Byrne hopes for improved discipline against Spain – FBC News
[file photo] FIJI Water Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne is calling for a sharper focus on discipline as his team prepares to face Spain this Sunday in the Autumn Nations Series. The squad has endured back-to-back losses to England and France, highlighting areas that need tightening, particularly in executing their game plan. Byrne says the team is working hard to refine not just technical skills, but also the mental and structural discipline needed on the field. Article continues after advertisement “Well, I think if we can deliver our discipline to, you know, execute our skills…discipline around sticking to our game plan, getting set early and working hard. If we can improve those areas, that’s what we’ll be looking for.” Byrne believes that addressing these discipline gaps will give the Flying Fijians a stronger platform to perform and potentially turn around their fortunes. With attention to detail in both preparation and execution, the team hopes to showcase a more consistent and resilient performance against Spain. Fiji and Spain will meet at 4am Sunday. You can watch the match LIVE on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Saukuru lands Wesley scholarship and Bulldogs deal – FBC News
Source: FSSRL Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School Under 15 flyhalf Apisalome Saukuru has secured a scholarship to Wesley College for 2026, marking a major milestone in his rising rugby journey. This has been confirmed by Wesley College Principal Dr. Brian Evans, who also revealed that Saukuru has signed an NRL Bulldogs contract earlier this year, a rare achievement for a player his age and a strong signal of his potential. Fiji Secondary School Rugby League Marketing, Sponsorship and Media Officer Lai Corerega welcomed the announcement, saying the achievement highlights the growing opportunities for young Fijian rugby league talent. Article continues after advertisement FSSRL President Naisa Cama Toko, who is also the Principal of Nasinu Secondary School, and Secretary Taniela Vakamoce both expressed their appreciation and congratulated Saukuru on his double breakthrough. Dr. Evans added that a number of other Fijian players have already been identified and is urging parents of those players to contact the school and submit their application forms as soon as possible. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Police defends Sukuna Bowl title – FBC News
The Fiji Police Force has once again defended their Vodafone Sukuna Bowl title after outclassing the Republic of Fiji Military Forces 26-10 at Subrail Park in Labasa this afternoon. Police opened the scoring with an early 7–0 lead after flanker Sakiusa Vosayaco chased down a clearance kick, secured possession, and crossed for the first try. Army hit back minutes later with a well-executed lineout move inside their half, allowing winger Osea Natoga to dive over and level the score at 7–all. Article continues after advertisement Police regained the lead when fly-half Etonia Rokotusawa slotted a 52-metre penalty, pushing the score to 10–7. Army refused to back down and converted a penalty five minutes before the break to lock the scores at 10–all. But Police responded almost immediately, capitalising on an Army mistake to earn a penalty just outside the 22. They converted to edge ahead 12–10 just before the halftime hooter. Police came out even stronger after the break, with their inside centre Akuila Dranivotua crossing for a try after chasing down a clearance inside Army’s 10-metre line, stretching the lead to 20–10.A successful penalty in the 64th minute pushed Police further ahead, 23–10. Another Army error inside their own half proved costly, as Police were awarded and converted a penalty try to extend the margin to 26–10. Army continued to fight hard in search for a consolation try, but attempts to break through the Police defense proved futile right up till the final hooter. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Army women claim fourth straight Sukuna Bowl title – FBC News
File Photo The Army women’s side secured their fourth consecutive Sukuna Bowl Women’s Rugby title after edging Police 25-23 in a tight finish in Labasa today. In a repeat of last year’s heartbreak, Police again fell to a late penalty that handed Army the win in the final moments of the match. Army fielded several experienced Fijiana Drua and Fijiana 15s players, including Bitilia Tawake, Carletta Yee, Salaseini Railumu and national XVs captain Alfreda Fisher. Article continues after advertisement Army struck first through Mariana Talatoka, who forced her way over after contesting a loose ball near the try line. Police replied with a penalty to narrow the gap to 5-3, before taking control of the match. Vika Naibena crossed for a converted try that pushed Police into the lead heading into halftime.Police extended that advantage early in the second spell when Asenaca Diranuve picked off a floating Army pass and sprinted away for their second try. Army hit back quickly. Nunia Daunimoala and Donitina Naita scored back-to-back tries to level the match 17-17 as momentum shifted. In the 65th minute, Police opted for a penalty in front of the posts, with Adi Ana Lutunauca adding the three points for a 20-17 advantage. Army responded again, working off a clean lineout just five metres out, allowing Daunimoala to burst through for another try and reclaim the lead 22-20. Lutunauca kept Police in the fight, kicking another penalty to nudge her side ahead 23-22 with time running out. The match grew tense in the final minutes. Railumu was stretchered off the field, while Police’s Alisi Galo was shown a red card for a high tackle. With the clock winding down, Army earned a final penalty. Litiana Vueti stepped up and slotted the decisive kick, sealing a 25-23 victory and breaking Police hearts for the second year in a row. The final men’s showdown will kick off at 3pm today at Subrail Park, with live coverage on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Champs name solid side for Sukuna Bowl – FBC News
[File Photo] Defending Vodafone Ratu Sukuna Bowl Challenge champions, Police, has named their best lineup to tackle Army this afternoon. The Police team is made up of Skipper Cup players and they will be led by veteran former Flying Fijians hooker, Ratunaisa Navuma. Jone Naqiri and noke Ravuiwasa join Navuma in the front row. Article continues after advertisement Naitasiri lock Marika Natau will wear the number five jumper with Orisi Tukana as the other lock. Fiji Warriors skipper Sakiusa Vosayaco, Saimoni Seruvatu and vice captain Mosese Naiova are the loose forwards. Halfback Peniasi Ravudolo and flyhalf Etonia Rokotuisawa will run the show for Police. Waisake Ravuiwasa and Akuila Dranivotua have been given the number 12 and 13 jerseys while Jone Dukumoi and Rusiate Matai run out on the wings with Ponipate Tuberi at fullback. Police also have a solid bench with the likes of Lino Vasuinadi, Nedly Grant, Aisake Atani, Semisi Baleca, Maikeli Matanihiga, Sefanaia Seviua, Vatiliai Vosawale, Ilaisa Bete, Iowane Ligatabu and Manoa Gerea. The Police side has successfully defended the prestigious Ratu Sukuna Bowl 35 times times while Army has won it 27 times. Meanwhile, the women’s rugby match will air live at 11am on FBC Sports. There will be a live build up show at 2pm followed by the main game at 3pm. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Flying Fijians shake up starting XV for Spain clash – FBC News
[Photo Credit: Fiji Rugby] The FIJI Water Flying Fijians have made nine changes to their starting XV as head coach Mick Byrne rings the changes ahead of Sunday’s Autumn Nations Series clash against Spain in Málaga. After last week’s 34-21 defeat to France in Bordeaux, Byrne has reshuffled his pack and backline to inject fresh energy and reward standout performers from the tour. In the front row, Tim Hoyt earns his first international start at tighthead prop, replacing Mesake Doge, who moves to the bench. Article continues after advertisement Loosehead Haereti Hetet and captain Tevita Ikanivere retain their places, providing stability at the set-piece. The second row features Setareki Turagacoke coming in for Temo Mayanavanua, while the back row sees Mesake Vocevoce promoted from the bench to start at blindside flanker. Pita Gus Sowakula shifts from flanker to number eight, replacing Viliame Mata, while Elia Canakaivataremains at openside. In the halves, young playmaker Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula takes over at fly-half from Caleb Muntz, with scrum-half Simione Kuruvoli holding his position. The midfield has been reshaped with Vilimoni Botitu starting at inside centre and Sireli Maqalamoving from fullback to outside centre. The back three also features fresh faces, with Joji Nasova on the right wing and Setareki Tuicuvu at fullback, replacing Selestino Ravutaumada and Salesi Rayasi respectively. Jiuta Wainiqolo remains on the left wing. Byrne has named a bench that combines experience and potential debutants. Kavaia Tagivetaua is included as a reserve hooker, with the rest of the impact players being Atunaisa Sokobale, Mesake Doge, Temo Mayanavanua, Motikiai Murray, Philip Baselala, Caleb Muntz and Kalaveti Ravouvou. Fiji and Spain will meet at 4am Sunday. You can watch the match LIVE on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Suva futsal fall to Mataks FC, hopes slim for final spot – FBC News
Suva Futsal Club suffered a 5–1 loss to Mataks FC at the OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League, leaving their chances of reaching the final very slim. Suva equalised early through Merrill Nand, who finished well after a sharp move down the right. The side showed good control in the mid court, with Nikil Chand posing a constant threat, but Mataks gradually took control of the match and led 3–1 at halftime. Article continues after advertisement Suva fought hard in the second spell, with goalkeeper Kitione Baleloa making several key saves under heavy pressure. But Mataks continued to dominate and added two more goals to seal the 5–1 result. Suva will now look to finish strong and aim for an upset in their final group match against the unbeaten Waikato Rapids. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Fiji Kulas through to finals Bula Boys fall short in semis – FBC News
The Fiji Kulas have booked their place in the MSG Prime Ministers Cup final after a strong 3–1 win over Vanuatu in the second semifinal. Fiji’s women delivered a composed and confident performance, with goals from Sereana Naweni, Narieta Leba, and Cema Nasau sealing the victory. All three finishes showcased the control and quality the Kulas have shown throughout the tournament. Article continues after advertisement Meanwhile, the Bula Boys were unable to progress, going down 2–0 to Papua New Guinea in their semifinal clash. Despite moments of promise, Fiji’s men struggled to break through PNG’s organised defence. The Kulas will now meet PNG’s women’s side in the final as they chase the MSG Prime Ministers Cup title. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Army rugby targets strong finish in Subrail Park – FBC News
Army Rugby Manager Semi Baravilala Army Rugby Manager Semi Baravilala says his side is determined to finish their 2025 Vodafone Ratu Sukuna Bowl campaign on a high as they prepare for tomorrow’s historic clash against Police at Subrail Park in Labasa. With the Sukuna Bowl being played in the Northern Division for the first time, Baravilala believes the atmosphere will be electric, backed by a strong Army supporter base in Vanua Levu. He says the Army teams have produced strong performances in previous years in Suva, and the goal now is to carry that momentum into a neutral venue and close out this year’s campaign with pride. Article continues after advertisement “We are really looking forward to the match tomorrow, and we know we have a lot of supporters here in the North. I think we are going to put up a very good game against Police.” Baravilala is calling on all Army fans in Labasa and across Vanua Levu to show up in full force and lift the team during one of the country’s most intense service rivalries. “We invite all Army supporters here in the North to come out in numbers and support your Army team. And for those watching at home on FBC Sports or overseas on pay-per-view, wear your red and green jerseys and get behind us. We are going to put up a good game tomorrow.” Army and Police clash in the Sukuna Bowl tomorrow at Subrail Park in Labasa at 3pm. You can watch the LIVE action on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Police secure eighth straight Sukuna Bowl football title – FBC News
The Fiji Police football side has claimed the Ratu Sukuna Bowl title for the eighth year in a row, defeating Army 2–0 this afternoon at Subrail Park. Police fielded a near full-strength lineup stacked with district and national reps, including Tevita Waranaivalu, Ratu Dau, Sairusi Nalaubu, Ilisoni Logaivau, Madhwan Goundar, Remueru Takiata, Sitiveni Rakai, Ilaisa Nayasi, Ratu Lino Roseru and Akuila Mateisuva. Army, without star striker Christopher Wasasala who is on national duty, reshuffled their lineup with Peniame Drova pushed up from defence to lead the attack, while Kolinio Sivoki anchored the backline. Article continues after advertisement The match was locked 0–0 at halftime, with both sides creating half-chances but unable to find the breakthrough. Army’s hopes took a major hit in the second spell when Akapusi Tuvolo received a second yellow card for a dangerous challenge on Ilaisa Nayasi, reducing his side to 10 men. From the resulting free kick, the initial save was spilled by the Army goalkeeper, and Sairusi Nalaubu reacted quickest to smash in the opener in the 60th minute. Police doubled their lead minutes later after Mohammad Rasasa was brought down inside the box. Captain and goalkeeper Akuila Mateisuva stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to seal the win. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.