Waisilagi commits to long-term dream – FBC News
Hopes of one day supporting and taking care of his family are slowly taking root for 17-year-old rising star, Manasa Waisilagi. Since making his debut for Fiji at just 15, football is more than just a sport, but is an opportunity to achieve his dream. Waisilagi doesn’t play for the thrill of the sport, but with the hope of one day making it big and becoming the backbone of his family. Article continues after advertisement And now, with the Fiji Football Association launching the country’s first professional club, that dream feels closer than ever. For Waisilagi, the path to the top level no longer feels like a distant possibility. Born and raised in Ba, he has witnessed first-hand the power of football. Training alongside some of Fiji’s biggest names — including Roy Krishna and Thomas Dunn — during development sessions has only fueled his ambition. “Seeing players from Fiji like Roy earning a lot of money playing at international level has only motivated me more. I want to reach that stage so one day I can support my family.” Watching their discipline, their drive, and their success has shown him exactly what the sport can offer. Waisilagi was also part of the Fiji Under-17 squad that featured at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year — an experience he says reshaped his outlook on what is possible for young Fijian players. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Byrne hails Rawaqa as key piece in structure – FBC News
[file photo] Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne says the addition of Ifereimi Rawaqa to the national coaching staff is a major boost as Fiji prepares for its next international cycle. Byrne emphasized that Rawaqa’s expertise, presence, and experience as a former Flying Fijian and Fijian Drua coach will significantly strengthen the team’s contact and collision work. Byrne says Rawaqa’s arrival provides crucial support for forwards coach Graham Dewes Article continues after advertisement “He’ll be able to assist Graeme. Forwards coaching role in international games is a big role and so for Ifereimi to be able to come in and use his expertise in that area… I think Graeme will benefit greatly from that.” He adds that Rawaqa’s influence will help create consistency in how the contact area is coached across Fiji’s rugby system. Rawaqa, newly appointed as Assistant Forwards and National Contact (Collision) Coach, said he is honored by the opportunity. “I’m so grateful for the appointment and the trust shown. It’s an honour to be part of Fiji right now. I’m looking forward to working with players and coaches.” The former national lock and Drua women head coach steps into a role expected to shape Fiji’s physical edge, while also helping align high-performance standards across all levels of the game. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Rawaqa appointed assistant forward and national coach – FBC News
The Flying Fijians have added experience and stability to their coaching structure with the appointment of former Fiji international and experienced Drua mentor Ifereimi Rawaqa as the team’s new Assistant Forward Coach and National Contact (Collision) Coach. Rawaqa, a seasoned campaigner in Fiji’s forward pack during his playing days, has built an equally respected coaching resume in recent years, including his time developing the Fijian Drua women’s side this season. His return to the national setup is being welcomed as a strategic step toward strengthening Fiji’s physicality and technical standards ahead of a crucial international calendar. Article continues after advertisement The Fiji Rugby Union says Rawaqa’s deep knowledge of the local playing group, combined with his expertise in collision and contact systems, makes him an ideal fit as Fiji prepares its pathway to the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Rawaqa’s appointment signals Fiji Rugby’s continued commitment to building a robust, locally grounded coaching unit capable of developing world-class forwards and a tougher, more resilient squad. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Byrne welcomes fresh RWC match-ups – FBC News
File Photo Fiji Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne says Fiji’s 2027 Rugby World Cup pool presents a refreshing change after years of being grouped with the same opponents. Fiji has faced Australia and Wales in four consecutive World Cups, but the next edition in Australia will break that long-running pattern. Byrne believes the new mix of teams adds excitement and opportunity for his side. Article continues after advertisement “It’s been good,” he said when reflecting on the end of the Australia–Wales cycle. “Fiji have played Australia and Wales over the last couple of World Cups, so it’s good to have a mix of other teams. I think that makes it exciting for us.” Fiji will face Argentina, Spain and Canada in the pool stage, a trio Byrne says offers both familiarity and fresh challenges. “You know, the beauty is we’re playing Argentina,” he added. “Of all those teams there in the top six, there’s Ireland, France and England, and we’ve played France and England and played Ireland last year and France and England this year. And we’ll play the three of those teams next year.” Fiji’s lead-up schedule will see them meet several of the world’s top nations before the 2027 tournament, a buildup Byrne feels will be crucial for their World Cup readiness. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Brunson scores 35 points as Knicks rout Raptors 117-101 to reach NBA Cup semifinals for first time – FBC News
Jalen Brunson scored 35 points, Josh Hart added 21 and the New York Knicks advanced to the NBA Cup semifinals for the first time in three tries by beating the struggling Toronto Raptors 117-101 on Tuesday night. Karl-Anthony Towns had 14 points and 16 rebounds for the Knicks, who will face Orlando in the semifinal round at Las Vegas on Saturday. The Magic reached the semifinals by beating Miami earlier Tuesday. Article continues after advertisement Towns returned after sitting out Sunday’s home win over Orlando because of tightness in his left calf. Mikal Bridges scored 15 points for New York and OG Anunoby had 13 against his former team. The only team to reach the quarterfinals in all three years of the event, the Knicks had lost their previous two appearances by a combined 32 points. New York is 11-4 all-time in NBA Cup play. Brunson’s 26 points in the opening half were his most in any half this season. Brandon Ingram scored 31 points and Jamal Shead had a career-high 18 but the short-handed Raptors lost their fourth straight, all at home. Scottie Barnes and Ja’Kobe Walter each scored 13 points for the Raptors, and Jakob Poeltl added 10. Toronto went unbeaten in group stage play with all four wins coming during a stretch that saw the Raptors go 13-1. They’re 1-6 since. Ingram had 17 in the first quarter but the entire Raptors team couldn’t combine to match that total in the second. Toronto missed 13 of its first 15 shot attempts and finished 5 for 21 in a disastrous frame that saw the Raptors outscored 34-13. New York led 69-52 at the half. Neither of Toronto’s former Knicks was available Tuesday. Immanuel Quickley sat because of an illness while RJ Barrett missed his ninth straight game because of a sprained right knee. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Díaz agrees to $69M, 3-year deal with World Series champion Dodgers – FBC News
[Source: AP] Closer Edwin Díaz has agreed to a $69 million, three-year contract with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke Tuesday on condition of anonymity because the agreement was subject to a successful physical. Díaz’s agreement includes deferred payments by the Dodgers, who already owed $1.051 billion in deferred pay to eight players from 2028-46. “The Dodgers are the Goliath and they went and got something that they really, really needed,” said agent Scott Boras, who does not represent Díaz. “I’m sure that there was a goal on the part of the player that he felt that maybe he could achieve his goals differently with the Dodgers than he could with the Mets. … Right now in our industry when a Goliath snaps his fingers, he seems to be getting what he wants.” Article continues after advertisement A three-time All-Star who turns 32 on March 22, Díaz joins a Dodgers bullpen that struggled last season, causing the team to shift rookie starter Roki Sasaki to closer in the postseason. Los Angeles relievers had a 4.27 ERA, 21st among the 30 teams. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Drua partners with Silver Fern – FBC News
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua have joined hands with a new partner ahead of the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby season. The club has brought on board Silver Fern as their official supplier of training equipment. Silver Fern, New Zealand’s oldest ball manufacturer with over 70 years of experience, is renowned for producing high-quality sports equipment. Article continues after advertisement As part of the deal, Silver Fern has provided the Drua with a wide range of elite-level training gear, giving the squad a major boost as they prepare for the highly anticipated 2026 campaign. Head Coach Glen Jackson welcomed the partnership, highlighting the positive impact it will have on the team’s preparation. “We feel very lucky and privileged to associate with Silver Fern. I know they’ve done a lot already with the free ball giveaway with Rebel Sports, and to have them as our supplier of hit shields, tackle suits, tackle machines and a bit of everything — it’s great to have them onboard.” The collaboration builds on previous initiatives between the two organizations, including Silver Fern’s donation of over 20 rugby balls toyoung players at a local competition between the Nadi and Ba Rugby Unions earlier this week. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Grassroots sevens push gains momentum – FBC News
[Source: Fiji Sports Council/Facebook] The Fiji Sports Council says its responsibility to develop overlooked athletes is just as important as managing the nation’s sporting facilities, and that belief is driving its new Grassroots Sevens Tournament and Volleyball Festival. The upcoming event is designed to give rising players, small clubs, and hidden talent a real chance to be seen. FSC Events Official Lenaitasi Vakatora said it also marks a stronger push by the Council to support communities that rarely feature in major competitions. Article continues after advertisement “Apart from managing sporting facilities, we also have an obligations a statutory body to develop and enhance sporting talents around the country, especially athletes who wouldn’t normally have an opportunity. Some athletes get lost in the tracks of their discipline, so the Fiji Sports Council must also provide opportunities for those who may have been overlooked by major sporting bodies.” Vakatora added that this festival creates a fresh pathway for grassroots teams eager to break into the competitive sevens and volleyball scene. He said the goal is to give them a stage that is normally out of reach due to resources, entry barriers, and limited exposure. “The tournament focuses on offering another pathway for teams at the grassroots level that are unable to compete in well-established tournaments. It’s another avenue for them to showcase their rugby sevens talent and skills, and also for coaches and management of these grassroots teams.” Full tournament details and schedules are expected to be confirmed soon. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Tuwai hails Nadi junior rugby festival – FBC News
Former Fiji 7s captain and Olympic gold medalist Jerry Tuwai has praised the Nadi Junior Rugby Festival, calling it one of the best development platforms in the region as the two-day event wraps up today. The festival features teams from Fiji, Tuvalu and Nauru across the under-8to under-18 grades, providing hundreds of young players with their first exposure to structured competition and international participation. Tuwai says the impact of the tournament goes far beyond the matches played. Article continues after advertisement “I think that World Rugby, Oceania Rugby, Fiji Rugby and all the unions that take part here… this is one of the best rugby festivals that we have right now.” He added that the festival’s true strength lies in the rugby values it teaches— values he believes shape futures both on and off the field. “It’s not just about rugby, it’s about sharing the values of rugby heretoday. This is where dreams are moulded. I started with small kitesand everything.” Tuwai also highlighted the festival’s broader regional importance, saying the growing involvement of Pacific neighbors will lift standards across Oceania. “What Oceania Rugby is doing right now will help not just Fiji Rugbybut all the unions here today like Nauru, Tuvalu and clubs here in Fiji.” The Nadi Junior Rugby Festival concludes this afternoon. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Tuwai backs Fiji 7s to rebound stronger in next leg – FBC News
File Photo Former Fiji 7s maestro Jerry Tuwai has thrown his support behind the national men’s side, saying the team remains on the right track despite recent setbacks on the SVNS circuit. Tuwai said that while Fiji’s performances have been encouraging, costly basic errors continue to deny them crucial wins. He believes those issues are fixable and expects the team to quickly regain momentum. Article continues after advertisement “For me as a former rugby player, I will always be biased. But I have to talk on both sides as a former rugby player and as a new person watching rugby too.” Tuwai added that the effort from the squad is never in question. “I think they are performing really well at the moment but basic errors that cost them the game. I know that they will bounce back. I believe that they will bounce back.” The double Olympic gold medallist reminded fans that no team enters a tournament expecting to fall short. “No teams go there and play to lose. We all give our best. Sometimes our opposition is just good on the day. But I believe in my heart that they will come back stronger in the next tournament.” He says the team will return to the drawing board and work to correct the mistakes made in Cape Town and Dubai. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.