Tobau earns Tuwai’s nod as Captain’s Pick for 2026 Mike Friday Select 7s – FBC News
[Source: Coral Coast Fiji 7s] Sigatoka has a new talking point as Malakai Tobau’s long wait for recognition paid off with selection to the 2026 McDonald’s Mike Friday Select 7s Team, earning the prestigious Captain’s Pick from sevens great Jerry Tuwai. The honour is reserved for a player who embodies talent, work ethic and untapped potential, and Tobau’s name has been one that has lingered on the fringe for years. His pace, power and relentless approach have now set him apart, adding further firepower to a Select side already shaping as a major drawcard ahead of action at Lawaqa Park. Article continues after advertisement For Tuwai, one of the most decorated players in the history of the game, the decision was straightforward. “Malakai has been knocking on the door for years. His hunger, discipline and passion for the game are exactly what the Captain’s Pick represents. I’m proud to select him. He’s earned this opportunity.” Tobau, the younger brother of assistant minister of youth and sports Aliki Bia has patiently waited for his breakthrough and described the selection as both humbling and motivating as he eyes a bigger prize beyond the tournament. “I just want to thank the Lord for giving me another opportunity to showcase my talent and hopefully get selected in the Fiji Sevens squad. I’ve been knocking at the door for quite some time now.” Tournament founding chairman Jay Whyte says the introduction of the Captain’s Pick adds a new layer of meaning to the Mike Friday Select concept and praised Tuwai’s insight in making the call. “Jerry has followed Malakai’s journey closely and understands his character and ability. That’s what makes him an outstanding choice as the Captain’s Pick. Fans can expect big moments from him in January.” With the Mike Friday Select 7s squad continuing to take shape, Tobau’s inclusion heightens anticipation for what is building toward one of the most competitive and compelling editions of the McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s. The Coral Coast 7s starts from the 15th to the 17th of January at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Flying Fijians set sights on 2026 after breakthrough year – FBC News
The Flying Fijians’ ability to push some of the world’s top rugby nations has been one of the defining storylines of their 2025 campaign. Competitive performances against Tier 1 giants and a successful Pacific Nations Cup run have strengthened confidence inside the camp. Now, head coach Mick Byrne says the team is eager to build on that momentum as they prepare for a massive 2025 Nations Cup season. Article continues after advertisement “I think one of the highlights for us this year was our July window where we didn’t get a lot of training time together and we put in a good performance against Australia and unfortunately didn’t get across the line there but then beat Scotland.” He added that their Pacific Nations Cup victory and strong end-of-year performances reinforced how far the team has come. “Simi’s try that was disallowed under the post would have put us in front against England…and then 21 all against France. We were in good shape there.” With Fiji now regularly challenging the world’s strongest sides, Byrne says the next chapter is about converting competitiveness into consistency. “Knowing that we can compete with those teams, it’s an exciting opportunity to spend a good six months in preparation for Nations Cup.” The Flying Fijians will assemble again next year for a campaign that Byrne hopes will set new standards for Fiji on the global stage. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Friends United falls to 4R FC in Club Championship – FBC News
Source: FFA / Facebook Nasinu’s Friends United promising campaign at the Dayal’s Sawmillers National Club Championship came to an end this afternoon after a 3-0 defeat to Ba’s 4R FC at the Fiji Football Academy grounds in Vatuwaqa, Suva. Kini Madigi opened the scoring before Nigerian striker Moses Alemoh doubled the advantage with a composed finish. Madigi then struck again late in the match, completing his brace and sealing a strong win for the men in black. Article continues after advertisement 4R FC now turns their attention to their next Group A match against Combine Brothers tomorrow. Friends United began their campaign in strong fashion during the Southern Zone qualifiers, thumping Lami Rangers 7-1 in their opening match. They followed that up with a 1-1 draw against Combine Brothers, topping their pool on goal difference to reach the national play-offs. However, in their remaining play-off matches, Friends United were edged 3-2 by Combine Brothers in a tightly fought contest, leaving them with two defeats in the final stage. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Rabo signs for Bula FC – FBC News
Source: Supplied Rewa midfielder,Asivorosi Rabo, has been signed by Bula FC for the OFC Pro League next year. The 20 year old is the 14th player that have signed for the club. Warrior ahead of the OFC Pro League which starts in January 2026. Article continues after advertisement According to Rabo getting this chance to play for Bula FC could be a turning point in his career. Rabo says that playing professionally is something he dreamt of, and now the opportunity is real and he is grateful to the coach, management and everyone who believes in him. He’s journey began at just eight years old in New Zealand, where he first played under the guidance of his father Pita Rabo. When his family returned to Fiji in 2013, his passion followed him home. He represented Krishna Vedic Primary, earned his place in Rewa under 14, and later starred for Bhawani Dayal Arya College across all age grades—U15, U17 and U19. His steady climb through Rewa’s ranks continued as he moved from U16 and U19 into the senior team in 2023, where he remained until this year. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Fiji Blue after historic three-peat at Coral Coast 7s – FBC News
[file photo] Reigning champions Fiji Blue have confirmed their return to the 2026 McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s, with the powerhouse side gunning for a historic three-peat at one of the world’s premier sevens tournaments. Fiji Blue have been the undisputed force of the past two editions, thrilling crowds with their trademark discipline, precision, and the unmistakable Fijian flair that has become their identity. Under the leadership of Fiji 7s head coach Osea Kolinisau, the defending champions enter January’s showdown as firm favorites but with a massive target on their backs. Article continues after advertisement The 2026 men’s division will be the most competitive in the tournament’s history, expanding to 24 teams. Fourteen of these sides will travel from overseas, featuring a mix of national 7s programmes and elite invitational teams eager to test themselves against Fiji’s best. Tournament Founding Chairman Jay Whyte says Fiji Blue’s return raises the bar for every team in the draw. “Fiji Blue are the benchmark. Having Osea our 2024 tournament ambassador and the national head coach lead his side in pursuit of a three-peat lifts the entire tournament. With the incredible depth of local and international teams, they’ll need to be at their absolute best to defend their title. It’s going to be world-class.” Kolinisau, who lifted Fiji to Olympic gold as a player and now leads the national program, says his side is embracing the pressure. “We know the target is on our backs, but that’s what makes this tournament special. With so many strong teams coming in from overseas, the level will be very high. The boys are motivated, focused, and ready to represent Fiji with pride as we chase the three-peat.” Whyte added that the expanded field is proof of the Coral Coast 7s’ rising global profile. “Twenty-four teams, fourteen from overseas, and FJ$50k on the line this speaks volumes about the international appeal of this tournament. Teams want to be here, and fans can expect the best sevens action anywhere in the world.” The countdown to January 2026 has begun, with fans expecting three days of electrifying rugby, fierce cross-border rivalries, and pure Fijian entertainment as Fiji Blue returns to defend its crown and attempt to etch its name into Coral Coast 7s history forever. The Coral Coast 7s starts on the 15th to the 17th of January at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Malolo raises serious questions over finals gate takings – FBC News
The Malolo Rugby Union, reigning Skipper Cup champions, has raised concerns about the handling of gate revenue from this year’s quarterfinals, semifinals and grand final. The union is calling for greater transparency from the Fiji Sports Council and the Fiji Rugby Union. FBC Sports has contacted both organisations for comments and is awaiting a response. In a statement, Malolo said figures released by the Fiji Sports Council do not match their own estimates of crowd numbers at the 2025 Skipper Cup final. The council reported an attendance of about 11,000, with tickets priced at 20 dollars. Malolo said this should have resulted in revenue of about 220,000 dollars. However, the council declared total takings of just over 59,000 dollars. Malolo said no breakdown of ticket categories, sales or deductions was provided. Article continues after advertisement Malolo also said that both finalists were entitled to a share of the takings. The union stated that the amounts received did not reflect the attendance figure reported. Malolo pointed to deductions made from Naitasiri Seniors, which received 4,612.60 dollars but had 1,383.78 dollars withheld and redirected to the Naitasiri Under 20 team. The union said this raised further questions about how deductions were determined. According to Malolo, figures from the semifinals also appeared inconsistent. The union said that more than 9,000 spectators attended the match, yet the Fiji Sports Council reported takings of just over 56,000 dollars. Malolo questioned how the final, which they said had a larger crowd, resulted in only slightly more revenue. The union said that players at domestic elite level deserve better support. Malolo added that a photograph shared online by a Vatukoula official appeared to show how cash was handled inside a ticket booth. The union said this strengthened its concerns about match day operations. FBC Sports has not independently verified the image. Malolo also said that its 20,000 dollar prize money was reduced to just over 16,000 dollars due to compliance fines. The union stated that it accepted the deductions but noted that the team is still rebuilding and did not expect to win the title this year. The union further claimed that the team received only 120 dollars for meal allowances after the grand final. Malolo said this was paid through M PAiSA and that they were told to use it to purchase one kilogram of kava. FBC Sports has not independently verified this account. Malolo ended its statement by calling for stronger governance, clearer accountability and higher administrative standards in the sport. FBC Sports is awaiting responses from both the Fiji Rugby Union and the Fiji Sports Council. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Historical appointment for Tawake – FBC News
[file photo] Pacific Rugby Players has taken a landmark step in its leadership structure, announcing the appointment of Bitila Tawake as the organization’s first female player representative from Fiji. The move reflects PRP’s growing commitment to elevating women’s voices within Pacific rugby and few embody that mission more powerfully than Tawake. A two-time Super W champion with the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua team, a Rugby World Cup representative and a proud product of Fiji’s booming women’s rugby system, Tawake’s rise has been built on grit, leadership and a relentless push for fairness in the sport. More than a decorated athlete, she has become a respected advocate for player welfare—unafraid to speak openly about pay, conditions and the systemic challenges faced by Pacific Island players. “I want to create an equal playing field for women and men. I want to use sport as a vehicle to change mindsets about women’s rugby and player welfare.” Her appointment signals a pivotal moment for PRP. With women’s rugby in the Pacific experiencing historic growth, Tawake brings firsthand insight into the realities faced by players—both the triumphs and the struggles. She has been one of the voices calling for improved contracts, better support structures, and greater respect for the women who wear their nation’s colours with pride. Now seated at the PRP board table, she is determined to ensure that future generations won’t have to fight the same battles. Tawake also shared a heartfelt message to Pacific players across the region. “Rugby is a beautiful sport. It will take you to places you’ve never imagined. It comes with sacrifices and challenges, but don’t give up. Falling is part of the journey—what matters is that you rise again.” With leaders like Bitila Tawake stepping into key roles, Pacific rugby continues to show that its strength lies not only in its talent, but also in its courage to evolve. Meanwhile, Swire Shipping Fijian Drua captain Frank Lomani is also part of the board. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Fiji’s rise to tier-one rugby puts fresh spotlight on referees – FBC News
[Source: Fiji Rugby/ Facebook] Fiji’s elevation to Tier-One rugby is bringing new pressure not only on players and coaches, but also on the men and women with the whistle, the referees who shape the flow and fairness of every match. As the demands of top-tier competition grow, Fiji Rugby is intensifying efforts to lift officiating standards from grassroots fields to the international arena. Fiji Rugby High Performance Referees Manager James Bolabiu says the nation’s new status requires referees who can match the quality of Tier-One opponents. Article continues after advertisement “For our team to perform at a very high level, we also need good referees who referee them from grassroots right up to international level, so our players are well versed with the laws.” Bolabiu says part of his role is ensuring Fiji’s officials meet those expectations. “I have to make sure that referees are up to the standard of a Tier 1 country. Referees are the unsung heroes of the game, without a referee, a rugby match will never be the same.” He adds that improving officiating depth is vital as Fiji continues to strengthen its high-performance systems and align fully with global standards. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
City move to fourth after 2-1 victory over Real Madrid – FBC News
Source: Reuters Nico O’Reilly’s opportunistic strike and Erling Haaland’s penalty helped Manchester City to fight back to beat Real Madrid 2-1 in a tense Champions League contest at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday. Rodrygo opened the scoring with a low shot from a counter in the 28th minute, with City looking exposed almost every time Madrid ventured forward for the first half an hour. Then, eight minutes later, defender Antonio Ruediger conceded a penalty by wrestling Haaland to the ground as he went to meet a cross in the six-yard box, with the Norwegian striker making sure with the resulting penalty. Article continues after advertisement The victory pushed Pep Guardiola’s side up to fourth in the Champions League standings with 13 points from six games, while Real Madrid dropped to seventh with 12 points after suffering their second straight defeat in all competitions. The Bernabeu crowd voiced their discontent with manager Xabi Alonso, jeering throughout the match as Real continued a poor run of form, having now won just two of their last eight games across all competitions. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Combine Brothers overcomes Friends United in NCC play-offs – FBC News
Source: FFA Combine Brothers FC proved too strong for Friends United, defeating them in their opening match of the National Club Championship play-offs at the Fiji Football Academy in Suva. Both teams started well and went into halftime locked at 2–2. Friends United suffered a major setback when they were reduced to 10 men, with Joseph Mishra sent off after receiving his second yellow card. Article continues after advertisement Despite being a player down, the Nasinu side continued to fight hard, but Combine Brothers eventually broke through when Neerav Goundar scored in the 77th minute. Friends United pushed desperately for an equalizer, but Combine Brothers held firm until the final whistle. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.