Players urged to relish rugby opportunity – FBC News
Sireli Bobo Former Flying Fijian Sireli Bobo is urging members of his Fiji Sports Council 7s squad to make the most of the opportunity provided to them as they chase their rugby dreams. Players from across the country, mainly from the maritime islands and the interior of Viti Levu, were selected for the team after competing in last year’s Fiji Sports Council 7s tournament. Those chosen were enrolled in a player development program in January, with Council facilities made available for their training. Article continues after advertisement “I always tell these boys that they are very lucky that the CEO of Sports Council organized this program all for the sake of young players trying to build something for themselves. For us who live in the islands, interiors, we know how hard it is to pursue this and having a good shot. So I thank the CEO for this program, and providing us with all the facilities we need.” Players who do not live in Suva are currently camping at Bidesi Park as they prepare for the Loloma Heights 7s tournament in Savusavu this weekend. The tournament will be held at Ratu Ganilau Park. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
FIJI 7s sharp and settled ahead of Dubai opener – FBC News
[Source: Fiji Rugby/Facebook] Fiji men’s 7s head coach Osea Kolinisau says his side has settled quickly in Dubai and is fully focused ahead of this weekend’s HSBC SVNS tournament. The team has adjusted well to the conditions and shaken off the effects of long-distance travel. Preparations have now shifted into full intensity as Fiji sharpen their structures for the season opener. Article continues after advertisement “We’ve been adapting well into Dubai, and at the time, different jet lag, and excited for what’s coming,” Kolinisau said. “We’ve been sharpening up a lot on our defence and on our attack, and analysing teams that we’re going to play, and analysing our games from last season.” He said the players have brought strong energy into camp, and importantly, Fiji has no injury concerns heading into the weekend. Three standby players have also arrived safely in Dubai after travelling with the Sri Lions side to compete in an invitational tournament at the same venue. Kolinisau said the arrangement ensures Fiji can make immediate injury replacements without waiting on long-haul travel from Suva. “They’re on standby if there’s an injury so we can have a change instead of going back to Fiji. Fiji is a long way from Dubai and South Africa. I’m happy the boys arrived safely and are training well with them, and I’m excited for the coming weekend.” Fiji will take on Argentina in their opening match at 9.10 pm on Saturday before facing South Africa at 12.16am on Sunday. They will wrap up their pool against France at 4.12am on Sunday. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Byrne targets better discipline and execution – FBC News
FIJI Water Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne FIJI Water Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne says the discipline to stick to their system is an area they can improve on, but overall, the key areas highlighted which are discipline, execution and decision making remain major focuses for their growth. This was Byrne’s response when asked if the northern tour revealed any gaps in conditioning, discipline or decision making after the team arrived in Nadi this morning. He says there were moments where execution and decision making slipped against England. Article continues after advertisement “It is probably to be expected a little bit when you first come together after such a long period of time away. That team that went out against England had not played together since July. A lot of those players had not been in the side since July.” He adds that while they anticipated some challenges in execution and decision making, there were still positive signs. Byrne says discipline was also an issue, pointing to a couple of yellow cards, some of which he believes were questionable. He highlighted Selestino Ravutaumada’s yellow card against England, saying the winger had actually jumped for the ball which made the call disappointing. Byrne says the discipline to remain connected to their system is an area they must sharpen, but overall, the main areas raised which are discipline, execution and decision making are crucial for the Flying Fijians as they continue to grow. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Childhood defiance now drives Nagasau to inspire – FBC News
File Photo Fijian rugby icon and Olympic bronze medalist Rusila Nagasau is using her remarkable journey, one that began with cultural pushback and family resistance, to inspire a new generation of young girls to break away from traditional expectations and chase their sporting dreams. Growing up as the only girl among four boys, Nagasau said rugby became her escape, even when it clashed with what was expected of her at home. “Growing up with four boys, and I was the only girl, it was kind of hard. I was playing every day with them. My mum came out and yelled at me to help her out and do the dishes, but I didn’t care because I was into the game.” Article continues after advertisement But when she finally told her mother she wanted to play rugby, the answer reflected a mindset still common in many communities. “She said no. She said, ‘You can’t do it here, that’s a man’s game.’’ Nagasau said many girls face the same cultural pressure she once felt. Despite family members criticising her decision to pursue the sport, Nagasau credited her mother and grandmother for standing firmly behind her. “They pushed me to where I am right now. Even though our family talked about me, told me not to play rugby, negative comments she was there to help me achieve my goal and where I am today.” Today, as one of Fiji’s most decorated female athletes, Nagasau is determined to make the path easier for the girls who follow. She has become a vocal advocate for young players, urging families and communities to shed outdated ideas about what girls should or shouldn’t do. Her story, once shaped by resistance, is now a driving force behind her mission, to push more young girls onto the rugby field and help redefine what is possible for women in Fiji. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Ronaldo cleared to play opening matches at World Cup – FBC News
[Source: Reuters] Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be able to play his side’s opening matches at next year’s World Cup after FIFA suspended the final two games of a three-match ban on Wednesday. Ronaldo was sent off in Portugal’s penultimate qualifying match against Ireland in Dublin earlier this month for an elbow into the back of Dara O’Shea during a 2-0 defeat. The red card meant Ronaldo missed Portugal’s final group game, a 9-1 win over Armenia which secured qualification, and FIFA confirmed that the 40-year-old had been given a three-match ban, but barring a repeat incident, he will not serve any further punishment. Article continues after advertisement “In line with article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the serving of the two remaining matches has been suspended under a one-year probation period,” a FIFA statement said. “If Cristiano Ronaldo commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension set out in the disciplinary decision shall be deemed automatically revoked and the remaining two matches must be served immediately at the next official match(es) of the Portuguese representative team.” Article 27 allows FIFA’s judicial body “to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure”. Beyond citing article 27, FIFA did not say in its statement why the ban had been suspended. Reuters has contacted FIFA for an explanation. The red card, which was upgraded from an initial yellow card after a VAR check, was Ronaldo’s first in 226 international appearances for Portugal. Ronaldo, who extended his contract with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr until 2027 in June, will be playing at his sixth World Cup finals and targeting the one major trophy missing from his list of honours. The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward was part of Portugal’s Euro 2016-winning team, and has also won two Nations League titles and is the record scorer in international football with 143 goals. The draw for the 2026 World Cup, which takes place in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, will be held on December 5 in Washington. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
World Cup draw to keep Spain-Argentina, France-England apart before final – FBC News
Source: Reuters Spain cannot meet Argentina and France will not face England before the World Cup final — provided they win their groups — after FIFA on Tuesday announced the draw procedure. The rule aims to maintain competitive balance in the expanded 48-team format, ensuring the top-ranked team (Spain) and number two (world champions Argentina) are in opposite halves of the bracket, with the same applying to number three (France) and number four (England). Even if those teams do not win their groups, the top four seeded countries will not be able to meet until the semi-finals. Article continues after advertisement The 2026 World Cup draw takes place on December 5 in Washington, with the updated match schedule, including stadiums and kick-off times, to be released on December 6. Hosts Canada, Mexico and the U.S. are in Pot 1 which includes Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Pot 2 has Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, Iran, South Korea, Ecuador, Austria and Australia. Pot 3 will include Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. Pot 4 will be Jordan, Cape Verde, Ghana, Curacao, Haiti, New Zealand, and the winners from the European play-off A, B, C and D, and the FIFA Play-Off tournament 1 and 2. Confederation constraints will apply, with no group having more than one team from the same region except UEFA, which has 16 representatives and can place up to two teams in a group. The tournament in the U.S., Mexico and Canada kicks off on June 11, with the final on July 19 in New Jersey. CrowdStrike founder and chief executive George Kurtz has bought into the Mercedes Formula One team. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Chand confident as Labasa heads into Pacific Cup – FBC News
Labasa coach Alvin Chand [file photo] Labasa coach Alvin Chand says the team is ready to embrace the challenge of the Pacific Cup, which kicks off tomorrow in Auckland, New Zealand. Chand, who is making his first appearance at the tournament as head coach, said the Pacific Cup remains one of the major events on the regional football calendar, giving teams valuable exposure despite the local season having already ended. The Babasiga Lions have been training for the past three weeks and travelled with a squad boosted by five guest players. Article continues after advertisement “There were a few players of our team who could not make it in the squad because of their family commitments and some of the minor injuries that they were carrying after IDC. We had to look upon the guest players and fortunately we found five of them who are really good and they are filling the positions where we are lacking.” Most of the squad has previously played in New Zealand, and Chand believes that familiarity with the conditions will be an advantage as the team adjusts to the weather, grounds, and competition level. The team will fly out to New Zealand this afternoon. Labasa FC open their campaign tomorrow against USA all-stars at 5.30pm. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Waimanu 7s expands to major venue for 2025 tournament – FBC News
Lewa Niu Production The Flametree Waimanu 7s will take a major step forward this year as organisers shift the tournament to a larger venue and expand its competition categories. What began as a small community initiative has quickly grown into one of the most anticipated off-season tournaments on the calendar. With rising interest from clubs and increasing support from sponsors, organisers say the move reflects the tournament’s rapid development and future ambitions. Article continues after advertisement Tournament director Alipate Savaenavuso said the event initially began in 2023 through the support of Flametree PTE Ltd as a way to create opportunities for youths from the villages of Sawani, Navatuvula and Colo-i-suva. “This tournament started back in 2023 with the help of Flametree PTE Ltd as we try to help the youths in our community which is the three villages of Sawani, Navatuvula and Waimanu. For the past two years we’ve always had it at the ground in Sawani and it was like a mini-series but this year we have decided to make it a one-off tournament and move it to a bigger venue.” Savaenavuso explained that organisers had initially planned to hold the event at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori, but the ground closure forced a relocation. “We had initially planned to host it at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori but unfortunately the ground is closed and we’re thankful to Flametree for deciding to step in and pay for the HFC Bank Stadium for this tournament.” The tournament will run from the 12th and 13th of next month and will feature 32 men’s teams, 16 under-20 teams and eight women’s teams, marking its biggest and most competitive edition yet. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Lal steps up to level 3 coaching – FBC News
Source: Fiji Rugby / Facebook Aradhna Lal is breaking new ground as one of only two Fijian-Indian women participating in World Rugby’s Level 3 coaching course, pushing boundaries for both women and minority communities in the sport. A dedicated teacher and the coach of the Batinikama Secondary School Under-17 side, Lal says the programme has reshaped the way she approaches player development, long-term planning and high-performance coaching. She says her journey from Level 2 to Level 3 has been strengthened through exposure across clubs, schools and the Macuata province, where she has been actively involved in both boys’ and women’s rugby programmes. Article continues after advertisement “This Level 3 course has opened my eyes as I now realise my philosophy was based more on tradition than evidence, and I’m ready to reshape it to help players grow, not just win games.” Lal says the advanced framework and structured modules have lifted the quality of her coaching, which she believes will improve player performance in the years ahead. She hopes her rise will inspire more female coaches and players from Macuata and across Fiji. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Fijian Drua reveals new broadcast model for the 2026–2028 season – FBC News
[Source: Supplied] The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua have announced they will introduce a new broadcast model for the 2026–2028 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific seasons. The club says the model will use a hybrid system that includes free-to-air (FTA) television, pay TV, and digital streaming. This shift is a strategic move toward long-term sustainability and greater independence, while still ensuring fans can enjoy high-quality rugby. Article continues after advertisement The approach aims to balance accessibility with financial stability. Free-to-air coverage will remain available nationwide, and low-cost digital streaming will offer fans live matches, on-demand replays, and extended highlights on any device. “The Drua remains committed to keeping rugby accessible to all, while providing an enhanced viewing experience and a more sustainable financial path forward for the club. By pioneering this hybrid broadcast model, the Drua are showing that innovative, small-market approaches can set new benchmarks globally.” Digital payments will be easy through M-Paisa, debit cards, or credit cards, with streaming priced at just $2 per match. By introducing a small fee for digital streaming, the Drua hope to build a stronger revenue base to stay competitive with larger Super Rugby Pacific clubs and continue investing in players and facilities. Further announcements about digital streaming, FTA, and pay-TV partners will be made in the coming days. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.