Sokobale’s French form earns Flying Fijians call-up – FBC News
Mick Byrne [left] and Atu Sokobale FIJI Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne says he was tipped off by Castres Rugby President Pierre-Yves Revol about young prop Atu Sokobale, who is also the younger brother of former national 7s rep medallist Savenaca Rawaca. Byrne revealed that the discussion about Sokobale came up while he and Revol were talking about the possible inclusion of Vilimoni Botitu, following the injury to Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula. He says bringing in someone who has already had a taste of top-level French rugby is a big boost for the team. Article continues after advertisement “During the conversation he actually raised Atu’s name, he said look we’ve got a young prop here you might be interested in looking at and suddenly that tweaks my interest because you haven’t gone down to that next level of player coming into the French league so all of a sudden he threw Atu’s name at me so I start looking when he comes off the bench and I’m like…well he’s playing against the French, he’s coming off the bench in the French league for Cas so he is getting that sort of experience.” Just two years ago, Sokobale clinched gold medal in the senior grade in shot put at the Fiji Finals where he represented Sigatoka Methodist College. Sokobale, former All Black Pita Gus Sowakula and former England Under 20 rep are the new inclusions to the squad. The 32-man squad was named today and will face England in their first match on the 9th of next month at Twickenham Stadium at 5.40am. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Tim Southee likely to only be available for first Ashes Test
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Tim Southee is still finalising his backroom role for England at the Ashes but the former New Zealand seamer is only likely to be available for next month’s first Test. Southee took up a position as England’s fast bowling consultant in the summer after ending an illustrious international career, one that brought 391 wickets in 107 Tests, at the back end of 2024. Hopes of him being on England’s coaching staff for Australia are complicated by his involvement in the ILT20, which begins on December 2, earlier than usual to avoid a clash with February’s T20 World Cup. The resolution could be the 36-year-old overseeing England’s quicks’ preparations in Perth before departing after the Ashes curtain-raiser, starting on November 21, to head to the United Arab Emirates. “We’re still working through that at the moment,” he said when asked about his Ashes participation. “We’ll see what happens over the next little while.” Southee, though, was in little doubt about what he expects from the five-match series and scoffed at former England fast bowler Stuart Broad’s suggestion this is the worst Australia team since 2010/11. “I don’t think there’s ever a bad Australian cricket team,” he said. “Our focus is firmly on what we’re trying to do. I think the quality of (England’s) side that’s going out to Australia is brilliant. “It should be an absolute cracker, that series. Not only (are) English and Australian people looking forward to it, I think the whole cricket world is.” Southee’s ad-hoc employment with England has for now been extended to their white-ball tour of his native New Zealand, which gets under way with the first of three T20s in Christchurch on Saturday. England named their XI two days out, with Harry Brook back as captain after being rested for last month’s T20 series win in Ireland and Jordan Cox carded to bat at number seven in the order. Brydon Carse also returns alongside fellow seamers Sam Curran and Luke Wood, while frontline spinners Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson could be complemented by the part-time offerings of Jacob Bethell. This weekend marks the first time Southee has gone up against his country but he has relished working once more alongside Brendon McCullum, his former Black Caps captain and now England head coach. “It will be strange but I’m looking forward to it,” Southee replied when assessing his role in the away dressing room. “I’ve enjoyed playing under Brendon as a player, and to be sharing a dressing room again with him in a different capacity has been really enjoyable. It was too good not to take up.”
Football gossip: Anderson, Kane, Wharton, Retegui, Yildiz, Barcola, Zirkzee
Manchester City and Chelsea to vie for Elliot Anderson, Tottenham prepare shock bid for Harry Kane, Manchester United want Mateo Retegui, Roma lead the race for Joshua Zirkzee. Manchester City are plotting a £75m bid for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson next summer but are likely to face stiff competition from Chelsea for the 22-year-old England international. (Express, external) Tottenham are preparing a blockbuster move to bring Harry Kane back to north London from Bayern Munich next summer and are ready to meet the 32-year-old England captain’s release clause and wage demands. (Teamtalk, external) Crystal Palace are relaxed about the future of Adam Wharton amid increasing speculation of interest from Premier League rivals Manchester United for the 21-year-old England midfielder. (Sky Sports, external) Manchester United are interested in signing a striker in the summer and are targeting Mateo Retegui, with Ruben Amorim prepared to spend up to £52m to sign the 26-year-old Italy forward from Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah. (Fichajes – in Spanish, external) Turkey forward Kenan Yildiz continues to push for an improved contract at Juventus but with talks yet to bear fruit, clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona are keeping a close eye on the 20-year-old. (Gazzetta dello Sport – in Italian, external) Paris St-Germain are holding contract negotiations with Bradley Barcola, 23, after the France forward attracted interest from several clubs including Liverpool and Bayern Munich in the summer. (L’Equipe – in French, external) Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to battle each other to sign Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano, 26, on a free transfer next summer but Manchester United are also interested in the France international. (Footmercato – in French, external) AS Roma are in pole position to sign Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee but Como also have the finances to bring the 24-year-old Netherlands striker back to Serie A. (Gazzetta dello Sport – in Italian, external) Juventus have rebuffed multiple enquiries for France defensive midfielder Khephren Thuram, 24, from Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool during the past six months. (TBR Football, external) Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has doubts about his long-term future at Stamford Bridge amid Juventus considering the 45-year-old Italian as a serious candidate to take charge of the Serie A club. (Teamtalk, external)
Sonia Bompastor pledges more to come from Chelsea record-signing Alyssa Thompson
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor promised there was more to come from record-signing Alyssa Thompson after she scored her first goal for the club in their 4-0 win against Paris FC at Stamford Bridge. The 20-year-old knocked in the Blues’ third goal to effectively kill the game off and earn a first victory at the second attempt in this season’s Women’s Champions League, as they emerged from their recent goalscoring drought in emphatic fashion. A Sandy Baltimore penalty in the first half – a contentious award after Sjoeke Nusken was tripped – was followed by a fine looping header from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, before Thompson drilled home Kiera Walsh’s low cross. “She brings a lot of speed up front, she’s a player who is really comfortable on the ball,” said Bompastor. “She takes risks, attacks defenders one v one. It’s really difficult to defend against her. She brings a lot of crosses when she goes outside and she can finish in the box like she did tonight. “She’s been working hard. The first goal for a forward or a winger is really important for the confidence. “She got an engine. She has a desire to help the team in and out of possession. “If she has to run to help defend, she’s able to do that. “We haven’t seen yet the best of her, but hopefully we’ll see that soon.” Erin Cuthbert scrambled a fourth goal home from virtually on the line after getting on the end of substitute Sam Kerr’s header. Chelsea had previously managed just two goals from open play in their previous three games, plus a penalty scored in their disappointing Champions League draw with Twente a week ago, but this result got their European season going in style. “Most important is the character we’ve shown in the last two games,” said Bompastor. “I’m direct and honest with my players. I’ll always protect them (in the media) but when I have to analyse the game, I’m direct with them. “When I tell them something didn’t work I make sure I’m the one giving them simple things to achieve. “If you drop five, 10 per cent of your energy, you’re in trouble. The most difficult thing in football is to stay at that level. “In this situation you need to keep working hard and stay confident. It’s about keeping the same mentality and staying focused on the main thing – finishing and being clinical.” Paris boss Sandrine Soubeyrand reflected on a brave display from her side, for whom their trip to west London proved a bridge too far. “It was a fair result,” said the 198-cap former France international. “Frustrating with the penalty, the ball was high in the air and didn’t look like it was playable. “Chelsea have high ambition and we knew that before the game. We defended well despite giving them obvious chances. We have a lot less international players than they do.”
Flying Fijians call up for Sowakula, Hoyt and Sokobale – FBC News
From left: Pita Gus Sowakula, Tim Hott and Atu Sokobale. FIJI Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has announced his 32-man squad for the upcoming November Autumn Test series. Among the regular names, Tim Hoyt, Pita Gus Sowakula and Atu Sokobale are the new inclusions. In the front row, the props selected are Haereiti Hetet, Mesake Doge, Eroni Mawi, Samuela Tawake, Atu Sokobale and Hoyt. Article continues after advertisement Supporting them in the middle are hookers Tevita Ikanivere, Zuriel Togiatama and Kavaia Tagivetaua. The lock options include Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua and Setareki Turagacoke, providing height and power in the engine room. In the loose forwards, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Elia Canakaivata, Motikai Murray, Viliame Mata and Pita-Gus Sowakula — a dynamic mix of strength, mobility and work rate. The halfback duties will be shared between Simione Kuruvoli, Philip Baselala and Sam Wye, while the first five-eighths options are Caleb Muntz and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula. In the midfield, the second five-eighths named are Josua Tuisova and Vilimoni Botitu, with centres Sireli Maqala, Kalaveti Ravouvou and Iosefo Masi also included. The wingers in the squad are Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selestino Ravutaumada and Ponipate Loganmasi, while Salesi Rayasi will cover the fullback position. Byrne says the squad represents the depth and quality of Fijian rugby, with players selected for their recent form, commitment and ability to deliver at the highest level. The Flying Fijians are set to bring their trademark flair and physicality as they prepare for a challenging November series against top international sides. They will meet England in their first match on the 9th of next month at Twickenham Stadium at 5.40am. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
‘Rohl exits Rangers running as Muscat talks continue’ – gossip
Rangers’ hunt for a new head coach looks to have lost another contender, while Aberdeen’s Jimmy Thelin is linked with the Sweden international vacancy.
Sumo wrestling returns to London at a sold out Royal Albert Hall
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Sumo wrestling returned to London with a sold out Royal Albert Hall gripped by the opening night that ended with the sport’s elite in action. For only the second time the Grand Sumo Tournament is being staged outside Japan with the five-day event concluding on Sunday as organisers look to capitalise on a worldwide surge in interest in Japan’s national sport. London’s Royal Albert Hall also hosted the event in 1991 and this time 40 wrestlers (rikishi) were taking part with grand champion Onosato Daiki winning the main bout of the evening when he hurled Ura Kazuki out of the ring (dohyo). Ukrainian Aonishiki Arata was another notable winner as his excellent debut year in sumo continued when he defeated Atamifuji Sakutaro, despite conceding over six stones in weight. It was one of several ‘David v Goliath’ size mismatches, the most extreme example of which was bout four when Tobizaru Masaya defied his eight stones and almost one foot disadvantage to toss Shonannoumi Momotaro on to the floor. Towards the end of the interval, the crowd were reminded by the compere not to approach the dohyo because it is a “very sacred place”. The Royal Albert Hall had to make significant adjustments to cater for the wrestlers, including bringing in new chairs capable of bearing 200kg in weight, as well as installing reinforced toilets. Around 11 stones in rice has been eaten each day by the competitors with event organisers revealing that the wholesaler being used had run out of noodles because of the quantity ordered. The wrestlers have been seen across London since their arrival, posing for pictures in front of the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, riding Lime bikes and even eating hot dogs on Westminster Bridge. Sumo, which has a ceremonial-religious aspect and dates back more than 1,500 years, will be taken to Paris next year to continue reaching new audiences.
Kativerata confident in Bati debutants – FBC News
[Photo Credit: fijibatiofficialpage] Vodafone Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata is backing his young squad to make the most of their opportunity at the upcoming Pacific Bowl Championship. With several new names in the team, Kativerata says this year’s campaign is about more than the results, it’s about building depth and preparing the next generation of Fijian stars. He believes the platform will help young players find their footing and showcase their talent at a higher level. Article continues after advertisement “About six or seven debutants this year, it’s important that they use this platform to springboard their NRL career. A few years ago, we introduced Caleb Navale, Kitione Kautoga and Kurt Donoghoe. No one knew them in the NRL environment, and now they’ve become regular names.” The coach says the inclusion of both overseas-based players and local talents reflects Fiji’s growing rugby league depth. He highlighted the development of players coming through the domestic system, noting that the pathway is starting to deliver results. Kativerata also pointed out the efforts of players who have worked tirelessly to earn their spot in the national team setup. “You’ve got a young kid from Fiji, Keresi Maya, who’s done well for himself to be part of our programme. There’s a lot of kids in our squad, and we want to introduce them.” Kativerata says the focus isn’t only on producing elite athletes but also on shaping good people. He believes the lessons and discipline learned in camp will help the players both on and off the field. The coach added that these experiences would define their careers and their character long after the tournament ends. The Fiji Bati will open their Pacific Bowl campaign against the Cook Islands this Saturday at 5pm in Papua New Guinea. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Glasgow stun Koge with two late goals to progress in Europa Cup
It looked like City’s hopes of a comeback had been extinguished after just three minutes when, as she did in the first leg, Mille Gejl opened the scoring for Koge. The former Crystal Palace midfielder took a short corner to Rikke Madsen and latched on to her fellow Denmark international’s cutback from the byeline before steering her low drive into the far corner from just inside the penalty box. However, City were pinging the ball about far quicker than in the first leg in Denmark and were back level on the night within six minutes. Captain Amy Muir set Nicole Kozlova down the left wing and the former Koge player’s low ball into the penalty box was fired home by strike partner Abby Harrison. A couple of fine saves from goalkeeper Lee Gibson denied the visitors before City were back level on aggregate on 25 minutes when Emily Whelan headed powerfully home after left-back Muir crossed to the back post. City’s joy only lasted two minutes as veteran former Manchester City and Denmark forward Nadia Nadim turned in from the left wing and sent a right-foot drive looping over Gibson and into the far corner. Glasgow were ahead again on the night when Harrison rose with the visiting goalkeeper to meet a Lisa Evans corner and the ball deflected off Emma Pelkowski and into her own net. Fellow midfielder Sarah Thygesen pounced on an Emma Brownlie error to slot what looked like a killer strike for the Danes six minutes from normal time. However, Brownlie made amends by rising to meet another Evans corner and level the score on aggregate as the game entered added time. Just when it looked like extra time might be needed, Lisa Forrest headed a cross from fellow substitute forward Sofia Maatta over the stranded goalkeeper to signal joyous scenes among the home support.
Luke Littler’s hot streak continues as he wins Players Championship 32
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Luke Littler’s hot streak continued after the teenage sensation added the Players Championship 32 to the World Grand Prix he won on Sunday. Littler toppled Dennie Olde Kalter 8-2 in the final in Wigan, producing his 10th 180 of the tournament and lifting his average to 110.73 in the process. It was the 18-year-old’s first Players Championship title of the season and the triumph secured his place at next month’s Players Championship Finals in Minehead. Littler has also won the World Championship, UK Open and World Matchplay this year and when asked if he felt unstoppable, he replied: “I definitely do. “At the start of the day it’s never the best, you’ve just got to get past those early stages. “Then when it comes down to the last 16 and quarters, that’s when it turns nitty-gritty. I’m very happy with today (Wednesday). “I’m very exhausted but happy to have come away with a win. I did the Grand Prix and then the youth, yesterday and today. “Minehead was always at the back of my mind. On my social media some people said I’m not going to make it, but I’ve won it today. “I’ve been playing for 10 or 11 days non-stop so I will have a well-deserved break this weekend and then I will be back for the Europeans.”