The inaugural Nasoko Franchise Competition is about more than identifying Fiji’s next generation of rugby talent, says Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union Vice President Development, Biu Colati.

Young footballers will have the opportunity to stay active and sharpen their skills during the school holidays through the Fiji Football Academy’s School Holiday Football Programme in Ba.

Despite falling one point short in the Vodafone Deans Under-19 final, Navatu Secondary School captain Vilimone Kanawabu says the team will always be proud of what it achieved this season.

Fresh off the conclusion of the Vodafone Deans and Weet-Bix Raluve competitions, the best young rugby talent from Fiji’s four secondary school zones will now come together for the inaugural Na Soko Franchise Competition.

Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka says the Fiji Pro is more than an international surfing event, providing a major platform to showcase Fiji and create opportunities for local communities.

Captaining Nasinu Secondary School to the Weet-Bix Raluve Under-16 title was something Akosita Naibiu never thought would happen at the start of the season.

Fiji Football Association President Rajesh Patel believes the return of the Extra Battle of the Giants to Ba will provide a major boost for the tournament as the district prepares to host the event for the first time in 13 years.

Suva Grammar School Under-18 coach Epeli Osborne believes player-of-the-match Viliame Daurua’s hat-trick performance in the Vodafone Deans final is no surprise, given the young hooker’s work ethic and commitment.

Prithvi Navua FC boosted its Extra Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Stratum Rewa FC at Uprising Sports Ground.

The Flying Fijians have unveiled a 31-member squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup, with seven players in line to make their international debut.

Fresh from leading Suva Grammar School to its first Vodafone Deans Under-18 title in 21 years, captain Waisale Bolakoro has already set his sights on the next chapter of his rugby journey: representing Fiji and playing the game professionally.

The All Blacks have called up Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Jamie Hannah as injury replacements for Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord.