Latest news with #FlyingFijians
ABC News
11 hours ago
- Sport
- ABC News
Former rugby star Isake Katonibau appears to have won the battle to have all of Fiji's national sports reps covered by the new Work Care Bill
A push by former Fiji 7s and Flying Fijians player Isake Katonibau to have all the country's international athletes covered by the Work Care Bill looks to have succeeded. A founding director of the Stonewriters Group, that was formed in part to assist rugby players who were struggling post retirement, Katonibau says all the country's top sportsmen and women while giving their best for the nation, are also working, and that should be reflected in the bill. The legislation is currently going through parliament, and the Ice Man as he was known during his playing days, told the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs that national athletes have earned the right to government assistance. He says there should be financial help available for those in retirement in particular, and assistance with education and health issues too. Isake Katonibau missed out on an Olympic 7s gold medal in 2016 because of injury, and now he is dedicated to fighting hard for all of Fiji's national reps to be better rewarded for their sporting dedication.
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Flying Fijians turn up tempo as Fiji teams dominate Oceania rugby meets
Fijiana player Biutoka Kacimaiwai on the attack against Tonga at the Oceania Women's Rugby Championship game, at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka on Friday. Photo: Kirk Corrie/Oceania Rugby The Fijians have dominated in two Oceania rugby tournaments they competed in at the weekend. In the Oceania Under-20 Rugby Challenge, the Fiji under-20s team retained their title for another year when they swept through the event undefeated. Having recorded earlier wins against both Tonga and Canada in the past seven days, the junior Flying Fijians turned up the tempo once again to beat Samoa 48-16 in the final game of the challenge series in Nadi on Saturday afternoon. That came at the back of an impressive victory by the Fijiana women's team, over Tonga, in the opening match of the Oceania Women's Rugby Championship on Friday. Fijiana, Fiji's national women's rugby team, proved too strong for Tonga 59-15 in Sigatoka in their opening game. In another strong display, the junior Flying Fijians proved too strong for the junior Manu Samoa team to win the final match of the challenge series. Ratu Aporosa Lalabalavu led the onslaught with a hat-trick at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on Saturday afternoon. The strong and fast winger led Fiji's dominant attacking display, crossing the line three times. The hosts led 17-8 at halftime, with tries coming from Lalabalavu, Marika Koroi and Ratu Apenisa Naevo. Members of the Fiji Under-20s men's team singing the Fijian national anthem at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on Saturday, before their game against Samoa Under-20. Photo: Oceania Rugby There were further tries from Lalabalavu, who claimed two more, Bogidrau Kikau, Isoa Koroinawai and a penalty try that was awarded to the team. Samoa responded with tries to Peneli Opetai and Josh Fuimaono, while winger Christian Lealofi added six points through the boot. In an earlier game on Saturday, the Canadian team overpowered Tonga 50-27. The Canadians kept the Tongans under pressure throughout the game, with Daniel Lucic scoring a double. Other tries were scored by Angus Dewar, Morgan Di Nardo, Coen Quinn, Kohl Kletke, Josh Du Toit, plus a penalty try. Tonga also scored five tries through a double from Sinaipa Langi, plus one each from Sione Valevale, Siua Vaitai, and Tiseni Afu. On Friday afternoon, the Fijiana side started their defence of the Oceania title with a well-earned win over the Tongans at Lawaqa Park. For their part, the Fijians showed their dominance, running in a total of 11 tries. It was a display the Fijians were proud of, with captain Alfreda Fisher stating after the game it was good to have a win in the opening match but hinted they still could have played better. "It's an honour to represent Fiji in front of our fans," she said. "Thank you to the Tongan team for the good match. We maintained discipline and the girls gave their best today. "While there were a few things we could improve on, we'll take lessons from this and work hard ahead of the next game." Fijiana's Rusila Nagasau has a run against the Tongans at the Oceania Women's Rugby Championship game. Photo: Kirk Corrie/Oceania Rugby Tonga's Lofa XV showed a lot of promise, featuring majority of locally-based players. Captain Tonga Tuiaki said she was proud of the players, most of whom made their debut for the Friendly Islanders. "The game was physical at first, but we're just proud of the girls and appreciate the chance to play against Fiji," she said. "I am proud of all the girls. Most are locals and it was an honor to represent our families and country. We'll work on our physicality and are looking forward to our next match against Samoa." The second round of the tournament will take place on Tuesday, with the Lofa XV taking on Manusina XV of Samoa. The Vodafone Fijiana made a powerful statement in their opening match of the Oceania Women's Rugby XV Championship, overwhelming Tonga 54-5 in a dominant display at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. Fijiana debutant Litiana Vueti was among the scorers, marking her first cap with a memorable try, while Loraini Senivutu bagged a double, along with Josivini Naihamu, who also claimed two tries. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
"Celebration and reflection"
Waisea Nayacalevu of Fiji leads his teammates as players of of Fiji perform the Cibi prior to the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Australia and Fiji at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on September 17, 2023 in Saint-Etienne, France. Photo: World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images The former Flying Fijians captain, Waisea Nayacalevu, has announced his retirement from test rugby. Nayacalevu, 33, made the announcement through the Fiji Rugby Union in Suva on Wednesday. He made his international debut in 2012 and went on to earn 43 caps for the Flying Fijians, becoming a fan favorite for his powerful runs, defensive prowess, and inspirational leadership. He captained Fiji at the 2023 Rugby World Cup and Fiji famously beat Australia 22-15, the first time they had beaten the Wallabies in 15s for nearly 70 years. Nayacalevu was also involved in a spat with the union after he alleged corruption in the ranks. In a tell-all with the Daily Mail, he made claims including that the team almost boycotted the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match against England because they weren't paid what was "promised" to them by the union. The union said it engaged the services of I. Naiveli & Co Chartered Accountants to conduct an investigation, and no players came forward with evidence of corruption. Waisea Nayacalevu of Fiji leads the Cibi during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Wales and Fiji at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux on September 10, 2023 in Bordeaux, France. Photo: World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images Before earning his test caps, Nayacalevu was also a key member of the Fiji sevens team. "Today is a day of both celebration and reflection - a day I never imagined would come so quickly when I first wore the white jersey of Fiji back in 2012," he said. "After more than a decade representing my country, my family, and myself on the rugby field, I stand before you to announce my retirement from international rugby. "This is not an easy decision - because rugby has been more than just a game to me. It's been my passion, my purpose, and my teacher. "It has taken me around the world, allowed me to form lifelong bonds, and given me the honor of standing shoulder to shoulder with warriors who bleed for this nation." Nayacalevu thanked his team-mates, saying they had "become my brothers". "We've shared sweat, pain, joy, and glory together. I'll carry those memories forever. "To the coaches and staff who believed in me and helped shape me into the player and man I am today - vinaka vakalevu." Waisea Nayacalevu of Fiji celebrates after he dives in to score a try against Wales Photo: PHOTOSPORT Nayacalevu said he owed a lot to his family, and also paid tribute to the fans. "To the people of Fiji - thank you for your endless love. Whether it was a roar from the crowd at home, a flag in the stands overseas, or a quiet word of encouragement - I felt your pride every time I stepped onto the field." FRU Board chairman John Sanday, said Nayacalevu was a true Fiji rugby ambassador "on and off the field". "His dedication, skill, and leadership have inspired countless young players across the nation," Sanday, a former Flying Fijian himself, said. "While we will miss seeing him in the white jersey, his legacy will live on." Flying Fijians head coach, Mick Byrne, also acknowledged Nayacalevu. "Waisea has been an inspirational captain for many years. Leading them through a successful 2023 [Rugby World Cup]," Byrne said. "It was a pleasure to work with Waisea over the past season. He was very supportive and a strong voice for the players." Nayacalevu will continue playing club rugby in France for Nice. He is expected to play in France's third tier, Pro D2, having played previosuly for Ospreys in Wales, plus Stade Français and Toulon in France.
ABC News
29-05-2025
- General
- ABC News
Isoa Nasilasila turns league rejection into Fijian Drua history
Isoa Nasilasila didn't get picked for his school rugby league or AFL team so he gave union a shot and fast forward to now, he's about to become one of the first Fijian Drua players to reach 50 caps. We hear about his visits home to Fiji as a kid, a special Super Rugby debut in front of his family and what it was like to beat the Wallabies at the World Cup for the Flying Fijians. Posted 12m ago 12 minutes ago Thu 29 May 2025 at 8:43am
ABC News
15-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Fiji Rugby makes landmark decision to appoint former national team player Koli Sewabu as CEO
The Chairman of Fiji Rugby, John Sanday, says the union has taken an historic step by appointing former Flying Fijian, Koli Sewabu, as their chief executive. Sewabu, who won 27 caps and played for Fiji at the 1999 World Cup, has been appointed on an interim basis for the next six months, after the FRU parted ways with the previous CEO, Rovereto Nayacalevu. But it looks very much as if the job is there for the taking, if Sewabu measures up to the faith that the board have put in him. In the past the role of CEO has invariably gone to someone with a management background, but John Sanday says they have turned to a former player to lead the union in a new direction. And now the aim is to raise performance standards on and off the field, to match those of the world's leading rugby countries.
