Boxers acclimatizing to New Zealand weather – FBC News
File Photo Members of the Fiji Amateur Boxing side have been spending the past few days acclimatizing to New Zealand’s weather as they prepare to compete at an Invitational Tournament in the country. Coach Cam Todd and his side left the country earlier this week, and have been training with some of New Zealand’s top boxers since. He says preparation has been coming along well for the team, and they are excited to step in the ring. Article continues after advertisement “We’ve just been training with some of the boxers here and that’s been great because we were able to get a feel of what the competition will be like. Everyone is excited and pumped and they just can’t wait to jump in the ring.” The tournament will be held on the 1st and 2nd of next month. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Mexico City Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton hails ‘amazing’ qualifying
Lewis Hamilton hailed his best qualifying result at Ferrari for Sunday’s Mexico City Grand Prix as a “huge step” after what he described as a “hard slog” of a season so far with the team. The seven-time world champion will start third after an impressive display from Ferrari, with team-mate Charles Leclerc finishing second fastest behind Lando Norris, who secured pole position. Hamilton has endured a difficult time since joining from Mercedes last winter – and has yet to win a race for the team. He faces a tough task in changing that statistic this weekend with Norris looking imperious, although three of the past five races in Mexico have been won from third. But Hamilton is just happy to see things improving for the team. “Definitely happy to be making progress and finally be up there,” he said. “Charles has been used to these results, or at least being close to the front most of the year, but for me it has been a hard slog, being like sixth, seventh or eighth – mostly eighth. “So to get P3 is a huge step for us and I am really grateful for the efforts of the team and the amazing support I’ve had from the team.” This is also the first time this season that both Ferraris have qualified in the top three and Hamilton added: “These guys have been so quick all year and it’s an amazing feeling. “The team truly deserve it, so we are just working as hard as we can and I’m super grateful to everyone in this team for continuing to push and not give up.”
Determination sees Naitasiri U20 through to Skipper Cup final – FBC News
File Photo Despite coming off to a slow start this season, Naitasiri under-20 head coach Dan Ligairi says his player’s determination is what brought them this far in the Skipper Cup competition. The side secured a hard fought 17-12 win over Suva at Bidesi Park yesterday, which sees them face western powerhouse Nadi the final. “Starting of the season was very hard for us, a lot of hiccups along the way which kept drawing us back but we keep pulling through. Then we reached the round robin, through to the quarter-finals and then the semi-finals.” Article continues after advertisement He adds that reaching the finals alongside their senior team is a special one for them, and are calling out their fans to rally behind the two team as they look to bring both trophies home. Nadi is not a new opponent to Naitasiri, and while they respect the side, they will be going all out in their final this weekend. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Wallabies star Marika Koroibete announces International retirement – FBC News
After more than seven years in the game, Wallabies great and Fijian-born winger Marika Koroibete has announced his retirement from international rugby. The 33-year-old made the revelation in Queensland ahead of his club clash for Saitama Wild Knights against the Queensland Reds at Ballymore. Since making his Wallabies debut in 2017, Koroibete has been one of Australia’s most potent attacking threats, scoring 20 tries in 63 Test appearances. Article continues after advertisement “I think I’m done with the Wallabies. They’ve got a lot of young outside backs coming up and they’re building for the World Cup as well. It’s exciting to see the Wallabies grow and reach their potential and hopefully get the World Cup home in the next two years.” He has represented Australia in two Rugby World Cups and has twice been awarded the prestigious John Eales Medal for the Wallabies’ best player of the year. With Koroibete yet to feature for Australia in 2025, he has accepted that the time has come to step away from international rugby and focus on his club career. He currently plays in Japan’s Rugby League One Division 1 with Saitama Wild Knights, one of the country’s most successful professional clubs. His retirement marks the end of an era for the Wallabies, who have benefited from his consistency and flair for nearly a decade. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Manchester United: Why Marcus Rashford is thriving at Barcelona
When analysing players a distinction must be made between positions and roles. On paper, Rashford’s position is a left winger, but this does not tell the whole story. In Ten Hag’s debut season at Manchester United Rashford scored 30 goals and contributed 12 assists as he profited from taking up a position halfway between a winger and a striker. Flick has tapped into this, and Rashford is allowed to float between playing wide left and moving centrally. As a result, Rashford has found himself closer to goal, which has allowed him to take more shots from dangerous positions, taking advantage of his world-class ball-striking ability. This freedom has allowed him to decide big games. His wonderful strike from outside the box against Newcastle United in the Champions League came when he drifted centrally – in fact closer to the right – from his left-wing position.
URC: Cardiff 20-19 Edinburgh – Ioan Lloyd penalty clinches it for hosts
Cardiff: Beetham; Adams, Millard, B Thomas, Bowen; Lloyd, Mulder; Southworth, Belcher (capt), Sebastian, McNally, Nott, Mann, Basham, Faletau. Replacements: Hughes, Domachowski, Assiratti, Donnell, Lawrence, D Thomas, Davies, Sheedy. Edinburgh: Goosen; McCann, O’Conor, Lang, Wells; Scott, Shiel; Schoeman, Ashman, Rae, Sykes, Gilchrist, McConnell, Richardson, Bradbury (capt). Replacements: Harrison, Venter, Hill, Hunter-Hill, Crosbie, McAlpine, Thompson, Davidson. Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU) Assistant referees: Craig Evans (WRU), Carwyn Sion (WRU) TMO: Colin Stanley (IRFU)
Rokoura farewelled by netball family – FBC News
[Source: Netball Fiji] Former Fiji Pearls captain and head coach Unaisi Rokoura was laid to rest this morning at the Lovonilase Cemetery in Suva. Former national reps from various sporting bodies, along with family and friends, gathered at the Nabua Methodist Church to pay their final respects. Netball Fiji President Ruby-Ann Sorovaki described Rokoura’s passing as a tremendous loss to the sport. Article continues after advertisement “While we are saddened by her passing, we are grateful to someone who has dedicated years of her life to the development of netball in Fiji. Thank you for all that you’ve done Una, you will be missed.” Sorovaki reflected on Rokoura’s lifelong contribution to netball, saying her leadership and passion helped shape generations of players. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
British Rally Championship: Northern Ireland driver Creighton secures title for first time
Northern Ireland’s William Creighton has won the British Rally Championship title for the first time. Creighton and co-driver Liam Regan finished fourth at the Cambrian Rally to comfortably claim top spot. The 27-year-old Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy driver needed to finish no lower than eighth to win the title and he duly obliged with a safe drive in his Toyota GR Yaris. It was a stark contrast in emotions for Creighton compared with 12 months ago, when he narrowly missed out on the BRC title to Chris Ingram at the final round of the season. It is the latest success in Creighton’s growing resume, as the BRC title comes after triumphs in the Junior World and British Rally Championships. The rally was won by Max McRae, nephew of the late Colin McRae. Creighton’s title challengers Romet Jurgensen and Meirion Evans, who both needed to win in Wales, were second and third.
President Lalabalavu congratulates Webb on World Rugby appointment – FBC News
[ Source: Fiji Government / Facebook ] President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu met with former England fullback Jonathan Webb in Dublin, Ireland, yesterday, where he congratulated him on his recent appointment as Vice-Chair of World Rugby. The meeting emphasized the value of sports diplomacy in fostering international relationships and promoting core values such as teamwork, discipline, and respect. President Lalabalavu commended World Rugby for its ongoing efforts to grow the sport worldwide and highlighted rugby’s role in uniting communities and building national pride. Article continues after advertisement They also spoke about the recent performances of Fiji’s men’s and women’s rugby teams in both the 7s and 15s formats, noting how their achievements continue to motivate young athletes across the Pacific. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Pitso Mosimane tipped to take over the Zimbabwe job
Former Mamelodi Sundowns forward Alois Bunjira has backed Pitso Mosimane to take over as head coach of the Zimbabwean football national team. The Warriors sacked Michael Nees following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Zimbabwe finished last in Group C in the group which included Bafana Bafana. Former SuperSport United coach Kaitano Tembo has since taken over as interim coach of the Warriors. Bunjira though, feels that the Zimbabwe Football Association [ZIFA) decides to bring in a foreign coach, Pitso Mosimane should be the next in line. “If we decide to go for a foreign coach, I would choose Pitso Mosimane. He has a proven track record of success and is highly qualified. He knows many of our players, and for me, Pitso is the best,” Bunjira said. Pitso Mosimane not been employed for over six months Jingles is currently without a job since leaving Iran earlier this year. He was heavily linked to Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs. Mosimane has never coached a national team before, although he was rumoured to have been contacted for the Super Eagles job. Bunjira said if Pitso Mosimane is not available, ZA can look at former Chippa United coach Norman Mapeza as a potential local candidate. “Norman Mapeza hadn’t had issues with the foreign boys, he could have carried on as national team coach. He could have achieved wonders with this crop of players,” he said as per FARPost. “His disciplinarian mindset could have whipped everyone into shape, getting them to perform at their optimum best. We could have seen much better football over the past year or so.” Do you think Pitso will coach Zimbabwe?