Jackson manages balance between national reps and local talent – FBC News
Etonia Waqa powering through his gym session. [Photo Credit: Fijian Drua] The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua are now entering their third to fourth week of pre-season, with a heavy focus on conditioning and squad integration as they prepare for the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season. With a large portion of the squad still on Flying Fijians duty, the early block has centred on developing the locally based players while carefully managing the workload of returning internationals. Head coach Glen Jackson says the group has already logged significant work as the foundation of their campaign continues to build. Article continues after advertisement “Pre-season at the moment, that is essentially where we’re at at the moment. The boys have realized they’re back. We had 30 people on our team play for the Flying Fijians over the last few years, and so to get the balance right of looking after the national players and looking after our young men here is important.” Drua Head coach Glen Jackson. Jackson added that despite not yet having the full squad together, the training load has been strong and will intensify over the coming weeks. “But we’ve got a lot of hard work under our belt already, and it will continue for the next seven weeks prior to Christmas before the Flying Fijians come back.” The Drua’s full pre-season programme will lift once the national side returns from international duties, with trial preparations and squad combinations set to take priority in the next phase. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Jackson confident new Drua leaders will lift standards – FBC News
From left: Temo Mayanavanua, Manasa Mataele and Issak Fines-Leleiwasa With pre-season preparations underway, Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson says the club’s incoming senior players are already making an impact behind the scenes, even before the full squad assembles for 2026. Jackson noted that the team needed additional leadership following offseason departures, and early signs suggest the newcomers are filling that void with confidence and professionalism. “We needed some players, obviously we lost a few leaders in our team, so to bring in some people like, especially Temo (Mayanavanua), who’s played Heineken Cup and Premiership English rugby, to bring him in has been awesome.” Article continues after advertisement He added that Mayanavanua, though currently with the Flying Fijians, has shown strong commitment to integrating into the Drua environment. Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson Jackson also praised NPC winner Manasa Mataele and experienced Super Rugby halfback Issak Fines-Leleiwasa for what they bring not only in skill but in standards. “Manasa, winning NPC a couple of weeks ago, in terms of what he brings is really good. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa as well, obviously just guys that have been there and done it in Super Rugby.” With the Drua continuing to evolve as a young franchise, Jackson believes the injection of seasoned voices will be crucial. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
WNBA proposal includes max salaries over $1.1M – FBC News
[Source: Reuters] The WNBA proposed a maximum player salary of more than $1.1 million in the latest round of collective bargaining negotiations this week, multiple reports said. The league’s CBA proposal, which would include revenue sharing, would set the league minimum at more than $220,000 and allow more than one player per team to make the maximum salary, per the reports. The figures would grow each year. The league and players’ union extended the negotiations to Nov. 30 after the previous CBA was set to expire on Oct. 31. Article continues after advertisement The players exercised their opt-out of that agreement last year, with player salaries and the revenue-sharing model among their key issues. A failure to reach an agreement by the new deadline could result in a work stoppage. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Army volleyball ends Police’s seven-year reign – FBC News
The Army men’s volleyball side has finally broken Police’s long-standing dominance, ending their seven-year reign with a powerful 3–1 victory in the Vodafone Ratu Sukuna Bowl competition. Displaying remarkable composure, discipline, and hunger throughout the contest, the Army outfit controlled the momentum when it mattered most. Police fought hard and showed patches of brilliance, but they simply couldn’t match the physicality, structure and finishing power that Army brought to the court. Article continues after advertisement Army took the opening set 25–18 before Police responded with a strong 25–20 win in the second to level the match. With the pressure rising and the gym buzzing, Army steadied and executed in the key moments edging the third and fourth sets 25–23, 25–23 to seal the victory. The 3–1 win not only hands Army crucial points in the competition but also marks a statement performance, dethroning Police after years of dominance and setting the tone for the battles ahead. Meanwhile, the Sukuna Bowl goes into the fourth day tomorrow with Soccer starting at 3pm at Subrail Park in Labasa. You can watch the LIVE action on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Police Service 2 clinch 7th straight volleyball title – FBC News
[Source: Republic of Fiji Military Forces/ Facebook] The Police Service 2 volleyball team extended their dominance this afternoon, securing their seventh consecutive title with a hard-fought 2–1 win over Army Service 2 in front of a packed crowd at the Suva gymnasium. Police manager Jale Rarugu says the side had expected a less intense battle, but he’s proud of the grit and composure his players showed under pressure. Rarugu says today’s victory is a reflection of the squad’s hard work and commitment throughout their preparations. Article continues after advertisement “Today’s win is possible only through God. I just want to credit the boys especially all the hard work they put in during preparations – and today’s game was a reflection of that. I’m really grateful we got the win today and I thank the boys for their efforts.” He adds that the players will now return to their regular duties, acknowledging the strong sportsmanship shown by their Army counterparts and the importance of unity as both forces work together, especially with the festive season approaching. “Sukuna Bowl is not just about this week’s games that we always look forward to, but it’s about more than that. These games have been on for quite a while. But this year our theme is about the fight against Drugs and HIV. After this we all go back to our duties but I’m grateful to be able to have a good game with our Army brothers.” Volleyball competition wraps up today at the Suva gymnasium, while tomorrow fans can catch the men’s soccer match LIVE on FBC Sports from Subrail Park in Labasa. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Kennedy to make Fiji debut 2026 Coral Coast 7s – FBC News
[Source: Coral Coast Fiji 7s/Facebook] Ireland’s Terry Kennedy the 2022 World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year, will join the McDonald’s Mike Friday Select for the 2026 edition of the competition. Kennedy is set to make his first-ever playing appearance in Fiji when he runs out at Lawaqa Park next January. The Irish speedster, celebrated worldwide for his blistering acceleration and sharp attacking instincts, joins what is shaping up to be the strongest Mike Friday Select side ever assembled. Article continues after advertisement His inclusion also reunites him with fellow Ireland 7s stars Jordan Conroy and Harry McNulty, reigniting the core combination that helped elevate Ireland to the top tier of the global sevens stage. Kennedy will line up alongside Fijian greats Jerry Tuwai and Semi Kunatani, as well as New Zealand’s Gillies Kaka, creating a rare blend of Irish creativity, Fijian brilliance and Kiwi sevens pedigree. The return of Kennedy and Conroy, one of the sport’s most lethal try-scoring duos, is expected to be a major drawcard for fans. Legendary coach Mike Friday said securing Kennedy was a massive boost to the quality of the side. “Terry Kennedy is a game-breaker, one of the most instinctive sevens players in world rugby. To have him link up again with Jordan and Harry brings an incredible chemistry to this group, and adding Jerry, Semi and Gillies to that mix… well, that’s a dream team for any coach.” Tournament founding chairman Jay Whyte said Kennedy’s arrival reinforces the Coral Coast 7s’ global reputation. “Terry’s participation reinforces why the McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s is the world’s best invitational 7s event. Fans are going to witness something truly special this January.” The 2026 Coral Coast 7s will feature international superstars, national development squads and elite clubs competing for the prestigious i-Wau Trophy and a record prize purse of $50,000. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Jackson expects top-level provincial challenge – FBC News
[Photo Credit: Fijian Drua] The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua are expecting a fiercely competitive hit-out when they face the Fiji Provincial Select side just a week before the opening round of the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season. Head Coach Glen Jackson says the match is hugely important for both sides and will be treated as a full-intensity test by the Drua.He also praised Fiji Rugby’s commitment to assembling a strong provincial squad for the fixture. “I expect a very good team that they will select. I know Fiji Rugby are right behind it. Master Naca, I think Senirusi, they’re very dedicated and keen to get the best that they can get.” He added that the timing of the match means the Drua will treat it as a serious dress rehearsal for Round One. Article continues after advertisement “In terms of our preparation, it’s eight days prior to our first game, so we’ll be taking it unbelievably seriously. I think, like I said, it’s a very important game for Fiji. Hopefully it can continue, and it’s a game that we play every single year.” Jackson says the fixture is not only crucial for the Drua’s build-up, but also a valuable platform to identify more local talent. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Narogo driven to honor his vanua on debut – FBC News
Fiji 7s debutant Apete Narogo [Source: Fiji Rugby/Facebook] Fiji 7s debutant Apete Narogo will run out in Dubai carrying a sense of duty to his vanua, his family, and the country he says shaped his rise. The 23-year-old from Nakorovou, Serua, has taken a long and determined route to the national squad. He first picked up a rugby ball in year 9 at Lomary Secondary School and admits he spent most of his school years driven by one thing only – to play sevens. Article continues after advertisement “Most times during classes I used to step school just to go and play rugby and even when I was in form 6 I ran away during one of my biggest exams just to go and play rugby at the Wairiki 7s and this was my first tour.” He credits his journey and opportunities to faith and persistence, especially after years of missing out on national selection. That finally changed when he received the call to join the extended squad, a moment he describes as long-awaited and overwhelming. Growing up, Narogo idolized names such as Waisea Nacuqu, Sevuloni Mocenacagi and fellow Serua native Donasio Ratubuli, players he watched closely as they represented their vanua on the world stage. “This has greatly challenged me because the rest of the players are representing their ‘vanua’ and I also have to represent my ‘vanua’ to the best of my ability especially my family and my country.” Narogo was first sighted by the 7s coaching panel earlier this year when he was named best player at the Fiji Bitter Nahehevia 7s, playing for Semi Radradra’s Ubuntu team. Dubai 7s starts next weekend, kicking off a new HSBC SVNS season that fans have been eagerly waiting for. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Fabio Wardley new WBO heavyweight champ as Oleksandr Usyk vacates title – FBC News
[Source: Reuters] Fabio Wardley is the new WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate the belt rather than defend it against the unbeaten Brit. The WBO said Monday that Usyk (24-0) has formally relinquished the title, clearing the path for Wardley’s elevation from interim to full champion. Usyk unified the heavyweight titles in July with a fifth-round knockout of Daniel Dubois and still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF belts. Article continues after advertisement “The World Boxing Organization (WBO) announced today that it has received formal communication from Team Oleksandr Usyk regarding the future of the WBO heavyweight championship,” the WBO said in a statement. “After thoughtful consideration, Usyk has elected to relinquish the title.” Wardley (20-0-1) earned his interim strap last month with a dramatic 11th-round stoppage of Joseph Parker, a win that triggered a mandatory shot at Usyk by the end of September. With the champion stepping aside, the sanctioning body confirmed to ESPN that the title now belongs to Wardley. He becomes the sixth British holder of the WBO heavyweight title, joining Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Henry Akinwande, Herbie Hide and Michael Bentt. The dominoes may keep falling. Highly touted Moses Itauma is the WBO’s No. 1 heavyweight contender and could be installed as Wardley’s mandatory challenger, though both men are trained by Ben Davison, a wrinkle that could delay or complicate that matchup. Usyk’s move ends one chapter and opens another. The Ukrainian, already an undisputed champion at cruiserweight before conquering heavyweight, has indicated he’ll fight in 2026, but his next steps at the top of the division are uncertain. For Wardley, the road is suddenly wide open with a cluster of major fights waiting on the other side. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Musa withdraws CAS appeal, eligibility dispute closed – FBC News
Aiyaz Mohammed Musa Umarji Aiyaz Mohammed Musa Umarji has withdrawn his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), officially ending the dispute over his eligibility to hold office within the Fiji Football Association. Musa had challenged an earlier FFA ruling that disqualified him from contesting elections due to a serious criminal conviction for importing pseudoephedrine. The FFA has consistently maintained that such an offence breaches the integrity standards expected of football officials. Article continues after advertisement With the appeal now withdrawn, CAS will only issue an award on costs, and the provisional order that once allowed Musa to contest the May elections has expired.The FFA confirmed he was never declared elected. The Association says the decision reinforces the importance of Article 46(6) of its Statutes, which is designed to protect credibility and trust in football governance. Fiji Football will now review statements and conduct linked to the case, with any potential breaches to be referred to the FFA Ethics Committee. Despite the disruption caused, the FFA says it remains committed to upholding transparency, ethical leadership, and the integrity of its administration. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.