Sukuna Bowl holds emotional weight for officers – FBC News
The Sukuna Bowl remains a defining event for both the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, a tradition that Fiji Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu believes has become part of the identity of every officer. The event brings together months of preparation across sports and operations, and serves as a moment for officers to reconnect, refresh relationships and strengthen the long-standing ties between the two forces. Despite the fierce rivalry on the field, the event is known for its mix of humour, friendly teasing and the kind of light-hearted moments that remind officers of their shared responsibilities. Article continues after advertisement Fiji Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu. Yet beneath the banter lies an intensity that only the Sukuna Bowl can produce. Tudravu says while wins are celebrated proudly, losses can be difficult to accept, even when the smiles remain outwardly composed. “We normally congratulate each other for the win, but inside you know that there’s hurt when you lose. So this is some of the memorable things that we normally do, you cannot swallow if you lose the game in that year, inside it’s very hurtful and these are some of the things that we normally feel when we are in the aftermath of the Sukuna.” The Police captain adds that the leadership role entrusted to him brings its own pressure, but he remains determined to deliver another victory for his team. Boxing will begin on Monday, with all fighters assembling at the Nakasi Police Station at 6am for weigh-ins before the event starts at 4pm. Meanwhile, the men’s soccer match next Thursday, as well as the men’s and women’s rugby clashes on Friday, will be broadcast LIVE on FBC Sports. Overseas fans can also stream the matches on viti.plus for $99. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Sokobale set for possible debut – FBC News
Atunaisa Sokobale. (left) [Photo Credit: Fiji Rugby] The Fiji Water Flying Fijians have been forced into a late reshuffle ahead of tomorrow morning’s Test against France, opening the door for 20-year-old Atunaisa Sokobale to possibly make his international debut. Sokobale has been promoted to the bench after loosehead prop Eroni Mawi was ruled out of the matchday 23, prompting Haereti Hetet, originally named among the reserves, to shift into the starting side. The young front-rower currently plies his trade in France with Castres, where he features alongside fellow Fijians Filimoni Botitu and Vuate Karawalevu. Article continues after advertisement He is also the younger brother of former Fiji 7s Olympian Savenaca Rawaca. The Flying Fijians face France at 8.10am tomorrow. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Byrne confident in Hoyt’s scrummaging steel for France clash – FBC News
FIJI Water Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne. [File Photo] FIJI Water Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne says the decision to hand young prop Tim Hoyt a potential debut against France is part of a deliberate long-term plan to strengthen Fiji’s front-row depth. Hoyt has been tracked closely by the national coaching group for the past two years, with Byrne confirming the England-based prop has shown significant growth throughout 2024. His elevation into the matchday 23 for Sunday’s Autumn Nations Series clash marks a key moment in Fiji’s push to build a more competitive scrum for future Test campaigns. Article continues after advertisement Byrne says Hoyt impressed during the Red Dine camp earlier this year and has continued to show consistency and strength in live scrum sessions during the current tour. Importantly, senior forwards and the coaching staff have endorsed the 22-year-old’s readiness for Test rugby, giving Byrne confidence to inject fresh talent into a critical position. “We need to start playing some of these players that we have an eye on for the future, and Tim has shown he can hold his own and bring real physicality to our scrum.” Fiji enter the France Test off a disappointing result last weekend, and Byrne admits the challenge this week was more mental than physical. After a demanding travel schedule and a bruising encounter, the team needed to reset quickly. What impressed Byrne most was the response. The squad returned to training on Monday with renewed energy despite limited recovery time and the head coach believes that attitude will be central to their performance in Bordeaux. With two strong training runs on Tuesday and Thursday, the Flying Fijians are confident they have put the frustration of last week behind them. Hoyt’s inclusion adds another layer of intrigue to Sunday’s clash, as Fiji look to combine immediate improvement with long-term development. They meet France at 8:10am this Sunday in Bordeaux, with delayed coverage on FBC Sports at 8pm on Monday. Fiji will then meet Spain on the 23rd of this month and this match will air LIVE on FBCSports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Drua confirm Ba and Lautoka as final venues – FBC News
Ba’s Four R Stadium. The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua have finalised the remaining home venues for their 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season, confirming that Ba’s Four R Stadium will host two historic fixtures while Lautoka’s Churchill Park retains its status as the team’s main fortress. In a major boost for fans in the western division, Ba will host its first-ever Super Rugby Pacific match on 14 March, when the Drua take on competition giants the ACT Brumbies. Four R Stadium will then welcome the Highlanders on 2 May, offering Ba fans two blockbuster clashes featuring top-class international talent. Article continues after advertisement Meanwhile, the final pending home match, the 11 April showdown with the Western Force, has been locked in for Churchill Park, which will host four Drua encounters in 2026. Suva will get one match during the season, the 16 May clash against the Waratahs. Drua CEO Mark Evans says the confirmation comes after extensive negotiations. “We’re glad to finally be able to confirm our 2026 season home fixtures after extensive negotiations with available venues around the country. As a result, Lautoka are the big winners in the new season, getting four Drua matches while Ba will get two in the first year that they’ll host international rugby.” Evans added that Ba’s inclusion marks a milestone for the town and its surrounding communities. He also reaffirmed Churchill Park’s importance to the franchise. Evans reserved a special message for fans in the Central Division. “We really feel for our fans in the Capital and surrounding regions like Tailevu, Naitasiri and Rewa. Despite our best efforts, we couldn’t secure more than one match in Suva because of other events scheduled at the Stadium. We hope Suva fans can cheer on their Drua when we play the Waratahs, or they’ll take a trip to the West earlier in the season.” Early bird tickets for the opening match against Moana Pasifika on 14 February in Lautoka are now available on the Fijian Drua website. Fans are encouraged to secure their seats early and be part of another electrifying season of top-tier rugby action. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Fijian Drua to send side to Ovalau as part of pre-season – FBC News
[ Source: Fijian Drua / Facebook ] The Fijian Drua will be sending a small group to Ovalau, forming a key part of the club’s pre-season schedule. While the initial plan was for the full squad to travel, logistical challenges, particularly with Flying Fijians currently away on Test duties, meant only a portion of the wider group could be included. Head coach Glen Jackson says the Ovalau trip mirrors last year’s successful Kadavu pre-season, even if the numbers are smaller this time. Article continues after advertisement “Yeah, it was a shame. We would have liked everyone to go there. It was obviously something similar to what we did with Kadavu, but trying to get there with the Flying Fijians away is obviously a little bit tough.” Jackson added that the Drua still have a strong block of preparation ahead, including key hit-outs before the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season. “So we’re excited for what we’ve got pre-season, coming up with obviously a big game against the provincial team. Which will be sort of more of our movement this year around that.” More players will join the squad as they return from national team duties and off-season programmes. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
BLK expands support for Police at Sukuna Bowl – FBC News
BLK has confirmed a wider uniform sponsorship for the Police contingent at this year’s Sukuna Bowl, extending support beyond rugby to cover multiple sporting codes. Sales and Marketing Manager Donasiano Kalou says the partnership is significant, especially with Police hosting the event. He explained that BLK is supplying both Police and Army with on-field kits for rugby, while Police alone will receive the full off-field apparel package. Article continues after advertisement “This year, since the police team is hosting the event, we will be giving them the on-field for the rugby team and also for the army. They are also getting their training done by BLK. Off-field is only for the police.” He added that BLK’s support covers a much wider scope than previous years. “For the rugby team, we are providing them with one set, but then we have the other sports. We also have the other sports that we are also doing their uniforms, boxing, cricket, touch rugby, women’s rugby, soccer, the oldies, the development team, and of course, Tug of War.” Kalou said all uniforms for these sports will be produced by BLK, but the rugby team remains the primary focus. “All those uniforms are also done by BLK. But the main team is the rugby team.” This year’s Sukuna Bowl will kick off next Monday with boxing and cricket being the opening games. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Narogo to make Fiji 7s debut in HSBC Dubai 7s – FBC News
Apete Narogo. [Photo Credit: Fiji Rugby] Fiji Airways men’s 7s coach Osea Kolinisau has named Apete Narogo in his 13-man squad for the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series opener in Dubai and Cape Town. Narogo, who comes from Semi Radradra’s Ubuntu team, has been vying for a spot since earlier this year alongside Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s Isikeli Basiyalo and fly-half Aisea Nawai. The squad also features Jeremaia Matana, Joseva Talacolo, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Ilikimi Torosi, Alusio Vakadranu, Terio Tamani, Pilipo Bukayaro, Sakiusa Siqila, Waisea Nacuqu, George Bose, Vuiviwa Naduvalo and Manueli Maisamoa. Article continues after advertisement The team will present their i-Tatau tomorrow before departing the country on Sunday. The Dubai 7s will be held from the 29th to the 30th of this month. The Cape Town 7s will take place from the 6th to the 7th of next month. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Police boxers eye back-to-back Sukuna Bowl victories – FBC News
[File Photo] The Police Boxing team is leaving no stone unturned in their bid to defend the title at this year’s Ratu Sukuna Bowl competition. With intense training sessions underway, the team says confidence is high as they prepare to face their long-time rivals, the Army. Team Manager Saimoni Bebenisala says the squad is in strong form and ready for the challenge. Article continues after advertisement “At this point, our boys have prepared well for this year’s competition. It will be a good competition as we can see our brothers in the Army camp are also preparing well to try and take the title from us this year.” He added that the Police side remains driven by the same spirit that saw them lift the title last year, during the Force’s 150th anniversary celebrations. “We are the current holders and we have been training hard to ensure we get to keep it again this year. Last year we had our 150th anniversary and we went with the motive to win the title just because of that and also for our colleagues that are working during the week-long Sukuna Bowl competition.” Bebenisala said that sense of duty and unity continues to motivate the team, with every punch thrown in the ring representing the pride and commitment of the Fiji Police Force. The 2025 Sukuna Bowl boxing and cricket starts on Monday. 15 sports will be part of this year’s event. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Sinner defeats Zverev to secure ATP Finals semi-final place – FBC News
Jannik Sinner. [Photo Credit: Reuters] Defending champion Jannik Sinner reached the semi-finals of the ATP Finals with a 6-4 6-3 win over two-times winner Alexander Zverev on Wednesday, with Ben Shelton eliminated after losing earlier to Felix Auger-Aliassime in the same group. Italy’s Sinner extended his indoor hardcourt winning streak to 28 matches, but victory over his German rival was not as comfortable as the scoreline suggests, with the world No 2 under pressure early in both sets. The pair, the only two previous ATP Finals champions in this year’s competition in Italy, had both won their opening Bjorn Borg Group matches. Article continues after advertisement On Wednesday, Sinner faced seven break points compared to Zverev’s four but pulled out aces and delightful drop shots when it counted. Sinner made a slow start facing two break points in the opening game but found four aces at vital points to hold after nine minutes. He let slip two break points at 5-4 up before racing to the net to outwit Zverev and take the first set. Sinner came back from 0-40 to hold his first service game of the second set and Zverev forced another break point when the Italian next served, but the champion’s composure never wavered and he broke to lead 4-2, a sliced drop shot the winning point. Zverev responded by taking a 30-40 lead the following game but Sinner held firm. At one stage a whipped backhand down the line had the German shaking his head in disbelief, and he fell to his third loss to Sinner in 17 days, while the Turin crowd rose to acclaim the Italian. Sinner must retain his title undefeated to have any chance of ending the year as world number one, while Carlos Alcaraz needs one more match win to stay top of the rankings. Alcaraz, with two wins from two, faces Lorenzo Musetti on Thursday, with Taylor Fritz meeting Alex de Minaur in the other match of the tournament’s second Jimmy Connors Group. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Referees to be honored at inaugural awards night – FBC News
The Fiji Rugby Referees Association will celebrate the unsung heroes of the game with its first-ever Awards Night, marking a new chapter in raising the standards of officiating in Fiji. Chair Patemo Waqa says the event recognises the commitment of referees who play a vital role in ensuring fairness and integrity across all levels of rugby. Waqa says they play a crucial part in the sport, and it’s only right to have a day set aside to celebrate their achievements after a year of local and regional tournaments. Article continues after advertisement “This awards night is special because we are turning a new leaf. We want to uplift our referees to meet international standards and ensure they are recognized as an essential part of Fiji’s rugby success.” He adds that with the support of the Fiji Rugby Union and the Fiji Sports Council, the Association is focused on developing more referees to reach elite competitions such as Super Rugby and international test matches. There are 12 categories that will be awarded. The awards night will be held on the 20th of next month at the Vodafone Arena in Laucala Bay, Suva. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.