Rugby

Nairau and Kneepkens set for debut

Akuila Cama Deputy News Manager [email protected]

September 17, 2026 1:29 pm

[Pic:Fiji Rugby/Facebook]

Two players are expected to make their Fiji Water Flying Fijians debut this weekend in Japan in the Pacific Nations Cup final.

Head Coach, Senirusi Seruvakula, has named prop Vilikesa Nairau and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens on the bench for the PNC final clash against Japan.

Elia Canakaivata has come in at number eight for Isoa Tuwai while Caleb Muntz starts at fly-half and Isaiah Armstrong Ravula shifts to fullback.

Tuidraki Samusamuvodre replaces the injured Kalaveti Ravouvou at 12 and Virimi Vakatawa moves to outside center.

Article continues after advertisement

The Flying Fijians play Japan on Saturday.

 

CDD warns Constitution timeline endangers elections

Rental operators seek clarity on insurance cover

Farmers warned of prolonged dry spell

Court refuses bid to delay Panapasa trial

Civil society seeks Vuvale role

Constitution report to be tabled at special sitting

Six foreigners charged with money laundering

Robbery suspects to seek bail today

Referendum, new Constitution possible by year end

New Zealand’s Labour proposes visa-free Pacific travel

HIV response faces critical staff shortage

Nairau and Kneepkens set for debut

Support acts quit Ed Sheeran tour in solidarity with Macklemore

Team chemistry important says Krishna

Canadian director debuts Alzheimer's film at Toronto festival

Saudi airstrikes hit Yemen as Houthis launch drones at Saudi cities

Netflix 'Monsters' features Lizzie Borden in new season

Derenalagi, Vakatawa and Valetini extends Drua stay

Prada connects Milan stores, adds exclusive client services

King Charles responds to criticism from Princess Diana's brother

Council condemns non-refundable deposit

AI rivalry hangs over Trump-Xi talks

Coach Auvary focuses on recovery

New 'Sense and Sensibility' film highlights sisterhood themes

Nepal flood: Thousands missing weeks after disaster

Social media puts more lives at risk

Waterborne disease risk remains

Baby Kulas 2027 World Cup dream ends

Health funding gaps disrupt services

New technology to combat avoidable blindness

Google building support centre in Natadola

Upgraded Labasa Gas Crematorium reopens

Funeral arrangements confirmed for Singh

Eight children among 21 killed after war-damaged Gaza building collapses

Consumer council warns over ‘Music Lollipops’

Australia, NZ travel chiefs join TAG

Young men dominate major crime categories

Health officials warn against social media shaming

Vandalism threatens future Ba Park projects

35 Fijians backed for business startups

Home games set to inject $130m into economy

Panthers out to reclaim title

Drug exhibit missing from High Court

Nadi Rugby final and Skipper Cup live on TV

Four arrested in separate drug raids

FHRADC demands rights-based HIV emergency response

39 sexual offence charges filed last month

Music awards is invite-only event, says FIPRA

Pacific Media Summit returns after 14 years

Suicide hike warned of as festive season nears

Children to gain life-changing support

Overseas study must benefit Fiji: Raj

Cardiac care to include adult patients

Solomon Islands first up for Bula Boys

Silktails visit schools in Namosi

U15 squad for OFC development tournament named

Rabuka defends Wise appointment

SEEP calls for stronger electoral reform safeguards

Tourism grant boosts employment in Rakiraki

Vuo Health Centre to boost rural care

Tamanivalu in, Ravouvou out

Bula Boys ready for MSG Prime Minister’s Cup

Messi called up by Argentina to make farewell appearance

Ba council chair relieved of duties

Ba assault accused charged

100 solar streetlights donated to Fiji

Skipper Cup leaders face Nadroga

Fiji Pearls beat Cook Islands

Australia partnership sparks skills concern

HIV declared a national emergency

Father Law Home appeals for urgent support

Government targets ageing coconut plantations

Land lease issues pushing Indo-Fijians to Australia

Three new permanent secretaries appointed

FTUC pays tribute to Singh

$100K home gone in flames

Agriculture must drive economic growth, says PM

Police turn to CCTV to track crime hotspots

Election officials training begins nationwide

$1.1 million support for CWM eye clinic

Ageing infrastructure puts pressure on government

Crunch time for Skipper Cup

Thelma & Louise musical debuts in London

MSG Prime Ministers Cup brings region together through sport

Japanese film highlights untold stories of girls orphaned by war

1,000 Google scholarships offered to Fijians

Bush fire destroys home

Former cop jailed

Baby Kulas one game away from history

Tavua supermarket destroyed

Bob Mackie, fashion designer for the stars, dies at 87

The Pitt and Hacks contend for top honours at Emmy Awards

Silence costing men their lives

Ministry reviews electricity laws

Women’s groups question Wise appointment

WAF seeks $500 million for water projects

Guangdong eyes Fiji for trade and investment

Houthis attack Saudi Arabia as Gulf-Iran talks are postponed

British rock band Oasis announce 38-date tour in 2027

Eight home games for Drua next season

Houthis launch new attack on Saudi Arabia as Gulf talks delayed

Oprah Winfrey brings live AHA shows to Las Vegas Sphere in 2027

Prasad seeks permanent halt to criminal case

Mara appointed Foreign Affairs and External Trade Permanent Secretary

Lautoka turn focus to Tailevu

Buadromo named IOC Believe in Sport Ambassador

Vakalalabure seeks leave to amend court application

London plant lovers adopt cuttings from Barbican Conservatory

Mental toll rises with migration

Youth urged to apply for grants before October

Trump downplays report of China link to Iran attack on US troops

Gibney premieres Musk documentary at Toronto festival

Syria fuel price hikes trigger widest protests since Assad fall

Man dies in Rakiraki crash involving school bus

Singh’s parliamentary seat to remain vacant

Paris cheers the power of Celine Dion

Prince Harry’s children change UK schools over security concerns

Government steps up El Niño preparations

Local referees receives certificates

Funding details unclear under Vuvale Union

Private GPs seek bigger role in healthcare

WAF reports 97 percent water access

Ministry moves to improve project delivery

Water catchments assessed in Kadavu

Ba church upgraded as evacuation centre

Ferry and passenger boat accidents in Southeast Asia

Cox debuts true crime film at Toronto festival

Durutalo returns home to lead Fiji Rugby men’s high performance

Eye disease hits younger Fijians

Ministry on alert as dry season threatens water supply

Businesses embrace sustainability ahead of PMIBA 2026

Ba expands parking capacity

Raj Pharmacy expands service

Trio plead guilty over fatal shooting at street brawl

Alan Jones allegedly wanted to kiss athlete 'all night'

Nausori man charged over alleged Facebook scam

Prasad’s case put on hold

Pacific struggles to attract green investment

Agni Deo Singh remembered for service to workers

Art Garfunkel considering quitting the US

Abused mum 'sorry' for slaughtering, cutting up husband

Nasilasila faces disciplinary hearing

Defending champions set to meet Drua in Suva

Lives at risk amid suicide prevention gaps

Defence moves to halt Prasad’s case

Government tightens oversight of climate funding

Rebel Wilson returns to Toronto with new film Girl Group

Police Bill raises fear for Narewa Villagers

New Waiqele Health Centre nears completion

Decade-long dream finally comes true

Nepal tunnel survivor finds solace in village homecoming

Senior finance official faces intimidation charge

Punja granted bail in drug case

Man to front court for posting drug sale in chat group

Pacific women face rising violence

Motorcyclist dies after striking pothole on highway

Son of prominent businessman to front court

$60m hotel investment underway in Nadi

Levuka crematorium restored after 10 years

Raikoso eyes World Cup opportunity

HIV situation could become difficult to manage

National Achievement scholarship awards to increase

Fiji rethinks social media ban

Major step taken to protect Levuka’s heritage

From high school friends to law graduates

Ba FC claims 18th BOG title

Tourism industry supports national HIV response

Japan boosts Fiji Police, maritime security

Young volunteers lead Suva point clean-up

Fijiana XV end losing streak against Spain

Seaqaqa FC creates history

We have to improve says Suva Rugby head coach

Call for safe pathways for children leaving residential care

56,000 children screened for heart problems

CCTV alert leads to Suva burglary arrest

Female trainee makes RFMF history

Youngest daughter makes mother proud

Teaching children to recognise abuse

Ro Teimumu rejects Chaudhry’s election claim

Fiji recyclers contribute to Pacific waste policy workshop

Condolences pour in for late Employment Minister

Begg to miss BOG final

Army Rugby League win in extra time, through to semifinals

Flying Fijians power past Canada to reach PNC final

Fire breaks out at a Tavua supermarket

FMA calls for urgent workforce planning

Micro-qualification grant ends

QEB break-in case adjourned

Taxi drivers raise safety concerns

Nasinu falls to Delta Tigers

Teen allegedly contracted to surveil shooting victim

Employment Minster passes away

Saudi prince seeks US support against Houthis in Red Sea

Children help shape media ban

Respiratory illness activity on the rise

Vuvale treaty raises medicine supply concerns

Wise appointed PS for Public Enterprises

Russia strikes Kyiv petrol stations with drones, two killed

Ba FC through to BOG final

Junior Kulas one win away from semi-final