Bulls seek experience at Coral Coast 7s – FBC News
Former Fiji Airways Fiji 7s head coach Ben Gollings has returned to familiar shores, this time leading a Chennai Bulls Select side to compete at the upcoming Coral Coast Sevens. Former Fiji Airways Fiji 7s head coach Ben Gollings has returned to familiar shores, this time leading a Chennai Bulls Select side to compete at the upcoming Coral Coast Sevens, using the tournament as a key development platform for his side. Gollings says the Coral Coast Sevens offers the ideal environment to expose emerging players to elite-level rugby, particularly in the heartland of the sevens game. “It’s great to be back in Fiji, and it’s exciting to be bringing the Chennai Bulls. This is the Chennai Bulls Select, not the mainstream team that would have played in the RPL, but we want to use it as a development tool as we start building our rugby programme.” Article continues after advertisement The squad features a blend of four Indian national team players, selected local talent and Australian based Peni Naqua, who has joined the side from the Western Force. According to Gollings, the tournament will be a valuable learning opportunity for the group. “It’s an exciting opportunity and a great chance for the Indian national team players, as well as some local players, to gain exposure.” Gollings believes there is no better stage than Fiji to test and grow sevens players. While the Chennai Bulls Select will look to be competitive, Gollings stressed that results are secondary to development. The Coral Coast 7s will kick off this Thursday at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka and you can watch it LIVE on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Bula FC Set for Tough OFC Pro League Opening in Auckland
Fiji’s Bula FC is gearing up for a challenging start to its OFC Pro League campaign as Round 1 gets underway in Auckland from 17–24 January, with matches scheduled at Eden Park and North Harbour Stadium. Bula FC will open their tournament against Vanuatu’s VAU on Saturday, 17 January at 2:00pm at the iconic Eden Park, marking their first test on the continental stage. The encounter is expected to be a physical contest, with both sides eager to set an early tone in the competition. Following their opener, Bula FC face a quick turnaround as they take on Solomon Islands United (SIU) on Tuesday, 20 January at 2:00pm at North Harbour Stadium. SIU are known for their pace and attacking intent, making this a crucial fixture that could shape group momentum. Bula FC will then close out Round 1 with a highly anticipated clash against Auckland FC (AFC) on Friday, 23 January at 6:00pm, also at North Harbour Stadium. The all-Pacific encounter is expected to attract strong interest from the local football community. With three matches in seven days, squad depth, recovery, and tactical discipline will be vital for Bula FC. The team departs for Auckland on Wednesday, 15 January, determined to represent Fiji with pride and push for positive results against strong regional opposition. Bula FC Fixtures – OFC Pro League Round 1 Sat 17 Jan | 2:00pm – Bula FC vs VAU (Eden Park) Tue 20 Jan | 2:00pm – Bula FC vs SIU (North Harbour Stadium) Fri 23 Jan | 6:00pm – AFC vs Bula FC (North Harbour Stadium) As the OFC Pro League continues to grow in stature, all eyes will be on Bula FC to see how they rise to the challenge on New Zealand soil.
Nayacavou grateful for Coral Coast 7s opportunity – FBC News
British Army 7s side during their training run at Albert Park in Suva over the weekend. Years of commitment and sacrifices have now come to fruition for the British Army side, thanks to those who started the journey. Former players like 2005 World Cup 7s winner Apolosi Satala and former England 7s rep, Isoa Damudamu, were there at the start. Talks and plans of having a British Army 7s side to come and play in Fiji started when both Satala and Damudamu were playing for the team. Article continues after advertisement Former Scotland 7s rep, Joe Nayacavou, who played in 38 World Series events is the head coach of the British Army side that’ll feature at the McDonalds Coral Coast Fiji 7s which starts in Sigatoka on Thursday. Nayacavou was part of the squad that won the 2016/17 London Sevens and played in the 2018 Commonwealth Games. He says British Army 7s may have played in many tournaments but there’s nothing like playing at the spiritual home of 7s. ‘Even though the game itself was invented in Scotland, we believe, everyone believes that Fiji is where you come and test the best’. The players felt the Suva heat on the weekend and it’s something they’ll need to overcome in Sigatoka. Nayacavou’s team will play Elia Canakaivata’s Drua in its first Coral Coast 7s game on Thursday at Lawaqa Park at 11:40am and you can watch it live on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Perry Baker relishing Coral Coast 7s debut – FBC News
Former USA Rugby Sevens representative Perry Baker says he is embracing the full Fijian experience as he prepares to make his debut at the Coral Coast 7s this weekend, describing the tournament as being on par with the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. Baker, one of the most recognisable names in international sevens rugby, said playing in Fiji has long been a personal ambition, particularly because of the country’s unique style and deep knowledge of the game. “I’m so excited to be here. Just coming to Fiji, it’s a beautiful island and I’m really looking forward to the whole experience. I’ve always wanted to play with some Fijian players, just the way they play the game and their understanding of it. Now I get to share the field with them and soak it all in.” Article continues after advertisement The Coral Coast 7s has attracted 24 teams this year, packed with international stars and local talent, something Baker believes lifts the tournament to world-class “Oh my goodness, I feel like this is the HSBC World Series.There are so many teams here, so much awesome talent. It’s exciting to be part of it and to see these players performing back in their hometown.” Baker, who is part of the Mike Friday Selects side, said it is a special moment to finally play alongside Fijian players he has previously faced as opponents on the world stage. He also welcomed the chance to team up with former Ireland Sevens standout Jordan Conroy, describing the squad’s chemistry as a major highlight. The Coral Coast 7s kicks off this Thursday and it will air LIVE on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Canakaivata to lead Drua 7s at Coral Coast – FBC News
[Source: Fijian Drua/Facebook] World Cup 7s winner Elia Canakaivata will captain the Drua side at the McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s, while Olympic Games silver medallist Joji Nasova will make his debut in the Drua 7s jumper at the tournament, which starts this Thursday in Sigatoka. Both are experienced sevens campaigners and are expected to be joined by the likes of Kitione Salawa. The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has named an interesting line-up for the 14th edition of the tournament. Article continues after advertisement Malolo halfback Simeli Karacia has also booked a spot in the team. Sevens legend Waisale Serevi and former Flying Fijians winger Nemani Nadolo will coach the Drua 7s side. Other members of the squad include Isikeli Rabitu, Philip Baselala, Aisea Nawai, Joweli Walevu, Ilaisa Droasese, Maika Tuitubou, Kalioni Ratunabuabua, Pita Manamanaivalu, Meli Dreu and Bogi Kikau. The side is pooled with the British Army, Japan SDS and Yaro Chiefs. The Drua takes on the British Army at 11.40am in its opening match on Thursday. Fans can catch the action live and exclusively on FBC Sports. Overseas viewers can watch the three-day action on Viti+ for FJ$99. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Fiji FA introduces one-code rule for players – FBC News
Fiji FA CEO Mohammed Yusuf.[Source:Fiji FA/Facebook] The Fiji Football Association has introduced a new registration policy requiring players to commit to a single discipline, either football or futsal, for the upcoming season. The rule, which applies to club-level competitions, prevents players from registering in both codes simultaneously. FFA Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Yusuf said the decision supports the long-term growth of the game. Article continues after advertisement Yusuf says players will need to commit to one code, and this commitment allows them to focus on their training, preparation, and development, which will ultimately raise the standard of both football and futsal in Fiji. He also clarifies that the policy will not automatically apply to regional competitions, leaving the decision to individual member associations. The Fiji FA CEO goes on to say that member associations that wish to align their competitions with FFA regulations are encouraged to do so. However, they must formally notify the FFA Registration Department to ensure the necessary changes are implemented in the COMET registration system. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Job Vacancy: Cook | FijiFootball.com.fj
Location: Labasa Football Academy Position Overview We are seeking a skilled and passionate Cook to join our team. The ideal candidate will prepare balanced, nutritious meals and maintain the highest standards of hygiene and food quality. Key Responsibilities: Plan and prepare meals based on a pre-approved menu, focusing on nutrition and dietary requirements. Ensure high-quality food presentation and taste. Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen and dining areas. Monitor and manage kitchen inventory, ensuring adequate stock levels. Follow health, safety, and hygiene standards in all kitchen operations. Collaborate with academy staff to accommodate special dietary needs. Qualifications and Experience: Proven experience as a Cook, preferably in a similar role. Familiarity with Fijian and international cuisines is an advantage. Ability to work independently and manage time effectively. How to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit their application, including a CV and cover letter, to: hr@fijifootball.com.fj Applications close on: 24th January 2025
2026 a big year for Weightlifting Fiji – FBC News
[FILE] Weightlifting Fiji is gearing up for a crucial year ahead, with a major international test awaiting the national squad in April when they compete at the World Cup in Samoa. The event will carry added significance, as the Commonwealth Championships and Oceania Championships will be staged concurrently, making it the final qualifying opportunity for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Head coach Henry Elder says the stacked schedule presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Fiji’s lifters. Article continues after advertisement “For next year, we’ve got a big year planned. The first major competition for us is in April; that’s the World Cup in Samoa. At the same time, they will be running the Commonwealth Championships and also the Oceania Championships concurrently. That’s a big event for us, and it’s the final qualifiers for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.” Elder is hopeful Fiji can secure multiple spots for the Games, with qualification standards set high across the Commonwealth. “Hopefully, we’ll get probably about six athletes to qualify for those Games. For weightlifting, we have to qualify in the top eight to qualify outright, top eight in the Commonwealth.” With preparations already underway, the coach remains confident his athletes can rise to the occasion. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Fiji FA Introduces One-Code Rule for Players Ahead of New Season
The Fiji Football Association (FFA) has introduced a new registration policy requiring players to commit to a single discipline—either football or futsal—for the upcoming season. The rule, which applies to club-level competitions, prevents players from registering in both codes simultaneously. FFA Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Yusuf said the decision supports the long-term growth of the game. “This season, players will need to commit to one code. This commitment allows them to focus their training, preparation, and development, which will ultimately raise the standard of both football and futsal in Fiji,” Yusuf said. He clarified that the policy will not automatically apply to regional competitions, leaving the decision to individual Member Associations (MAs). “Member Associations that wish to align their competitions with FFA regulations are encouraged to do so. However, they must formally notify the FFA Registration Department to ensure the necessary changes are implemented in the COMET registration system,” Yusuf added.
Personal loss rules Tuwai out of Coral Coast 7s – FBC News
The Mike Friday Select 7s will be without their star playmaker, Jerry Tuwai, at the McDonalds Coral Coast Fiji 7s as he takes time to grieve a personal loss, according to tournament organisers. Tuwai is one of the three tournament-appointed Ambassadors for 2026, and he will be spending this time privately with his loved ones. Tournament management has fully supported Jerry’s decision, placing his well-being above all else. Article continues after advertisement In a statement, organizers say that Tuwai is not just an ambassador to the tournament—he is family, and their hearts are with him. The Coral Coast 7s family extends its deepest condolences to Jerry Tuwai and his loved ones, and asks everyone to respect his privacy during this deeply personal time. Ba man, Samisoni Sadole, who has played for Devo Babas will replace Tuwai in Mike Friday’s side. The Coral Coast 7s starts on Thursday at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. The three days of action on the main ground will air live and exclusively on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.