Ravuka, Mike Friday, Chiefs & Police march into CC7s semifinals – FBC News
The Men’s Cup semifinals at the McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s are locked in, with Ravuka Sharks set to face the McDonald’s Mike Friday Select Team, while Yaro Chiefs will take on Police Blue for a place in the final. Ravuka Sharks powered into the last four with a commanding 24–7 victory over the New Zealand Development side, stamping their authority early with sharp execution and relentless defence. Mixing physicality with width, the Sharks made the most of their opportunities to book a convincing semifinal berth. Article continues after advertisement They will meet the McDonald’s Mike Friday Select Team, who edged past the Jacks of Fiji Devo Babas 10–7 in the tightest contest of the quarterfinals. Locked in a tactical arm-wrestle, Mike Friday’s side showed composure under pressure, holding firm in the dying moments to seal their spot in the semifinals. On the other side of the draw, Yaro Chiefs sent a strong warning to the rest of the field with a dominant 31–5 win over the NZ Fijian Cavaliers. Ruthless on transition, the Chiefs punished every mistake and showcased their trademark speed and support play in an emphatic performance. They will face Police Blue, who survived a stern test from Aussie Select 7s to grind out a hard-fought 19–14 victory. The lawmen showed grit and discipline when it mattered most, absorbing pressure before striking decisively to keep their title hopes alive. The Coral Coast 7s heads into the final day tomorrow, with the Men’s Cup semifinals set to deliver another blockbuster chapter at Lawaqa Park. You can watch the LIVE action on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
New youth and men’s champs for Coral Coast – FBC News
[Source: Supplied] A new champion is guaranteed in both the youth and men’s divisions at this year’s McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s, with Day Two of the three-day tournament already delivering decisive twists in the title race. Competition manager David Fa’atafa confirms that Fiji Babas will miss the men’s Cup quarterfinals, ensuring a fresh winner will be crowned in the men’s category. The turning point came after Police Blues registered a dominant 29–0 victory over the Seattle Barbarians, a result that lifted them to the top of their pool and effectively ended Fiji Babas’ quarterfinal hopes. Article continues after advertisement While Fiji Babas remained mathematically alive heading into their final pool match, their 19-14 loss to Nationwide Sydney Nadi proved costly. A win would have altered the standings, but combined with Police Blues’ emphatic result, Fiji’s fate was sealed before the knockout rounds. The youth division has followed a similar script, with Southland Broncos finishing in a three-way tie in their pool. With teams locked on competition points, the standings were separated by points differential, once again proving decisive in determining who progressed. That tie-break scenario confirmed that the defending youth champions will also relinquish their crown, guaranteeing a new winner in the age-grade division. As the tournament moves deeper into Day Two, the Coral Coast Fiji 7s continues to highlight the unforgiving nature of sevens rugby. Meanwhile, in the quarterfinal, Ravuka Sharks will meet NZ Development 7s at 5.40 pm, Mike Friday Select 7s is against Devo Babas at 6 pm, NZ Fijian Cavaliers go against Yaro Chiefs at 6.20 pm, and Police Blue versus Aussie Select 7s is at 6.40 pm. You can watch the LIVE action on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Fiji finishes 23rd in Global Chess League – FBC News
While often regarded as a minor sport, Fiji Chess continues to make its mark on the global stage. The national team, led by captain Avinesh Nadan, finished an impressive 23rd in the 2025–2026 Global Chess League, an online tournament hosted this week by English veteran Peter Hornsby. The competition featured 744 players from 65 chess clubs, representing countries including Fiji, England, Australia, India, Armenia, Pakistan, Libya, Hawaii, Italy, China, Brazil, Iran, Ukraine and Romania, among many others. Article continues after advertisement Fiji Chess general secretary Goru Arvind said that while progress may appear gradual, finishing 23rd is a significant achievement when competing against some of the world’s top players. “The league uses a challenging five-minute plus two seconds per move format. We play matches back-to-back for 60 minutes straight, so players have to reset mentally very quickly.” As Fiji prepares for its next round later this month, the World Chess Federation is also gearing up to host the next two Chess Olympiads — in Uzbekistan this September and in Dubai in 2028. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Scott Robertson sacked, Joseph favorite to replace him – FBC News
[Source: Supplied] The All Blacks will be led by a new head coach in 2026 after New Zealand Rugby confirmed the departure of Scott Robertson following the completion of its end-of-season review. Robertson’s tenure ends midway through his four-year contract, bringing his stint in charge to a close after the 2024 and 2025 seasons. New Zealand Rugby said Robertson had departed the role as head coach as part of the formal review process, with an immediate search now underway for a successor ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Article continues after advertisement In a brief response, Robertson said he was “gutted by this outcome” after less than two years at the helm of the national side. He took over from Ian Foster following the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, inheriting a team in transition. While there were notable victories, Robertson struggled to deliver consistent results. The All Blacks failed to secure the Rugby Championship during his tenure and suffered a historic first loss to Argentina on Argentine soil. They also endured a heavy defeat to South Africa in Wellington last year, coming just a week after preserving their long-standing unbeaten record at Eden Park, which dates back to 1994. Robertson finishes with a record of 20 wins from 27 Test matches. New Zealand Rugby confirmed there have been no further changes to the wider All Blacks coaching or management group at this stage. As the recruitment process begins, Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph has emerged as the early favorite to take over the role, with the All Blacks entering a crucial rebuilding phase on the road to the next World Cup. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Kongaya embraces new challenge – FBC News
[Source: Supplied] Japanese midfielder Yuta Kongaya is embracing a new chapter in his football journey as Extra Supermarket Bula FC continues preparations for the opening round of the inaugural OFC Professional League this weekend. Kongaya, who has played across Japan, Greece, and New Zealand, described his move to Fiji as an unexpected opportunity that emerged while competing in a tournament in New Zealand, where he caught the attention of Bula FC’s coaching staff. “This wasn’t part of my original plan. I wanted to return to Europe, but the coach saw me playing in New Zealand, and that’s how this opportunity came about.” Article continues after advertisement Since arriving in Fiji, Kongaya said the transition into a fully professional environment has been demanding but rewarding, with the club working to establish standards befitting a professional competition. “It’s a new challenge not just for Bula FC, but for Fiji as a country. This is the first professional club and the first professional league, so as players and as a club we are working very hard to prepare properly. It’s tough, but we’re enjoying it.” With kickoff just days away, Kongaya said the squad has begun to settle, with combinations improving and a clear style of play starting to emerge. “We’re building everything from scratch, but the understanding between players is getting better every day. We’re excited and can’t wait to finally play at the stadium.” As one of the more experienced players in the squad, Kongaya has taken on an important role in helping younger players adjust to the demands of professional football, though he believes leadership is best demonstrated on the field. Bula FC will open their Pro League campaign against Vanuatu United FC this weekend, a moment Kongaya says the entire squad has been eagerly anticipating. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Southland Broncos determined to defend U20 title – FBC News
[Source: Supplied] After securing a hard-fought victory in their opening match of the 2026 McDonald’s Coral Coast 7s under-20 competitions, defending champions Southland Broncos are well aware that retaining their title will be no easy task. Head coach Aca Ratuva said the team expected a tough challenge heading into the tournament, following their narrow 19–17 win over JVJQ Brothers at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka this morning. Despite claiming the victory, Ratuva acknowledged how close the contest was, with the Broncos edging their opponents by just two points after the final hooter. Article continues after advertisement “It was a very tough one; we expected that, so the boys were not surprised. We have a big task at hand, and we will take each game at a time.” He added that the team will adopt a fresh mindset moving forward, focusing on one game at a time as the tournament progresses. The 2026 McDonald’s Coral Coast 7s is currently underway at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka and will conclude on Saturday. Fans can watch the action live on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Ramasi relishes chance to rub shoulders with 7s stars – FBC News
[Source: File] Henibua 7s rep Isoa Ramasi is embracing the rare opportunity to test himself against elite competition while sharing the same stage with some of the world’s top rugby sevens players at this year’s McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s. Beyond the physical challenge of facing quality opposition, the Nadroga Under 20 forward says the tournament offers priceless exposure and a chance to learn, observe and be inspired by players he one day hopes to line up alongside. Ramasi reveals the road to this year’s tournament has not been smooth for the Henibua side, with the team facing a number of setbacks in the build up to the tournament. Article continues after advertisement Despite the challenges, their determination to compete never wavered. “It was not an easy one for us leading up to the tournament. Sometimes our meals were not enough, but we held on. Now that I’m here and just sitting next to the Drua tent, I’m grateful that I get to see them and meet them as well.” The Sautabu Navosa youngster says simply being in the same environment as the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua players is motivation enough, fueling his ambition to one day wear the same jersey. “I’m happy just being here, seeing them up close. Hopefully one day I’ll be running alongside them.” Ramasi believes tournaments like the Coral Coast 7s are critical for player development, stressing that the more game time he gets, the better he becomes and the greater his chances of being noticed and progressing further in the sport. This marks Ramasi’s second appearance at the Coral Coast 7s, after featuring in the youth category last year. The McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s continues at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. You can watch the live coverage on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Age no barrier for Bulikula great Maejiirs – FBC News
Age is just a number for former Fiji Bulikula captain Josephine Maejiirs, and at 49, she is proving it at the McDonalds Fiji Coral Coast 7s. Maejiirs is the oldest player competing at this year’s tournament, yet the veteran forward shows no signs of slowing down as she lines up alongside athletes less than half her age. Still active in the NRL system in Australia, Maejiirs is currently signed with the Terrigal Sharks in Sydney, balancing her rugby league commitments with stints in rugby sevens as a way of keeping her body primed for another long season. Article continues after advertisement “For me, coming into sevens is about keeping the engine running. We finish rugby league and step straight into sevens, and then after this I go back into league pre-season. It’s a strategic way to stay fit, mobile, and ready for the next season.” The Coral Coast 7s is no stranger to the former Bulikula skipper. This is her third appearance at the tournament, having previously featured as a player and also bringing her own Sydney-based sevens side in earlier years. “When I messaged and said I’ll see you at the Coral Coast, they asked if I was playing or managing. I said, No, I’m actually playing. I’m really looking forward to it, especially playing against quality teams. You don’t often get the chance to play against national sides, so to have that platform is amazing.” Maejiirs’ team reflects the global nature of the tournament, featuring players from the USA, UK, Japan, and Australia, all coming together with one goal in mind. “We’re not just here to have fun. We want to compete. We’re all athletes from different backgrounds, and we want to push for the finals. If the weather plays its part and we come together as a team, we believe we can go far.” Beyond the results, Maejiirs hopes her presence sends a powerful message to women of all ages. “To young girls and older women, believe in yourself. No one else will do it for you. Carry that belief wherever you go, and with God on your side, it will happen.” She also paid tribute to her support network back home, including her Terrigal Sharks family, her children Ray, Sweden, Myson, and Akula, and her grandchildren Zephaniah and Zekias. At 49, Josephine Maejiirs is not just competing at the Coral Coast 7s; she’s inspiring, proving that passion, belief, and hard work can outlast age. The Coral Coast 7s continues, and you can catch the LIVE action on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Pacific Warriors make dream debut at Coral Coast 7s – FBC News
[Photo Supplied] It’s a moment of pride and excitement for the Pacific Warriors Canada as they step onto Fijian soil for the McDonald’s Coral Coast 7s that gets underway this morning. For co-founder and prop Iokimi Vunituraga, the tournament is more than just another competition; it is the realization of a dream for the team’s young players. “It’s a dream come true for a couple of the boys in Canada. Coming here and experiencing rugby sevens in Fiji, one of the biggest tournaments in the world, is an incredible opportunity for our players.” Article continues after advertisement The Pacific Warriors were founded in 2019 by Selo Vunituraga with a clear vision to grow rugby sevens across Canada and provide development opportunities for young Fijian players in British Columbia and beyond. Over the years, the team has welcomed experienced Fijian stars like Olympic gold medallist Napolioni Bolaca and Tevita Daugunu, whose presence has helped elevate the standard and excitement of sevens in Canada. “Playing with the Fijian boys in Canada was something else. You know how Fijians play. They like to throw the ball around. It’s exciting, fast, and different from the usual style we see in Canada. That flair has been a big boost for our younger players.” The Warriors have made their mark on Canadian turf, going undefeated in British Columbia tournaments over the past two years. Now they hope to carry that momentum to Fiji, using the Coral Coast 7s to gain international experience and further develop their squad. “Our goal here at the Coral Coast is the same as in Canada. We want to play our game, learn, and give our younger players experience at a high level.” He also took a moment to thank the team’s supporters, sponsors, and families. “We appreciate everyone who has helped us get here, from our families to the Fijian community in Vancouver to the boys who couldn’t make it due to work or family commitments. This is a dream come true for all of us.” The Pacific Warriors’ debut at the Coral Coast 7s is more than a trip. It is a statement of intent, a showcase of Canadian-Fijian talent, and a celebration of sevens rugby bridging communities across the globe. They will meet Sydney Fijians in their first match at 12.18pm. You can watch the LIVE coverage on FBC Sports. Overseas fans can watch on Viti+ for $99 FJD. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Krishna blends business and boots as RK21 backs Bula FC – FBC News
[Source: File] Fiji’s Golden Boy Roy Krishna will not only turn out for Extra Supermarket Bula FC this season but will also help shape the club’s identity, with his personal brand RK21 confirmed as the club’s official apparel sponsor. The dual role marks a rare player-led partnership in local football, combining elite playing experience with off-field investment in professionalism. Krishna said the move reflects his belief in what Bula FC is trying to build as a new professional outfit in Fiji. Article continues after advertisement “This is a new professional club, and when they approached me, I felt it was a great opportunity to be part of something special.” The national captain explained that RK21, a brand he has been developing for nearly three years, will manufacture kits both locally and internationally to meet professional standards. Drawing from his years playing abroad, Krishna stressed the importance of quality apparel in modern football. “In professional football, the kit matters the most. When a player wears a jersey, they should feel like a professional. I think that’s something we’ve lacked in Fiji.” Krishna believes his experience wearing top-level kits overseas gives him a clear understanding of what players need to perform with confidence. With Krishna set to feature for Bula FC on the pitch while RK21 outfits the team, the club hopes the partnership will set new benchmarks for professionalism in Fijian football. The club will open the historic competition against Vanuatu United FC in a 2pm kick-off. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.