Fiji Bitter 7s Series launched – FBC News
The 2025–2026 Fiji Bitter 7s Series was officially launched this afternoon at Paradise Beverages headquarters in Suva. Head of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Dwain Qalovaki, officiated the launch. He said the company is proud to continue supporting a competition that has contributed significantly to the growth and exposure of numerous rugby clubs and players across the country in recent years. Article continues after advertisement Qalovaki confirmed that the series will kick off at the end of this month, with the Yalovata 7s set to be the opening tournament. This year’s series will feature six major 7s tournaments. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Army men’s volleyball look to end losing streak – FBC News
The Army men’s volleyball team is gearing up for a fierce battle as they look to reclaim the Sukuna Bowl Volleyball trophy and end their seven-year losing streak. Army volleyball rep Fereti Bolavucu says they know the Police side won’t back down easily, but the soldiers are ready for the challenge ahead. Bolavucu says they are doing their due diligence and have not been fazed by the rainy weather in the past few days. “Our preparations have been great. The past few days have been rainy but that did not dampen our spirits to meet, train and give our best for this once-in-a-while competition.” The Army side enters this year’s contest with renewed determination, confident that experience and teamwork will guide them through the challenge. The Sukuna Bowl competition begins on the 17th of this month in Suva and will wrap up in Labasa on the 21st. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
PNG first up for Kulas in MSG Cup – FBC News
Source: FFA/Facebook Fiji Kulas coach Angeline Chua is happy with the progress made in the past few weeks ahead of next week’s Melanesian Spearhead Group Prime Ministers Cup opener against hosts Papua New Guinea. Chua knows PNG will be tough at home but the Kulas focus is on their game plan and staying disciplined for the full 90 minutes. She says the team spirit is high, and everyone is eager to give their best for Fiji. The national women’s football team has been training intensively at the Fiji FA Academy Ground in Vatuwaqa, focusing on fitness, team structure, and tactical discipline. Fiji open their campaign against hosts Papua New Guinea Reds next Monday at 3 pm at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby. Coach Chua adds the team has shown strong commitment and belief during their build-up phase. The Kulas are in group B, alongside Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea Reds. The top teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals scheduled for November 20, with the grand finale to be played on November 22. The second pool game against Solomon Islands will be on November 17. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Kunawave makes Crusaders Super Rugby squad – FBC News
Maloni Kunawave (left) [file photo] One exciting player that many Crusaders fans will be keeping an eye out for is new signing, Maloni Kunawave. The 20 year old is one of the six exciting young prospects who have earned their first full Super Rugby contracts. The others are Toby Bell, Louie Chapman, Liam Jack, Manumaua Letiu and James White. Kunawave was in Fiji earlier this year with the New Zealand Development side at the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s where he reunited with his grandmother after seven years. He left for NZ on a scholarship seven years ago after completing his primary school education in Fiji. According to the Crusaders, the youngster is one to look out for next season as he is a dynamic outside back with Fijian flair. The 20-year-old represented New Zealand at the World Rugby Under 20 Championship earlier this year, then finished his season with the Tasman Mako. His inclusion in the 2026 squad adds another layer of power and unpredictability to the Crusaders backline stocks. Veteran winger, Sevu Reece and George Bower are also in the squad. The will be led again by captain David Havili and the 38-man squad is eyeing up a huge year with the aim of defending their title. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Flying Fijians embrace Twickenham challenge – FBC News
[Source: Fiji Rugby/Facebook] The FIJI Water Flying Fijians are settling in well ahead of their highly anticipated clash at Twickenham, with coach Mick Byrne saying the team has channelled nerves into positive energy. The squad, which includes several new faces, has been fine-tuning combinations and intensity during a solid week of preparation in camp. Byrne says the key focus has been turning the pressure of playing on one of rugby’s biggest stages into excitement. Article continues after advertisement “We know there’s pressure, but we talk about embracing that energy as excitement and the boys have done that really well.” After overcoming jet lag and completing a strong physical session on Saturday, the team looks primed for the weekend’s test. Byrne says the newer players, in particular, have adapted quickly to the high standards expected in camp. Byrne believes the group’s enthusiasm and composure reflect a squad ready to rise to the Twickenham occasion. The Flying Fijians and England will meet at 5.40am on Sunday. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Professional league to offer salary base for players – FBC News
Anushil Kumar Bula FC Interim CEO Players joining the upcoming OFC Professional League will now receive proper salaries under formal employment contracts. For years, football in Fiji has operated under an amateur status, with the Fiji Football Association setting a $200 weekly allowance cap for district-level players. The limited compensation meant many footballers had to balance their passion for the sport with a day job, and they were vulnerable to financial struggles if pay was delayed or cut. Article continues after advertisement Bula FC chief executive officer Anushil Kumar said the new league will bring long-awaited change to the sport, offering players a chance to treat football as a full-time career. “They will be reporting to work and they will be on salary with their FNPF contribution and those mandatory taxes will be deducted as well. So yes, it’s time for the players to now choose this professional offer, should they be given one and then it will definitely bring about changes which they will experience as they go along in this OFC Pro League.” Kumar said players will be offered either a six-month contract or a full-year contract with Bula FC. The new league structure creates a formal employment pathway for players, allowing them to focus on football as a full-time profession and potentially raising the overall standard of the game in Fiji and the wider Oceania region. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Djokovic in tears after tribute to late coach Pilic in Athens – FBC News
Source: Reuters Novak Djokovic fought back tears after his second-round win at the Hellenic Championship in Athens on Tuesday after tournament organisers played a tribute video to his former coach Nikola Pilic, who died in September aged 86. In his playing days, Croatian Pilic was runner-up at the French Open in 1973 and after turning to coaching captained Germany to three Davis Cup titles between 1988 and 1993. Djokovic, who joined Pilic’s academy in Germany when he was 12, was visibly moved during the video, which played after the 24-times Grand Slam champion defeated Alejandro Tabilo 7-6(3) 6-1. “It was an emotional moment,” the 38-year-old told the ATP website. “Considering what he meant to me and my family – privately, also professionally – he was my tennis father as I like to call him, someone who has played a fundamental, integral role in my development as a tennis player and as a human being. “It was really sad news when I heard that he passed away.” Djokovic, who has won 100 ATP titles, said he would keep Pilic’s legacy alive. “As long as I play tennis and as long as I live, I’ll celebrate his name,” he added. “This was one of the moments of how to pay tribute and I’m sure in future people will learn about how Niki has impacted the world of tennis and the world of sport. “He deserves it. He was a special man.” Article continues after advertisement Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Army netball confident despite short preparation – FBC News
[file photo] With just two weeks to go until the 2025 Vodafone Sukuna Bowl, the Army netball team says limited preparation time has not shaken their confidence. Army rep Esita Batiniqila says this year’s buildup has been shorter than usual, but the team remains optimistic and focused on defending their title. “Preparations this year are a bit different compared to the past few years due to the lack of time given to us to prepare, and as we know, the competition is two weeks away.” Article continues after advertisement Despite the time constraints, she says the players have faith in their coaches and the work that has gone into training. “However, we are confident in ourselves and what the coaches have equipped us with.” Batiniqila also called on fans and families to show their support when the competition kicks off. The 2025 Sukuna Bowl will kick off on the 17th of this month in Suva, with the rugby and soccer games to be held in Vanua Levu on the 20th and 21st. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Chua focuses on MSG Cup – FBC News
[file photo] Fiji Kulas head coach Angeline Chua says that while she will be stepping down from her role after the MSG Cup next week, her focus remains solely on leading the team to success and getting the job done before her departure. Chua’s contract will end following the MSG Cup in Papua New Guinea. She emphasizes that, for now, her only priority is helping the Kulas achieve their goals and make the nation proud. Article continues after advertisement “I have no plans at the moment but I have a project ahead of me, and I always make sure that everything is done at my best.” The Singaporean coach has been with Fiji Football for the past three years, dedicating much of her time to developing youth players and guiding their transition into the senior national setup. The MSG Cup will be held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, from November 10th to 22nd. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Flying Fijians confidence born from pressure sessions – FBC News
Source: Fiji Rugby / Facebook FIJI Water Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne says confidence is not something his players simply talk about, it is something they earn through intense, pressure-filled training. Byrne has made it clear that for Fiji to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best, they must be comfortable operating at full speed under constant stress. Every session, he says, is built to mirror the chaos and demands of Test rugby. Article continues after advertisement “We put them under match pressure, under game speed pressure, and we practice a lot of things. From tactical meetings to full contact drills, nothing is left to chance.” Byrne and his coaching team deliberately design sessions that push the players to make quick decisions, recover from mistakes and maintain control when fatigue sets in. He believes this approach not only sharpens skills but also builds the inner belief needed to face Tier 1 opponents without fear or hesitation. The goal, Byrne says, is for Fiji to walk onto the field knowing they have already endured the toughest test, the one that happens behind closed doors at training. The side are currently gearing up to meet England at Twickenham Stadium in the UK this Suynday at 5.40am. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.