evans spent his last week with the Drua before he was farewelled by the management, staff and players in Nadi on Thursday evening. Former Wallabies flanker Jeff Miller will take over the role. Meanwhile, the Drua will meet Moana Pasifika in their first match of next season on the 14th of February at Churchill Park in Lautoka at 3.35pm. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.