Army volleyball eyes redemption in Sukuna Bowl – FBC News
Army Volleyball rep Fereti Bolavucu says his team is determined to rewrite their story in this year’s Sukuna Bowl. Bolavucu says the buildup has been intense as they push to end the Police team’s dominance on the court. The officer, who has been part of the Army Volleyball’s side since it started in the Sukuna Bowl 15 years ago says they are hungry for the win this year but understand that Police will not give it to them easily. Article continues after advertisement “The support has been great especially as we prepare for the weeklong event. Especially as we do the extra work to ensure we represent our team well, especially to our colleagues — majority of them are keen followers of volleyball. They have also shared their opinions and they have told us to change things around this year as we try to bring home the Sukuna Bowl.” The Army side has been putting in extra hours in training, focusing on discipline and teamwork which are qualities they believe will be key to turning the tide. The Sukuna Bowl week begins on November 17th and runs until the 21st, featuring competitions across multiple sports. Meanwhile, the men’s soccer match on Thursday, and the men’s and women’s rugby clashes on Friday, will be broadcast LIVE on FBC Sports. Overseas fans can stream the matches on www.viti.plus for $99. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Ageless Djokovic wins 101st title after marathon final – FBC News
[Source: Reuters] Novak Djokovic became the oldest champion on the ATP Tour when the 38-year-old fought back to beat Lorenzo Musetti 4-6 6-3 7-5 to win the Hellenic Championship, lifting his 101st title on the ATP Tour. In a marathon encounter that lasted one minute shy of three hours between the top seeds, Djokovic dropped a set against Musetti on a hardcourt for the first time as the Italian battled to win the match and seal his place at the ATP Finals in Turin. However, Djokovic recovered to win the second set, showing no signs of his advancing years when he stretched at the net to play a cross-court drop shot doing the splits at full stretch that got the crowd roaring its approval. Article continues after advertisement The drama reached fever pitch in the decider when an exhausted Djokovic was broken serving for the title at 5-4. However, he rallied once again to break Musetti before finding his last reserves of energy to serve out the contest and eclipse Roger Federer by claiming a record 72nd hardcourt title. Djokovic was initially too exhausted to celebrate but, after embracing the 23-year-old Musetti, the Serbian ripped his own t-shirt as he roared in delight. ‘A GRUELLING MATCH’ “Incredible battle. It’s just, I don’t know, three hours … a gruelling match physically, super demanding. Lorenzo played really well,” Djokovic said while catching his breath. “It could have been anybody’s game, anybody’s match. So congrats to him for an amazing performance and I’m just very proud of myself to get through this one.” Djokovic is now two titles behind Federer in the ATP Tour’s all-time list while Jimmy Connors leads the way with 109. The result saw Musetti lose out on the last ATP Finals spot, allowing Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime to qualify for the tournament in Turin. “Novak, every time I share the court with you, I take it as a lesson,” said the humbled Italian. Djokovic now turns his attention to the ATP Finals where he is set to play his first match on Monday. The Serbian is in the same group as Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Inter-Hotel tournament unites Tourism workers for a cause – FBC News
This year’s Inter-Hotel Tournament brought together tourism workers from across the industry not only for two days of friendly competition but also to give back to the community. Tournament events director Percy Bechu says they had set three key objectives for this year’s event, supporting the Loloma Home, the Christian Leukemia Foundation and the Narewa Methodist Church. “To be able to put this event together and see everything come to life means a great deal.” Article continues after advertisement He adds that the tournament continues to strengthen the bond and trust between hotels and tourism workers, creating a spirit of unity both on and off the field. Pesamino Foundation representative Anne Pesamino says they were blessed to be among the beneficiaries this year. The tournament concluded yesterday and featured three sports — rugby 7s, netball and volleybal with an impressive 86 teams competing for top honors. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Malolo’s rising stars earn Fiji 7s call-up – FBC News
Five Malolo Rugby players have been rewarded for their outstanding performances with a call-up to the Fiji Airways Men’s 7s extended squad. The group includes loose forward Aminiasi Natuiyaga Junior, locks Isaia Rugu, fullback Douglas Daveta, centre Esala Nalobo and winger Tomasi Tawake. They all played crucial roles in Malolo’s historic debut Skipper Cup season and were outstanding in their 41-26 win over Naitasiri last week in Suva. Article continues after advertisement Their performances caught the attention of selectors, with Rugu and Daveta also bringing valuable experience from the Fiji Rugby High Performance Unit from 2018. The Malolo Rugby Union confirmed their inclusion in a Facebook post this afternoon, describing it as a proud moment for the team and a reflection of the hard work put in by the players throughout the season. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Ikanivere, Sowakula and Rayasi shine despite loss – FBC News
[Source: Fiji Rugby/ Facebook] Despite the Fiji Water Flying Fijians’ 38-18 loss to England this morning, they produced some moments of brilliance led by captain and hooker Tevita Ikanivere, Pita Gus-Sowakula and winger Salesi Rayasi, who all delivered standout performances and all scored 8 out of 10 in ratings. Ikanivere scored two tries, the first from a rolling maul and another after the break, while Sowakula’s offload set up Fiji’s second try through Caleb Muntz, who chipped and regathered to score. Rayasi was electric on the counter, beating a match-high six defenders and keeping England’s backline under constant pressure. Article continues after advertisement Despite Fiji’s strong attacking phases, discipline again proved costly, with yellow cards to Josua Tuisova and Selestino Ravutaumada giving England the edge late in the match. The Flying Fijians will take heart from their fight, with players like Elia Canakaivata, Vilame Mata, and replacement Sireli Maqala also impressing in defence and ball handling. The Flying Fijians will regroup ahead of their next Autumn Nations fixtures, with coach Mick Byrne expected to build on the team’s promising attacking shape and improved set-piece work. They will take on France at 8.10am next Sunday at the Stade Matmut-Atlantique stadium. Meanwhile, you can watch the delayed coverage of today’s match against England at 8pm tomorrow on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
The hardest game says England flanker – FBC News
[Source: Fiji Rugby/ Facebook] England flanker Ben Earl was once again at the heart of his team’s victory, earning back-to-back man-of-the-match honours following their 38-18 win over the FIJI Water Flying Fijians at Twickenham this morning. Earl’s relentless work rate and physical presence proved vital as England absorbed Fiji’s early pressure before pulling away in the second half. Earl says the visitors showed flair and intent, but England’s depth and discipline made the difference. Article continues after advertisement “It was one of the hardest games of rugby I have had to play. They have world-class players across the pitch.” Head coach Steve Borthwick praised his players for adapting to Fiji’s unpredictable style of play. He said England’s composure and fitness were key to finishing strong in the final quarter. Borthwick adds that managing Fiji’s attacking threats and maintaining control under pressure were decisive factors in their win. You can watch the delayed coverage of this match at 8pm tomorrow on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Flying Fijians fall short against ruthless England at Twickenham – FBC News
[Source: Fijian Flair/ Facebook] The FIJI Water Flying Fijians fought with heart and courage but England’s power and precision proved too much as the hosts ran out 38–18 winners in an intense match at Twickenham this morning. Fiji were made to chase the game early after England hooker Luke Cowan Dickie crashed over for the opening try, converted by Fin Smith for a 7–0 lead. But the Flying Fijians, never ones to back down from a challenge, hit back in style. Article continues after advertisement Captain Tevita Ikanivere led by example, peeling off a dominant scrum to score down the right flank and bring the visitors to life. Moments later, halfback Simi Kuruvoli launched a pinpoint box kick that was perfectly chased by fly half Caleb Muntz, who gathered and dived over for Fiji’s second try. A penalty soon after following an England offside saw Fiji edge ahead 13–7. However, England wrestled back momentum when winger Selestino Ravutaumada was yellow carded for a dangerous aerial challenge. Immanuel Feyi Waboso, who was upended in the incident, recovered to score just before halftime, and with Smith’s conversion, England took a narrow 14–13 lead into the break. The hosts came out firing in the second half, with Ellis Genge bulldozing over and Smith converting to stretch their advantage. Fiji responded through their captain again, as Ikanivere found space from a perfectly executed lineout move involving Viliame Mata before diving in at the corner untouched. But discipline began to cost the Flying Fijians. Josua Tuisova was sent to the sin bin for repeated team infringements and England capitalised through Jamie George’s close range try. Fiji continued to fight, but luck deserted them when Kuruvoli lost control of the ball while attempting to ground it for a potential try. From there, England’s class took over with Henry Arundell and Maro Itoje both crossing late to seal the win for the home side. You can watch the delayed coverage of this match at 8pm tomorrow on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Irish governing body to vote on call for UEFA to ban Israel – FBC News
[Source: Reuters] Irish soccer’s governing body will vote on whether to submit a formal motion to UEFA requesting the immediate suspension of Israel from European competitions, according to an agenda of the meeting seen by Reuters. The resolution, proposed and supported by some member clubs, cites the Israel Football Association’s (IFA) alleged violation of two independent provisions of the UEFA statutes, including organising clubs in occupied Palestinian territories without the consent of the Palestinian Football Association. The second violation regards the alleged failure of the IFA to implement and enforce an effective anti-racism policy. Article continues after advertisement The motion would also call on UEFA to publish transparent criteria for the suspension or exclusion of member associations. “HOPEFUL RESOLUTION WILL BE PASSED” A spokesperson for the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirmed the vote will take place. A spokesperson for UEFA said it had no comment on the matter. The IFA was unavailable for comment. The resolution was proposed by one of the country’s leading clubs, Bohemian FC. “These are very serious breaches, important rules that are being ignored,” Daniel Lambert, Bohemians chief operating officer, told Reuters. He said he was hopeful the resolution would be successful following lobbying of other clubs. UEFA considered holding a vote early last month on whether to suspend Israel from European competitions over the war in Gaza, a source told Reuters at the time. That did not happen after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect on October 10. United Nations experts called for Israel’s suspension from international football in September after a U.N. Commission of Inquiry report concluded that Israel had committed genocide during the war in Gaza. The heads of the Turkish and Norwegian soccer governing bodies called for Israel to be suspended from international competition shortly after. Israel has denied committing genocide and described the report as scandalous. Ireland’s government has been one of the European Union’s most outspoken critics of Israel’s assault in Gaza. It officially recognised a Palestinian state last year and is seeking to restrict trade with Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories. The military assault on Gaza has killed more than 65,000 people, according to local health authorities, and caused widespread devastation and hunger. The conflict began after the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas militants that killed 1,200 people and resulted in the capture of 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Sowakula set to make Flying Fijians debut tomorrow – FBC News
Source: Photosports Former All Blacks and current Clermont backrower Pita Gus Sowakula is set to make his debut for the Fiji Water Flying Fijians against England tomorrow morning. This was confirmed to FBC Sports by a member of the Flying Fijians’ tour party. Sowakula was excluded from the final matchday 23 squad when the team was named this week, but has been called in as a late injury replacement. Article continues after advertisement The 31-year-old is set to be the second Fiji-born former All Black to switch allegiance to Fiji following former All Blacks outside back Seta Tamanivalu’s switch in 2022. The Flying Fijians will take on England at 5.40am tomorrow at Twickenham Stadium. You can catch the delayed coverage of this match on FBC Sports at 8pm on Monday. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Nasinu extends Beach Soccer dominance – FBC News
[Source: Fiji Football Association/ Facebook] The Nasinu Beach Soccer Club has once again proven its supremacy, retaining the Extra Beach Soccer League title for 2025 and remaining unbeaten for two consecutive years. The competition, held in the southern zone at the Fiji Sports Council Beach Soccer pitch in Laucala, saw Nasinu overcome strong challenges from teams including Rewa, Suva, Tailevu Naitasiri, Navua, Lami and Northland Tailevu. Navua finished second, with Lami claiming third place. Article continues after advertisement Nasinu President Jagindar Singh says he is proud of the outcome especially knowing the sacrfices of the team. “Winning back-to-back titles is a huge achievement for Nasinu. It shows the strength, unity, and determination within the team. They have remained focused and consistent, proving that hard work truly pays off.” Singh highlights the club’s success reflects the combined efforts of players, coaching staff, management and supporters. He adds that the team aims to continue building its culture of unity and inspire more youth to take up beach soccer. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.