Nacuqu out of Friday’s Select, Vunisa in – FBC News
[Source:Coral Coast 7s Facebook] Fiji 7s rep Waisea Nacuqu has withdrawn from Mike Friday Select ahead of the McDonalds Coral Coast Fiji 7s following formal advice received from the Human Resources Director of the Fiji Police. The communication advised that, as a serving and paid employee of the Fiji Police, Nacuqu is required to return to his official duties and remain available to the Police team. Tournament organisers have acknowledged and fully respect the position of the Fiji Police, recognising that Nacuqu’s professional and future obligations must take precedence. Article continues after advertisement Nacuqu is the second Police player to withdraw from Friday’s side with Ilikimi Torosi being the first. In response, team management has confirmed that Sairuisi Vunisa has been called into the squad as a replacement. Vunisa was a standout selection in the 2024 Ambassador All Star Team, earning his place through the Rupeni Caucaunibuca selection, which he made on his own observations of a player who embodies his own explosive flair, natural power, and game-breaking ability synonymous with the his legacy. The Coral Coast 7s starts next Thursday at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka and you can watch the matches live and exclusive on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Busy year for Athletics Fiji – FBC News
Athletics Fiji has officially released its 2026 Competition Calendar, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and pivotal year for the sport nationwide. The season will get underway next Saturday, with the first sanctioned competition to be held at the HFC Bank Stadium, providing athletes, coaches, and officials an early opportunity to test form and set the tone for the months ahead. Fiji is preparing for a demanding international calendar and central to this will be the 2026 Oceania Championships in Darwin, Australia, with the national team expected to be named by the end of February. Article continues after advertisement Selection events over the coming weeks will be critical as athletes strive to meet qualifying standards and stake their claim for national representation. Beyond Oceania, the year also features major global events, including the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon, and the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar. Domestically, the calendar remains equally strong with the Fiji Secondary Schools’ Coca-Cola Championships, scheduled for late April, and will conclude with the Primary Schools’ Championships. Athletics Fiji will be using the 2026 season to deliberately build momentum towards the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
New CEO confident in Drua, finds no fault in setup – FBC News
[Source:Fijian Drua/Facebook] Fijian Drua CEO Jeff Miller believes the franchise has laid one of the strongest foundations in the professional game and says the club is well placed to rebound after an underwhelming 2025 Shop N Save Supermarket Super Rugby Pacific campaign. Miller, who arrived in Fiji six weeks ago and completed a week-long induction, says his early exposure to the organisation has reinforced his belief in the Drua’s long-term vision. With decades of experience across Australian rugby, including senior roles with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds as a chairman, CEO and coach — Miller says the Drua’s infrastructure and operating standards compare favourably with elite programs across the region. Article continues after advertisement “Look, the one thing I can say, I did come to Fiji about six weeks ago, which gave me a week of induction. And I’ve got to say, I’ve been associated with rugby in Australia through RA. I’ve been the chairman of the Queens and Reds. I’ve been a CEO and a coach there as well. And I could not fault what the team has done in its first four years.” He pointed to the franchise’s world-class training facilities and its deep engagement with the Fijian community as defining strengths that set the Drua apart in just four seasons of existence. While conceding that last year’s on-field results did not meet expectations, Miller remains confident the lessons taken from the campaign will drive improved performances in the season ahead. He says the combination of strong systems, clear identity and nationwide support has convinced him the Drua are building something sustainable and that the next phase of the club’s growth will be reflected in results. Meanwhile, the Drua are gearing up for the new season, with pre-season matches against the Chiefs in New Zealand on the 30th of this month, before taking on the Skipper Select team on February 6 at Churchill Park in Lautoka. They start the season at Churchill Park in Lautoka on the 14th of next month against Moana Pasifika. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Fijiana and NZ Development favorites for Coral Coast title – FBC News
NZ Development and China players after a warm up game ahead of the Coral Coast 7s.[Pic:Coral Coast 7s/Facebook] The Shangri-La Yanuca Island women’s division will be tightly contested at the McDonald’s Fiji’s Coral Coast 7s next week, with the Fijiana and New Zealand Development sides leading their respective groups. Defending champions, the Fijiana, are the top seed in Pool A, but they will be tested by China 1, Lilia Amazon, Aflame, and Manly Mermaids. New Zealand Development is in pool B with Pacific Nomads, Briars, China 2 and Police Blue. Article continues after advertisement Day one next Thursday will start with eight women’s and youth games before the men’s action between Drua and British Army begins at 11:40am. You can watch the Coral Coast 7s action on FBC Sports. For $99FJD, overseas viewers will not miss out on the three days of action on Viti+. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Untapped I-Taukei talent could be key to raising the standard of Badminton in Fiji – FBC News
While badminton is traditionally dominated by Asian players, Badminton Fiji representative Abel Caine believes there is an untapped pool of talent within the I-Taukei community that could help raise the standard of the sport in Fiji. Caine pointed to the recent success of former Jeremiah Rabevu College student Isimeli Nayacakalou, who claimed the C Grade title at the Badminton Fiji Open Nationals just three months after taking up the sport.He says the achievement highlights the potential that exists if more I-Taukei youths get involved. With proper training and long-term development, Caine believes Fiji has a strong chance of reaching Olympic level in the future. “I know there’s a class of i-taukei players that are just made for badminton. Slightly taller, slightly skinner, got the volleyball leap, got the basketball eyes. All we need to give them is seven years of guidance, that’s our job. Find them, guide them, and hope they can take us to the Olympics.” Article continues after advertisement However, he adds that while natural talent is abundant, players must still progress through the correct development pathways. Meanwhile, Badminton Fiji’s first major event of the year will be the Oceania Championships in New Zealand next month. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Will a grassroots side reign at the Coral Coast 7s? – FBC News
Only three grassroots clubs have won the prestigious McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s title since the tournament started in 2010. Red Rock, under the guidance of the late Lote Rasiga and with the likes of Peni Gaunimeke, Jasa Veremalua, and Jone Macilai won the title in 2010 and 2012, while Yamacia lifted the I-Wau trophy in 2013, which earned a national call-up for Semi Kunatani and later launched his international career. The third team was First Light Taveuni in 2013, and they were led by playmaker Lemeki Tulele. Article continues after advertisement Grassroots sides that have qualified for the tournament this year are Vacalea from Kadavu, Ravuka Sharks, Yaro Chiefs, Dominion Brothers, Henibua and Devo Babas. Devo Babas now have a chance to get their hands on the title as they have taken out nearly all major prizes in Fiji’s top tournaments. Police have won the men’s trophy five times, including the three in a row from 2018 to 2020. Other winners are Wardens, Army and the Fiji Babas. 13 overseas sides will challenge for the title this year, including the USA 7s, Chennai Bulls from India, Aussie Select, Japan SDS, Solomon Islands’ Uso Tasi, British Army and New Zealand Development No overseas team has been able to win the men’s title in the tournament’s history. This year’s winner will walk away with $50,000, which is the biggest prize money for a 7s tournament in Fiji. Day one next Thursday will start with eight women’s and youth games before the men’s action between Drua and British Army begins at 11:40am. You can watch the Coral Coast 7s action on FBC Sports. For $99FJD, overseas viewers will not miss out on the three days of action on Viti+. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Drua extends partnership with major sponsor – FBC News
Fijian Drua CEO Jeff Miller and Shop N Save Executive Director Nisheel Deo Kisun at today’s event. The Fijian Drua have secured a major boost off the field, renewing their partnership with Shop N Save Supermarket for a further three years. The renewed agreement will run through the 2026, 2027 and 2028 seasons and also confirms Shop N Save Supermarket’s continued role as the Naming Rights Sponsor of Super Rugby Pacific in Fiji, with the competition set to remain known locally as Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific. The extension reinforces Shop N Save’s long-standing support of the Drua and its confidence in both the Club’s growth and Super Rugby Pacific’s standing as one of the world’s premier professional rugby competitions. Article continues after advertisement A prominent member of the Drua sponsorship vuvale, Shop N Save has been a major partner since the Club’s early years in the competition. Fijian Drua CEO Jeff Miller says the renewed partnership reflects the strong connection between the two organisations and their shared fan base. “This partnership with Shop N Save Supermarket for the Fijian Drua, as well as Super Rugby Pacific as a competition, is extremely important to all of us. Drua fans are everyday customers of Shop N Save Supermarket and vice versa, and anyone walking into their stores in almost every town in Fiji can immediately see this partnership being brought to life. We’re proud of Shop N Save Supermarket’s continued investment in Fiji, including their fantastic new complex in Nausori. We look forward to working with Nisheel and the Shop N Save Supermarket Group over the next few years to bring new products and exciting promotions for our fans.” Shop N Save Supermarket first came on board as a Fijian Drua sponsor in 2022 and has remained a major sponsor since, with a strong presence on the team’s matchday kit. In 2023, the company became the Naming Rights Sponsor of Super Rugby Pacific in Fiji, becoming closely associated with the competition’s growing popularity across the country. Shop N Save Executive Director Nisheel Deo Kisun says the renewal reflects the company’s belief in Fijian rugby and what the Drua represent nationally. “Shop N Save Supermarket is proud to continue its partnership with the Fijian Drua for the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season, both as the Official Supermarket of the Fijian Drua and the naming rights sponsor of the Super Rugby Pacific competition.” As the Official Supermarket of the Fijian Drua, Shop N Save will continue to play a key role in match-day activations and fan-focused promotions, further strengthening the bond between the Club, its supporters and the wider community over the next three seasons. Meanwhile, the Drua are currently gearing up for new season with pre-season matches against the Chiefs in New Zealand on the 30th of this month before they take on the Skipper Select team next month on the 6th at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Jackson confident as Drua gear up for 2026 season – FBC News
As the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua prepare for their fourth season in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition, head coach Glen Jackson says expectations from the nation are higher than ever. After using the off-season to address weaknesses from last year, Jackson has assured fans that the players are fully focused on giving their best on the field and making the country proud. The coach acknowledges that last season was disappointing, but he says the team has done its homework over recent weeks and is ready to take the field. Article continues after advertisement “We are under no illusion that last year wasn’t our best. We made some mistakes, but we’ve put our hands up and rectified them, and we’re super excited for this year. I know this year we have good draws, and we’re excited to play in front of a great country and a great crowd. Going to Ba a few times will be exciting.” The Drua will play a pre-season match against the Skipper XV in February before opening their season at Churchill Park in Lautoka on February 14. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
From Skipper Cup to National camp, Nasalo chases Fiji 7s dream – FBC News
Lautoka Skipper Cup representative Apimeleki Nasalo is living a moment he once believed was beyond his reach, earning the opportunity to train alongside members of the Fiji Airways men’s 7s extended squad. The Dakuibeqa lad once thought his rugby journey would end at the domestic level, never imagining he would be in contention for selection for the remaining seven tournaments on the HSBC SVNS circuit. The 22-year-old says what once felt like a distant dream has now become a reality, and he is determined to make the most of the opportunity. Article continues after advertisement “I didn’t believe I’d be able to reach this far. I thought my rugby career would end at the Skipper Cup competition, and never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be selected to represent the country.” Nasalo says his motivation to support his family, especially his mother, is what drives him through the demanding training environment of the national setup. “Training is really hard here, and I know that if I truly want a spot, I’ll have to endure it because I believe there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve always been motivated by my late father, whom we laid to rest in 2025, and since it’s just me, my mother and my two kids, I know this talent can take me places and put bread on the table at home. I’ve been praying about this opportunity and will also put in the work required.” The Fiji Airways men’s 7s side are currently joint leaders on the World Series standings alongside South Africa and New Zealand. They are preparing for the Singapore 7s, which kicks off on the 31st of this month. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Lawai village backs British Army 7s – FBC News
[Source:Coral Coast 7s Facebook] The British Army side is the first overseas team to arrive for the 2026 McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s. The team is one of 13 overseas sides who will be gunning for the men’s $50,000 prize money. After arriving yesterday, the team made a special visit to Lawai Village in Nadroga. Article continues after advertisement It was more than just a visit as the warmth shown by the village was nothing short of extraordinary. Lawai, known as the pottery village, embraced the players and management as their own, welcoming them home, adopting them into the community, and pledging to cheer their new team on next week at Lawaqa Park. British Army is in pool E with Japan SDS, Drua 7s and Yaro Chiefs. Meanwhile, the true spirit of rugby was on full display as the Chinese Women’s 7s squads went head-to-head with the New Zealand Development 7s teams in high-quality preparation matches ahead of their journey to Fiji. The Coral Coast 7s starts next Thursday at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, and you can watch the action live and exclusive on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.