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.
Fiji Kulas ready for MSG Cup debut – FBC News
Source: FFA / Facebook The Fiji Kulas are looking to make a strong statement next week as they prepare for their debut at the upcoming MSG Cup in Papua New Guinea. Head coach Angeline Chua says the team has been preparing for the past two weeks, focusing on addressing the weaknesses identified during their last tournament. While Fiji is placed in a tough pool alongside the hosts and OFC Nations Cup winners Solomon Islands, they know they are in for an exciting tournament. Article continues after advertisement “In the Oceania region, all the teams are improving. We have Solomon Islands that had won the Nations Cup with us in our pool and PNG Red. PNG has two teams, probably and senior and youth team. So yes all teams in the tournament is strong.” She says the players have been doing well during their training sessions over the past few days, and she believes they have enough time to fully prepare for the tournament. The MSG Cup will be held at Port Moresby from the 10th to the 22nd of this month. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Namoce embraces nerves and excitement – FBC News
[file photo] New Fijian Drua signing Iosefo Namoce says joining the Super Rugby Pacific franchise is both a dream come true and a challenge he’s ready to face head-on. The Suva centre, who has been one of the standouts in Fiji’s provincial competition, admits that the move comes with pressure, but he’s determined to make the most of the opportunity. “I’m so nervous and excited at the same time. I know the responsibilities that come with it and it won’t be easy. My target is to improve my performance in rugby.” Article continues after advertisement Namoce’s rise has been impressive, showcasing his versatility and power while also earning praise for his composure and game awareness. The Nakama, Macuata lad also turned heads this year in Australia, featuring for the Gungahlin Eagles’ 1st Grade team in the John I Dent Cup in Canberra, where his strong ball carries and defensive work drew the attention of Drua selectors. His signing further highlights the Drua’s commitment to identifying and nurturing homegrown and diaspora Fijian talent as they prepare for the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Kadavu rugby revival leads island’s remarkable transformation – FBC News
[Photo Credit: Fiji Government] The revival of Kadavu Rugby has become the driving force behind a wave of transformation across the island, following the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ Vueti Kadavu Youth Festival. Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru highlighted in Parliament this morning that what began as a small community festival in December 2023 has now sparked a movement of unity, pride, and empowerment, both on and off the field. “I rise with great pride and optimism to share a remarkable story of transformation, a story that began with a spark of hope on the island of Kadavu and has now ignited a spirit of unity, pride and achievement across Fiji.” Article continues after advertisement He said the festival not only revived the long-inactive Kadavu Rugby Union but also brought renewed purpose to the island’s youth, emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Since that revival, Kadavu rugby has achieved historic success, with the women’s team winning the Royal Ranadi Cup in 2024, and the men’s team claiming the 2025 Vodafone Vanua Championship, earning promotion to the Skipper Cup for 2026. Saukuru said these victories represent more than sporting success, they reflect the social and cultural renewal of the province. The festival engaged over 1,000 young people from 52 youth clubs across the island, promoting sports, agribusiness, culture, and leadership development. It also led to the revitalization of the Kadavu Youth Council and encouraged youth to shift from illicit activities toward sustainable farming. Saukuru noted that since the festival, police have recorded a 60 percent decline in marijuana-related cases, a sign that the initiative’s impact extends far beyond sport. He said the Vueti Kadavu Youth Festival has proven that when youth, community, and government work together, true transformation is possible, on the rugby field and across the nation. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Drua rookie back where it all began – FBC News
Angelo Smith. [Photo Credit: Fijian Drua] It was a special first day at the Drua camp for Fijian Drua rookie forward Angelo Smith, who has officially joined the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua on a two-year contract. Training with his new teammates for the first time, Smith admitted the opening session was tough but said the support of the squad made the adjustment easier. The 24-year-old, who hails from Nananu, Tailevu with maternal ties to Lomati, Kabara, said returning home to play rugby after years abroad felt both emotional and rewarding. Article continues after advertisement A former student of Marist Brothers High School and Saint Thomas Secondary, Smith had previously represented the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby Pacific before answering the Drua’s call. Smith began his rugby journey at Marist Brothers High School and represented Fiji U20. He moved to Brisbane to join Wests Rugby in the Hospital Cup, helping them end a 16-year drought to win the trophy in 2022. He joined the Melbourne Rebels in 2023. Having spent most of his playing career overseas, he said the opportunity to play in front of his family and community gives this chapter added meaning. Now set to don the Drua jersey, Smith hopes to make his presence felt in both attack and defense, while also inspiring his young nephews watching from home. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Half Yours wins Melbourne Cup as Melham completes rare double – FBC News
Jockey Jamie Melham rides Half Yours back to the enclosure following victory in the 2025 Melbourne Cup for trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. [Photo Credit: AAP Image/James Ross] Jamie Melham has become the first female jockey to complete the Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double, guiding Half Yours to a stunning victory at Flemington. The five-year-old gelding, trained by Tony and Calvin McEvoy, started at $9 and finished 2.75 lengths ahead of Goodie Two Shoes ($41), with Middle Earth ($26) third. French favourite Presage Nocturne ($5.50) could manage only 19th. Half Yours, the only Australian-bred horse in the 24-runner field, is the 13th horse in history to achieve the Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double. Article continues after advertisement Melham paid tribute to her trainers and late grandfather, while Michelle Payne, who made history in 2015, was moved to tears during the pre-race ceremony. Rain threatened, but the Cup was run on a soft 5 track. Earlier, Mark Zahra continued his Carnival dominance with wins on Party Crasher ($4.80) and Different Gravy ($4.80), bringing his tally to six wins and three places from 10 rides. James McDonald pledged his Cup Day prizemoney to Tom Prebble, now wheelchair-bound after a fall in September. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Flying Fijians build momentum ahead of England clash – FBC News
[file photo] The Fiji Water Flying Fijians are ramping up preparations for their highly anticipated Test match against England this weekend, opening their 2025 November tour with a blockbuster showdown. The team held two intensive training sessions on Monday, a split session in the morning followed by a focused field run in the afternoon, as they continued to sharpen combinations and build rhythm. Now based at the Lensbury Hotel in Teddington, the squad is fully settled and fine-tuning their systems ahead of Saturday’s challenge. The Flying Fijians know they face a tough test against the world number four–ranked England, who come into the match brimming with confidence after their commanding win over the Wallabies last weekend. Article continues after advertisement The clash also carries added emotion and motivation for Fiji, who will be looking to avenge their narrow 30–24 loss to England in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal. The Flying Fijians will take on England at 5.40am this Sunday. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Historic Debut for Fiji at FIFA U-17 World Cup Despite 6-0 Defeat to Tunisia
Young Bula Boys show courage and composure in their first-ever FIFA U-17 World Cup appearance in Qatar Fiji marked a proud milestone in their footballing journey, making their first-ever appearance at the FIFA U-17 World Cup despite falling 6-0 to Tunisia in their campaign opener at the Aspire Zone in Doha. The young Bula Boys started with focus and structure, showing early composure against a confident Tunisian side. Under the guidance of Head Coach Sunil Kumar, Fiji absorbed sustained pressure through the opening stages, with goalkeeper Melvin Prakash producing several key saves and the defensive unit, led by captain Maikah Dau, standing firm. The breakthrough came in the 30th minute when Tunisia capitalised on a swift counterattack down the left, with Wassim Slama finding the opener. The North Africans doubled their lead six minutes later through Fedi Tayechi, taking firm control before halftime. After the break, Fiji regrouped with renewed energy and determination. Midfielder Tukai Ravonakula came closest to scoring Fiji’s first-ever World Cup goal when the Tunisian goalkeeper denied his powerful volley. Despite their efforts, Tunisia maintained attacking momentum, adding four more goals in the second half through Slama (53’), Anisse Saidi (74’), Saifeden Haj Abdallah (80’), and Tayechi (86’) to seal a 6-0 result. Despite the scoreline, Fiji’s young side displayed resilience, teamwork, and moments of promise—earning respect for their spirit on the world stage. Their debut marked a historic and invaluable experience for the next generation of Fijian footballers. Coach Sunil Kumar praised his team’s courage and commitment, highlighting the importance of learning and growth at this level as Fiji now looks ahead to their next challenge against Belgium in their second Group C match on Friday
Xhaka drives Sunderland into Premier League top four – FBC News
Source: Reuters Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka was called the signing of the season – and then came his biggest contribution so far. When the Black Cats signed the now 33-year-old from Bayer Leverkusen for £13m in the summer, they could not have believed how well it would go. The Switzerland midfielder’s effort from outside the box earned Sunderland a 1-1 home draw with Everton that took them back into the top four in the Premier League. Article continues after advertisement That is a Champions League spot, a quarter of the way through the season, for the promoted side. “He must be the signing of the season,” said ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports before the game. “Is there anyone in the Premier League having such an impact anywhere? Arguably not.” After the game, in which Xhaka was named man of the match, Carragher added: “He was excellent again, head and shoulders above almost anyone else on that pitch.” Just how big has Xhaka’s impact been? Xhaka leads his Sunderland team-mates in nearly every metric going. But it is highly impressive how highly he ranks across the whole league in a whole range of statistics. He has made three assists – with only three players having more (all with four). He is joint-11th for chances created, and only two players have set up more opportunities from set-plays than his nine. Among outfield players, only Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi (56) has completed more long passes than Xhaka’s 52. But the Swiss has only attempted 87 long passes to Senesi’s 138. He ranks in the top 20 for passes (552), balls into the box (56) and possesion won (49). And now he has a goal, his first in the Premier League since his final match with Arsenal, when he scored twice against Wolves on the final day in 2022-23. Manager Regis Le Bris, said: “He’s really important because we have many young players and many new players in this league. “They don’t know the condition and one player like Granit, with his previous experiences, is really important for us. He has this quality to score. “I’m happy to have this kind of player. He wants to play football, he wants to be competitive, he’s always connected with the game and he sets the standards.” Former Sunderland defender Jonny Evans, speaking on Sky Sports, added: “He is the only one on the squad with real experience. “They can rely on him for anything. Also his performance level is excellent.” Monday Night Club: O’Neil withdraws from Wolves & disturbance in the goalkeepers’ unionWhat can you read into the Premier League table after 10 games? Better than the ‘Arsenal villain’? This is Xhaka’s second spell in England, having played 297 times for Arsenal from 2016 until 2023. He then joined Bayer Leverkusen where he won the title under Xabi Alonso in their unbeaten domestic season in 2023-24. Erik ten Hag, then the Leverkusen boss, insisted Xhaka would not be sold this summer. But the midfielder left for Sunderland, and Ten Hag was sacked a few weeks into the season. “I didn’t expect to come back after Germany but you never know where you land,” said Xhaka. “To be back made me happy. I knew the project to bring experience and show the guys day by day. “It makes me happy to score a goal.” Xhaka was a bit of a pantomine villain – and sometimes much maligned – at Arsenal. He was sent off five times for the Gunners and spent six weeks as captain in 2019, clashed with his own fans and was stripped of the armband. But things went better under Mikel Arteta and he became an important player before leaving in 2023 for Germany. Carragher said: “After what he went through at Arsenal, he showed great character to come back from that. The impact he has had, if he can be part of a Sunderland team who finishes in the top 10 – or even just stays up – he will be remembered for a very long time.” Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle: “He exemplifies a top professional. “When he was an Arsenal player at times you felt like he was a bit of a villain. Over the years we have seen him mature and develop. “We’ve seen a slightly more restrained version of Xhaka, but it’s actually better than the fully committed, blowing steam out of his ears sort of player that we saw at Arsenal. “He’s a little bit more measured, calmer and a better professional. To have that in your squad especially when you’ve got a young squad, and everyone believes in him, he’s a talisman. “We need to wrap him in cotton wool and keep him going for 38 games.” Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Rugby building better men, says Malolo coach – FBC News
Malolo assistant coach – Joseva Domolailai For Malolo Rugby Union, rugby is a way of life that shapes young men into disciplined, responsible, and positive role models within their communities. The Malolo rugby management has been using the sport as a platform to guide youth away from social issues, particularly drug abuse, which remains a growing concern across the country. Their focus is not only on building strong players but also on developing good characters who can become responsible fathers and leaders in the future. Assistant coach Joseva Domolailai says the team’s approach goes beyond winning games, as they strive to mold players through the discipline and values rugby teaches. “Drugs is one of the biggest issues in Fiji right now that’s the reason why the management formed a team to just to occupy the boys from getting involved in drugs so that they can become good father and good role model to the kids. Kids in villages are rugby crazy, so they need good models to guide them.” The side’s journey to the Skipper Cup final this season has already inspired many in the province, proving that with the right mindset, rugby can change lives both on and off the field. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.