Ba FC: The Men in Black Aim to Restore Their Glory
When it comes to the FMF Inter-District Championship, no club carries a legacy as rich or as iconic as Ba FC. RC Manubhai sponsored Ba are the undisputed kings of the IDC, with an incredible 25 championships and 19 runner-up finishes — a record unmatched in Fijian football. As hosts at the redeveloped 4R Stadium, Govind Park, Ba step into the 2025 edition not only as contenders, but as custodians of a tournament they have dominated for decades. The Men in Black’s most recent IDC triumph came in 2023, when they defeated Suva in a dramatic final in Suva. That victory ended a five-year wait and reminded the nation that Ba’s winning culture runs deep. For the Men in Black, the disappointment of missing out has only sharpened their hunger to deliver in front of their loyal home supporters this year. Behind the scenes, the club’s leadership has been working tirelessly to restore Ba’s dominance. The Ba FC president has made it clear that nothing less than building a formidable team will do, strengthening the squad with both experienced players and young talents. To guide this mission, the club turned to former Rewa coach Rodeck Singh, a tactician with proven success in domestic football. His appointment has injected fresh ideas and discipline into the team, raising hopes that Ba can once again become the powerhouse of Fijian football. In the Extra Fiji Premier League, Ba endured a mixed season, finishing fourth on the ladder. They showed flashes of their trademark flair and resilience, recording important wins but also dropping points in crucial fixtures. While inconsistency kept them from challenging for the league title, their squad remains full of quality, making them dangerous opponents in tournament settings. Their tournament campaigns in 2025 reflected the same story. In the BiC Fiji FACT, Ba struggled to get out of the group stage, while in the Extra Battle of the Giants (BOG) they showed improvement, advancing to the semi-finals before bowing out against a strong Rewa side. Those results were below the lofty expectations of the Men in Black, but with Rodeck Singh now at the helm and the IDC staged at Govind Park, Ba’s ambitions are set higher than ever. For Ba FC, the IDC is not just another competition — it is the tournament that defines their legacy. With 25 titles already secured, they remain the benchmark against which all others are measured. Now, with their president driving a rebuild and Rodeck Singh orchestrating from the touchline, Ba FC are determined to remind Fiji why they are still the most successful club in IDC history. In the 2025 FMF IDC draw, Ba have been placed in Group B, alongside Rewa, Navua, and Nadroga. It’s a group that promises fierce battles, especially with Rewa — the side that eliminated them in the BOG — looming large as a key rival. With history, leadership, and the roar of 4R Stadium at Govind Park behind them, Ba FC will be one of the teams to watch closely in this year’s competition. The kings of the IDC have unfinished business — and their rivals know it.
Pirates managed better than some European clubs
Somebody has to show this to the Orlando Pirates chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou hasn’t held back his admiration after yet another solid performance from the Soweto giants. Following Pirates’ 1–0 Carling Knockout last-16 win over Siwelele FC in Soweto last weekend, the French-Moroccan mentor showered praise on the club’s structure and leadership. ORLANDO PIRATES SHOWERED WITH HIGH PRAISE It’s not the first time Ouaddou has spoken highly of his new employers since joining Pirates in July. The 45-year-old arrived with a reputation for professionalism and a no-nonsense approach after his short but impressive spell at Marumo Gallants, where he guided the club to top-flight survival in just 12 matches. Before that, the former Morocco captain made headlines for resigning from Congolese giants AS Vita, citing “unprofessional conditions”, which is clear a big difference to what he says he has found in Soweto. “It is one of the best clubs in Africa,” Ouaddou told journalists. “And I can tell you even in Europe, the way Orlando Pirates are working, the way the club is managed, I don’t see many clubs in Europe managed like that. So, let’s enjoy this moment.” EXPERIENCE IN EUROPE His career took him across three European countries, playing in France for Nancy, Stade Rennais, Valenciennes, Fulham in England, and in Greece for Olympiacos. Next is a trip to his former hunting grounds. Having coached Vita in Congo, Ouaddou will return to the African giant to take on the Congolese league runners-up St Lupopo in the CAF Champions League on the weekend of 17-18 October.
Rakula makes comeback for capital city – FBC News
Suva midfielder Malakai Rakula Suva midfielder Malakai Rakula will be making a comeback for his former side, Suva FC in tomorrow’s FMF Inter District Championship. The 30-year-old first started his career with Tavua before enjoying prominent stints with both Ba FC and Nadi FC where he featured in the OFC Champions League with both Western teams. Rakula’s career highlights also include being called up to the Fiji national football team in 2019 and playing professionally abroad, having signed a one-year deal with Manukau United FC in New Zealand back in 2020. Article continues after advertisement He last played for Suva during the 2022-2023 season. His re-signing will provide much-needed leadership and tactical depth as Suva prepares to face a tough Group A featuring defending champions Labasa, Lautoka, and Nadi. IDC starts tomorrow at 1.30pm in Ba. You can catch live commentary of all super premier division matches on Radio Fiji Two. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Lewis Moody’s legendary bravery on the rugby pitch can fuel MND fight
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Read more In rugby union, where physicality and bravery are pre-requisites, you have to go some to earn the nickname ‘Mad Dog’. Enter Lewis Moody. In a sport replete with warriors, the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning flanker – who this morning announced he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) – carved out a reputation as the warrior’s warrior. He is a man who would courageously and relentlessly put his body on the line for club and country – happily sticking his head where others wouldn’t even put their boot – to the extent that even fellow professionals were left in awe. “He was an absolutely fearless player – one of the best that we’ve produced,” said current Ireland coach Andy Farrell back in 2012, when his former England team-mate was finally forced into retirement through injury. “He will be remembered as mad. A fighter who has total disrespect for his own body, who only knows one way. I honestly don’t think I’ve played with another player who is that committed and cared so much for his team-mates as well.” In an interview with The Times in 2020, Moody conceded: “I was a lunatic on a rugby pitch. I did put myself in harm’s way for the benefit of my team because that was the way I enjoyed playing the game. That was the only way I could be.” Lewis Moody the rugby player, who won 71 England caps and captained them on 12 occasions, earned respect every time he stepped on the field, while Lewis Moody the human being is beloved off it. You would be hard-pushed to find anyone at any level of rugby with a bad word to say about the 47-year-old, renowned for his warmth and good humour. open image in gallery Lewis Moody won the Rugby World Cup in 2003 with England (Getty) open image in gallery He also captained his country on 12 occasions (Getty Images) As a young journalist, I interviewed Moody on what felt like almost a weekly basis as his role as an ambassador for Land Rover saw him pop up at various locations around the UK on a trophy tour ahead of the 2015 World Cup, attend youth rugby events to help develop the grassroots of the game and promote Prem Rugby’s HITZ programme that used the sport to improve the education and employability of young people. He was always friendly, generous with his time and happy to share his opinion on whatever the rugby news story of the day was. In simple terms, he is universally acknowledged as a lovely man. “He is the most wonderful human that we love to his very core,” confirmed former England and Leicester Tigers team-mate Will Greenwood on BBC Radio 5 Live after the announcement of Moody’s MND diagnosis. “It is just tragic news, because he is one of the great guys. “And I know there is no order to this stuff – how you leave this planet – but you root for the good guys. There is not a nasty bone in his body, he is the most optimistic human you can hope to find.” Greenwood went on to state that Moody had an ability on the pitch to “just turn a switch and be the most ferocious competitor”, which will be the enduring memory when rugby fans picture the blond-haired back-rower in his prime. open image in gallery Moody (right) never took a backwards step on the rugby pitch (Getty Images) open image in gallery Despite suffering from injuries that disrupted his career (Getty Images) The blurb for his own autobiography, fittingly titled Mad Dog – An Englishman: My Life in Rugby, says that Moody was “known for his near-suicidal fashion of playing the game” and there are endless stories of his commitment to the cause. He once played through a stress fracture of his leg at Leicester and battled a litany of other injuries – from knee ligament and Achilles tendon issues to foot, shoulder, hip and eye problems – throughout his career. “Having played with him, knowing how he played on through injury, showed just what a tough bloke he was,” said Farrell after his retirement. “I don’t think we actually knew the half of what he was going through at times.” By the end, Moody was basically held together by medical tape, to the extent that the second people mentioned in the acknowledgements section of his autobiography (after his mum and dad) are the “cast of hundreds, maybe thousands… of physios and medics who have helped me out of my gloom and back on to the rugby pitch and the surgeons who have rebuilt me over many years.” The ‘Mad Dog’ persona also ensured he never backed down, whether that meant becoming the first England player to be sent off at Twickenham when he got into a fight with Alesana Tuilagi after a mid-air tackle on Mark Cueto during an easy 40-3 England win over Samoa in 2005 or sparking a training-ground scuffle with team-mate and friend Martin Johnson
4R Electric Lautoka FC: Hungry to End a Seven-Year IDC Drought
For 4R Electric Lautoka FC, the 2025 FMF Inter-District Championship represents more than just another tournament. It is a chance to bring one of Fiji’s most prestigious trophies back to the Sugar City after a season that has showcased both promise and frustration. Lautoka remains one of the most accomplished football clubs in the country, and as they prepare to step onto the turf at the redeveloped 4R Stadium, Govind Park in Ba, they carry with them the weight of expectation, history, and pride. The Blues endured a mixed campaign in the Extra Premier League, finishing third on the ladder with 34 points from eleven wins, one draw, and six losses. In tournament play, Lautoka once again showed their fighting spirit but fell short of silverware. In the BiC Fiji FACT, they were unable to progress beyond the group stage, a campaign that left both players and fans disappointed after a bright start. They responded with a stronger showing in the Extra Battle of the Giants (BOG), reaching the semi-finals before bowing out to Rewa. These runs highlighted the Blues’ ability to rise for the big stage, but also underlined the fine margins that denied them a championship in 2025. Despite those setbacks, Lautoka’s record in the FMF IDC ensures they remain perennial contenders. With 18 titles and 11 runner-up finishes, they stand second only to Ba FC on the all-time winners’ list. Their last IDC triumph came in 2018, completing back-to-back wins after also lifting the trophy in 2017. For a club of Lautoka’s stature, the seven-year drought is a gap too long, and the Blues are determined to end it at 4R Stadium at Govind Park in Ba and create history. In the 2025 FMF IDC, Lautoka have been drawn into Group A, where they will battle against Labasa, Suva, and Nadi. It’s a fiercely competitive group, with the defending champions Labasa setting the standard, Suva always dangerous with their depth, and Nadi capable of springing surprises. For Lautoka, the group stage offers both a stern test and the perfect platform to prove they have what it takes to reclaim IDC glory. Though the IDC is being staged at the 4R Stadium, Govind Park in Ba, the Blues will not enjoy a home advantage. Instead, they will rely on their travelling fans and their proud tradition of excelling under pressure. For Lautoka, this tournament is about redemption, determination, and restoring their legacy. As the 2025 IDC begins, one thing is certain: 4R Electric Lautoka FC arrive with hunger, belief, and the burning ambition to end their seven-year wait for IDC silverware. They may not have lifted a trophy this season, but that makes their mission in Ba all the more compelling. For their players, their coach, and their fans, this is the moment to bring glory back to the Blues.
Picking a ‘team of the tournament’
The Springboks stuck to a policy of player rotation, and some experimentation, throughout the Rugby Championship, and still managed to walk away as champions. It’s an incredible achievement once again, with Rassie Erasmus opting to blood some new players, while building Test caps among a wider squad of more than 30 players. Springboks’ best of the best There were some ups and downs along the way, but a number of special performances also stood out. With all this in mind, we have attempted to pick a Springbok XV that could be regarded as the ‘team of the tournament’. 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 RG Snyman, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche. The selections here are not as easy as it may seem, with Damian Willemse ultimately cracking the nod at fullback after an injury disrupted Aphelele Fassi’s season. It was also a tough call in the midfield, where Canan Moodie just edges out Jesse Kriel despite the former producing a shaky performance in the final Rugby Championship game last Saturday. However, his youthful exuberance proved that he is undoubtedly best suited to specialising at 13. Damian de Allende also hardly put a foot wrong, but we have rewarded Andre Esterhuizen by picking him as our 12 after producing a series of impactful performances off the bench, where he offered incredible ‘hybrid’ value by covering centre and flank. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Cobus Reinach ultimately proved to be a dream team at halfback, while winger Ethan Hooker is rewarded for a breakthrough season. In the pack, No 8 Jasper Wiese made a stunning impact after returning from suspension, while Pieter-Steph du Toit and Siya Kolisi are the obvious other selections in the back row. Among the tight five, we feel RG Snyman enjoyed one of his best seasons to date, and so he grabs the No 4 jersey ahead of Eben Etzebeth. Meanwhile, Wilco Louw was simply unstoppable this season, and deservedly claims the No 3 jersey in this team selection. A team of winners The Springboks, who departed London on Sunday night following their 29-27 victory against the Pumas in the tournament decider over the weekend, will face Japan, France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales on their five-match tour to Europe and the UK in November. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is expected to announce his squad for the November tour in the next two weeks before the squad reassembles later in October.
Gary Neville urges UK to ‘become a team again’ amid Union flag row
Gary Neville urges UK to ‘become a team again’ amid Union flag row
Kangaroos squad for Ashes Tour – FBC News
Source: NRL The Australian Rugby League Commission has today confirmed the 24-player squad to represent the Kangaroos for the 2025 Ashes Tour. The squad, which will play in the first Ashes series in more than two decades, includes seven players who took part in Sunday’s Grand Final between Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos. The Ashes Tour will include Test matches at Wembley Stadium (October 25), Everton Stadium (November 1) and Headingley (November 8). Article continues after advertisement “This will be one of the most anticipated Kangaroo Tours in recent memory,” ARLC Chairman Mr Peter V’landys AM said. “The return of the Ashes after 22 years is not just a sporting event—it’s a celebration of Rugby League’s rich heritage and enduring rivalry between two countries. “To wear the green and gold in an Ashes series is a rare honour. It’s the culmination of years hard work, sacrifice and the reward for all that stood behind every player. “This squad will also carry the pride of a nation and the legacy of those who came before them. “For these players, their families, and the game itself, being part of an Ashes Tour will be a lifelong memory.” Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters congratulated all of the players on their selection in the squad. “The State of Origin series was highly competitive and we saw some brilliant performances from key players in the Finals Series,” Walters said. “There is a mix of youth and experience and all of them have the desire to represent their country on this stage. I cannot wait to coach this squad. “England will be a huge Test on their home soil however this squad knows what it takes to perform at the highest level and knows what it takes to win.” The squad, listed alphabetically, is as follows: Blayke Brailey * Cronulla-Sutherland SharksPatrick Carrigan Brisbane BroncosNathan Cleary Penrith PanthersXavier Coates Melbourne StormLindsay Collins Sydney RoostersReuben Cotter North Queensland CowboysAngus Crichton Sydney RoostersTom Dearden North Queensland CowboysDylan Edwards Penrith PanthersTino Fa’asuamaleaui Gold Coast TitansHarry Grant (vc) Melbourne StormKeaon Koloamatangi * South Sydney RabbitohsZac Lomax Parramatta EelsMitchell Moses Parramatta EelsCameron Munster Melbourne StormMark Nawaqanitawase * Sydney RoostersJacob Preston * Canterbury-Bankstown BulldogsGehamat Shibasaki * Brisbane BroncosLindsay Smith Penrith PanthersKotoni Staggs Brisbane BroncosEthan Strange * Canberra RaidersReece Walsh * Brisbane BroncosIsaah Yeo (c) Penrith PanthersHudson Young Canberra Raiders * Denotes debutant Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Springboks’ trophy count increases: Total tally!
The Springboks continue to rack up achievement after achievement, having just retained the Rugby Championship back-to-back for the first time in their history. Last year, South Africa celebrated winning the Rugby Championship for the first time since 2019, and the Freedom Cup (against New Zealand), while also retaining the Prince William Cup (against Wales), the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate (against Australia) and the Qatar Airways Cup. These trophies boosted an already impressive trophy cabinet, which includes four Webb Ellis Cups and the last two British & Irish Lions Series trophies (2009 and 2021), amongst others. This year, the Springboks have also retained the Freedom Cup, Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate and the Qatar Airways Cup (albeit against the Barbarians). It all adds to an incredible period of success, with Rassie Erasmus and Siya Kolisi having led the team through an unprecedented golden era. So much to celebrate for Springboks This past weekend, the Springboks clinched their second southern hemisphere title in a row for the first time following a nail-biting 29-27 victory against a determined Argentinean outfit in London on Saturday, which marked their second victory against the Pumas in a row. The result was enough to seal the the title despite the All Blacks registering a bonus-point 28-14 victory against Australia in their final match, which saw the teams finish the competition tied on 19 log points. “It’s a bit surreal, to be honest – I don’t know how to express it,” said Malcolm Marx, who scored a second-half brace to help the Boks to the win. “I’m just extremely grateful for everything that’s happened over the past couple of weeks, the lessons learned, and the victories we registered. “It will probably sink in over the next couple of days what we achieved, but that said, there’s still a lot of hard work ahead. There are still lots of aspects we can get better at. “I’m lost for words. I’m extremely grateful for the support from the fans that came out from far and wide, no matter where we played. They supported us all the way, and that’s special for the team and coaching staff. Five-match end-of-year tour awaits A group of players will depart for South Africa on Sunday and will arrive at home on Monday, while several others have joined their respective clubs and provincial unions. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is set to announce his squad for their five-match November tour before the squad reassembles later in October.
Former England rugby captain Lewis Moody reveals he has motor neurone disease
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 Former England rugby captain and 2003 World Cup winner, Lewis Moody, has revealed he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). The 47-year-old won multiple titles with Leicester and England during his 16-year playing career but admitted that he “cannot face the full implications” of having MND just yet. Fellow rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow were both afflicted by the disease which damages the motor neurons and causes weakness and wasting of the muscles. Currently there is no cure, though treatment can slow down the progression of the disease. Moody revealed that he learned about the disease after finding weaknesses in his shoulder during a training session at the gym. “There’s something about looking the future in the face and not wanting to really process that at the minute,” he told BBC Breakfast. “You’re given this diagnosis of MND and we’re rightly quite emotional about it, but it’s so strange because I feel like nothing’s wrong, “I don’t feel ill. I don’t feel unwell. My symptoms are very minor. I have a bit of muscle wasting in the hand and the shoulder. “I’m still capable of doing anything and everything. And hopefully that will continue for as long as is possible.” Moody, who has moved into high-performance coaching since retiring from playing in 2012, also released a statement explaining how he and his family will deal with the diagnosis. It reads: “I’m writing to share some tough news. I have recently been diagnosed with ALS, also known as MND. “This has been incredibly hard to process and a huge shock to me and my family. I feel fit and well in myself and I’m focused on staying positive, living life and dealing with the changes I will experience as they come. “I am being well supported by my family, friends and medical professionals and I’m truly grateful to those who, in their time, helped progress research to support others, like me, living with this disease. “Since retiring from the sport I love, and alongside my wife Annie, I’ve been able to dedicate much of the past 12 years to fundraising for The Lewis Moody Foundation in support of those affected by brain tumours. “My plan is to continue with this but to also create an opportunity to support a charity closer to my current situation. I would be so grateful for your help with this and look forward to sharing more, once I am clear on what this looks like. “For now, please know I feel your love and support; all I ask is that I am given some space to navigate this with my wife and sons, and those closest to us – but without doubt, I will continue to embrace life and grasp opportunities in the same way I always have.” open image in gallery Moody is a former England rugby captain and earned an MBE in 2004 (PA) Moody made 223 appearances for Leicester Tigers from 1996 to 2010, winning two Heineken (European) Cups and seven league titles. He then joined Bath, where he made 34 appearances from 2010 to 2012. He was awarded an MBE for services to rugby in 2004 after England’s Rugby World Cup victory. Coupled with his wife, Annie, Moody has raised over £2m for brain tumour research, providing support and care to children and adults affected by the biggest cancer killer for under 40s. Moody admitted that telling his family was the “hardest thing” he had to do. open image in gallery Moody had a 16-year playing career before retiring, spending most of it at Leicester Tigers (Getty) “It’s never me that I feel sad for,” he said. “It’s the sadness around having to tell my mum – as an only child – and the implications that has for her.” Of telling his two teenage sons, Dylan (17) and Ethan (15) about the diagnosis he added: “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. “They are two brilliant boys and that was pretty heartbreaking. We sat on the couch in tears, Ethan and Dylan both wrapped up in each other, then the dog jumped over and started licking the tears off our faces, which was rather silly.” open image in gallery Moody won the Rugby World Cup in 2003 with England (Getty) Rugby Football Union CEO, Bill Sweeney, said: “We are all deeply saddened and distressed to learn that Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. “Lewis represented England, the British and Irish Lions and his clubs Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby with both brilliance and distinction – one of the toughest and most fearless players ever to don a backrow shirt in the game, earning the respect and admiration of teammates, opponents, and supporters alike all over the world. “His contribution to rugby, both on and off the field, reflects the very best of our sport’s values. “Our thoughts are with Lewis and his family and friends at this very difficult time as they come to terms with this diagnosis and I know the