AGP Executive Report

Super Rugby Buzz: Olympic gold medallist Leone Nakarawa is coming home to join the Fijian Drua for the 2027 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season, bringing 68 Fiji Test caps and a reputation for game-changing offloads. Rugby League Pathways: Fiji has officially signed on to the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, with a $250m Australian-backed push aimed at safer community and school competitions and Pacific-led talent pathways. Schools Netball: The Crest Fiji Secondary Schools Netball Championship is underway at Jai Narayan College, with organisers focused on strengthening the pathway into Netball Fiji. Schools Rugby (Deans): Former Fiji U20 captain Andrew Durutalo says Fiji’s school rugby system needs a full revamp to better develop and retain players through the national pathway. Netball Exposure: Naitasiri Under-15 netball players gained valuable experience at the Suva M-PAiSA Netball Fiji Rally, learning from stronger school sides. Hockey Debut: Kalabu Secondary School makes its debut in the Fiji Secondary Schools Hockey Championship in Lautoka, fielding U16 boys and girls teams. Local Business & Payments: BRED Bank customers can now pay directly at M-PAiSA QR merchants using the BRED Fiji Connect app. Festival Economy: Hibiscus Festival 2026 stall demand is surging, with only a handful of spaces left for the Albert Park event.

Banking & Payments: BRED Bank Fiji customers can now pay directly from their bank accounts at M-PAiSA QR merchants using the BRED Fiji Connect App, cutting out extra steps like transferring money into a mobile wallet and opening access to 6,500+ QR counters nationwide. Rugby League Partnership: Fiji has officially joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership after PM Sitiveni Rabuka and Youth & Sports Minister Jese Saukuru signed the Statement of Intent in Parliament, with ARLC Commissioner Peter Beattie in Suva; the deal targets schools, safer community competitions, talent pathways and elite growth. OFC Football: OFC Men’s Champions League 2026 is down to the semis in Fiji: Auckland City meet Rewa and Galaxy face Central Coast, with the final set for Saturday and both semis free on FIFA+ via DAZN. Super Rugby Move: Leone Nakarawa is returning to Fiji to join the Fijian Drua for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, bringing Olympic gold and big-game experience. Deans U18 Spotlight: The new Deans U18 third-place playoff is set for Suva, with Ra High taking on Nasinu Secondary. Community & Culture: The Hibiscus Festival is ramping up as stall demand surges, with only a handful of spaces left for the Aug 29–Sep 5 run at Albert Park. Legal Update: Fiji’s High Court ordered the return of seven devices seized from journalist Charlie Charters, though the wider matter may still face appeal.

Pacific Rugby League Partnership: Fiji has officially joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership after PM Sitiveni Rabuka and Youth & Sports Minister Jese Saukuru signed the Statement of Intent in Parliament, linking Fiji with Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga and backed by a $250m Australian investment for school and grassroots pathways. Super Rugby: Leone Nakarawa is coming home to join the Fijian Drua for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, bringing Olympic gold and 132 pro matches of experience. OFC Champions League: The OFC Men’s Champions League 2026 semi-finals are set in Ba, with Auckland City vs Rewa and Galaxy vs Central Coast, ahead of a free-to-watch final on FIFA+. Deans U18: The new third-place playoff is on the cards as Ra High School and Nasinu meet in Suva, with the wider Deans finals schedule packed for Saturday. Rugby league talent watch: Fiji Bati coach Mick Potter is tracking rookie centre Solomone Saukuru after his NRL debut double, while also looking ahead to World Cup squad decisions. Arts & community: The Hibiscus Festival is nearing full stall capacity at Albert Park, with organisers capping BBQ stalls to broaden food variety. Sports spotlight: A charity golf tournament raised about $35,000 for the Fiji Blind Society, with juniors and community singers involved. Legal update: Police have returned all seven seized devices from journalist Charlie Charters following a High Court order, though the wider case may still be appealed.

Pacific Rugby League: Fiji has officially signed on to the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, joining PNG, Samoa and Tonga. The $250m Australian government-backed plan (part of a wider $600m push) will fund school rugby league, grassroots competitions, and youth/violence prevention programmes, with the first NRL and NRLW matches planned for Pacific island nations. Women’s Rugby: Vodafone Fijiana XV showed improvement in Lautoka but fell 29-22 to Springbok Women, ending a 2-0 series sweep; Fiji now shifts focus to a Japan Test on Sept 4 and the WXV Challenger in Hong Kong. Cricket: Cricket Fiji Super 8 raised the stakes with bigger prizes and team support; Moce won the 2026 title after a tighter, more competitive tournament. Sport Pathways: Men’s netball momentum continues as Suva pushes attacking structures and patience, with the MPaisa Central Rally feeding into the Olympic pathway and the 2028 Men’s World Cup. Local Courts & Media: Fiji High Court ordered the release of seven devices seized from journalist Charlie Charters. Community & Culture: Suva Muslim Primary School kicks off its 100th anniversary celebrations with a four-day carnival featuring free services, food stalls, and student activities including “movie mania.”

Court & Media: Fiji High Court ordered the release of seven electronic devices seized from British-Fiji journalist Charlie Charters, after the DPP agreed the devices should have been returned following a stay of proceedings. Community & Radio: Suva Muslim Primary School’s 100th anniversary is set for a four-day carnival with LegendFM and other stations signing an MOU, bringing free services, screenings, halal food stalls, and student events including “movie mania” and netball. Youth Sport Pathways: Deans semi-final focus continues as Lelean Memorial School’s U19s chase the final against Navatu, while Nasinu’s coach blamed discipline and execution for a 32-7 loss. Netball Momentum: Men’s netball in Fiji is building pace with more young players and stronger school-level involvement ahead of the MPaisa Central Rally. Rugby League Future: ARLC reaffirmed long-term plans for rugby league in Fiji, stressing school and competition pathways as the Pacific Rugby League Partnership is set to be signed. Commonwealth Games Rewards: Fiji Government announced cash incentives for Glasgow medalists—Taniela Rainibogi ($15,000) and Jasmine Daunakamakama ($5,000).

Fijiana Rugby: South Africa’s coaching staff say Fiji forced them to adapt in a hard-fought Lautoka Test, praising Fijiana’s offloading and a strong start before debutant Maria Tshiremba helped secure a 29-22 win and the Ubuntu–Bula Trophy. Commonwealth Games Rewards: Fiji Government cash incentives are in for Team Fiji’s Glasgow medalists—Taniela Rainibogi takes $15,000 for gold in weightlifting and Jasmine Daunakamakama earns $5,000 for bronze in boxing. Boxing Governance: Boxing Commission of Fiji chairman Adi Narayan’s term has expired, with an expression of interest process expected, as debate continues over overseas fight releases and compliance with the Boxing Act. Netball Pathway: Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School is using the MPaisa Central Rally as a stepping stone for Fiji Secondary Schools Netball Nationals, with Under-19 players gaining Open-grade exposure. Surfing Spotlight: Fiji Pro 2026 at Cloudbreak opens with a historic local women’s wildcard—Te’a Kurop earns the spot after trials, joining a strong young Fijian contingent. Independence Day in Fiji & Beyond: India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations rolled across time zones, with Fiji the first country to unfurl the Indian flag as part of the Suryapath Tiranga relay. Cricket: Moce end a nine-year wait, winning the Cricket Fiji Super 8 final by 45 runs over Komo at Albert Park. Arts & Entertainment: Halle Berry marked her 60th birthday with bold, see-through holiday looks shared from Fiji, while the West End musical adaptation of The Greatest Showman is set for Spring 2027 at London’s Drury Lane.

Fijiana vs Springboks: The Vodafone Fijiana XV may have lost 29-22 in Lautoka, but South Africa’s coaching staff say Fiji forced them to adapt with a sharper offloading game in a “proper Test match,” setting up a next clash against the Black Ferns in Johannesburg. Commonwealth Games rewards: Fiji’s Government handed cash incentives to Team Fiji medalists—Taniela Rainibogi $15,000 for gold in weightlifting and Jasmine Daunakamakama $5,000 for becoming the first Fijian woman to win boxing bronze. Boxing Commission shake-up: Boxing Commission of Fiji chairman Adi Narayan’s term has expired, with an expression of interest process expected—while the wider debate over overseas fights and releases continues to simmer. Independence Day, Fiji-first: India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations went global with the “Suryapath Tiranga” flag relay, and Fiji made history as the first country to unfurl the Indian national flag at India House in Suva. Surfing milestone: Fiji Pro 2026 at Cloudbreak (Aug 25–Sep 4) will feature Fiji’s first female wildcard, Te’a Kurop, flying the flag in the women’s division. Local sport finals: Lelean Memorial School return to the Deans U18 final after a 12-year wait, while Moce ended a nine-year cricket title drought with Super 8 glory.

Fiji Sports Spotlight: Lelean Memorial School are back in the Vodafone Deans U18 final after more than a decade, beating Nasinu 32–7 and setting up a title clash with Suva Grammar at HFC Bank Stadium next Saturday. Cricket Glory: Moce ended a nine-year wait by winning the 2026 Cricket Fiji Super 8 final, beating Komo by 45 runs at Albert Park in Suva. Rugby Culture: A fresh Suva Albert Park matchday story captures how rugby unites Fiji communities, from standing crowds to the buzz around provincial clashes. Local Arts & Community: A Labasa mother turned grief into a business, launching Bano’s Creation Hamper to support healing and raise her children with confidence. Boxing Governance: Fiji’s Boxing Commission leadership is in focus after Adi Narayan’s term expired, with calls for new appointments and scrutiny over overseas fight releases. Independence Day in Fiji: Fiji made history as the first country to unfurl India’s flag for India’s 80th Independence Day, kicking off the Suryapath Tiranga relay from Suva.

India–Fiji Cultural Ties: Fiji was first to unfurl the Indian national flag for India’s 80th Independence Day “Suryapath Tiranga” relay, with the Indian High Commission in Suva kicking off the east-to-west journey. Fiji Arts & Lifestyle: A Fiji kava hunt story spotlights how to find “real” yaqona beyond tourist gift shops, with a local host promising village-style kava. Sports Spotlight: Education Minister Aseri Radrodro backed schools in today’s Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union Super Deans semi-finals, urging discipline and sportsmanship. Local Boxing Drama: Former Fiji boxing president Lepani Wilson called for the Fiji Boxing Commission chair to resign after a reported overseas bout release dispute. International Celebrity in Fiji: Oscar winner Halle Berry marked her 60th birthday on a Fiji getaway, posting bold sheer-look photos and defiant captions. Regional Football Growth: OFC Pro League clubs were all approved for a second season, with Fiji’s South Melbourne FC among the licensed teams.

Fijian Rugby: Sereana Maragi has been named in the Vodafone Fijiana XV squad for Saturday’s second Test against South Africa at Churchill Park, with Fiji retaining the core of the opening-Test side as they look to respond after last week’s defeat. Pacific Sports Development: The U.S. Embassy in Suva has brought USA Football coaches Joshua Saunders and world champion Nadia Bibbs to run flag football clinics in Suva and Nadi, aiming to build local coaching skills ahead of the sport’s 2028 Olympic debut. Regional Football: The OFC Pro League is set for a second season after all eight inaugural clubs secured 2027 club licences, with South Melbourne among the approved sides. Pacific Music: Sam V and Signature Choir dominated the 2026 Pacific Music Awards in Auckland, with Fiji’s Veikoso posthumously taking Best International Pacific Artist for “Daydream.” Arts & Culture Exchange: Fiji’s Conservatorium of Dance, backed by the VOU Foundation, is hosting a 45-member Canadian delegation for a 10-day cultural exchange in Nadi, with intensive training and shared performances. Local Governance & Law: Fiji’s High Court questioned whether a Magistrate knew of a permanent stay order when a search warrant was issued against journalist Charlie Charters, after devices were seized again following an earlier order to return them. Surfing Rights: Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum told Parliament the Surfing Act was introduced to prevent exclusive private control of Cloudbreak, arguing it protects customary fishing while opening community income opportunities.

Flag football in Fiji: World champion Nadia Bibbs wrapped up a Suva coaching push with U.S. Embassy support, training teachers and students and aiming to grow the non-contact sport ahead of its 2028 Olympic debut. Fiji sports updates: Swire Shipping Fijian Drua re-signed hooker Penaia Cakobau for 2027 after his injury-cover stint, while Malolo head into the Skipper Cup third round vs Navosa with a “treat it like a final” mindset. Fijiana squad news: Sereana Maragi earned a Vodafone Fijiana XV bench spot for the second Test against South Africa at Churchill Park. Pacific music spotlight: Sam V and Signature Choir dominated the 2026 Pacific Music Awards in Auckland, with Fiji’s international win for Daydream and multiple Fiji-linked production honours. Arts & culture fundraising: Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa’s 1,000 Friends campaign has raised $94,000 so far, with a major Off Broadway-style fundraising concert set for Aug 22. Education & exchange: Fiji’s Conservatorium of Dance, backed by VOU, continues a Canada partnership bringing young dancers to train and share across both countries. Governance in the spotlight: Fiji High Court questioned whether a magistrate knew of a permanent stay order when a search warrant was issued against journalist Charlie Charters. Investment for development: FNU and UTOF’s partnership is set to unlock over $200m for sporting facilities, student accommodation and a proposed specialist hospital in Nabua.

PNG Fashion Week: Papua New Guinean designer William Bray is using PNG Fashion Week’s vision to build pathways for local creatives, with his Maba’s Collection already showcased in Brisbane, Fiji Fashion Week and the Enga Fashion Fair. Drag & TV: A new look at Coco Jumbo and Vybe’s friendship as they compete on Drag Race Down Under vs the World asks whether loyalty helps or hurts on the global stage. Sports & scholarships: Tsunami Saipan swimmer Kouki Watanabe is heading to Arcadia University in the U.S., while U.S. coaches in Fiji run a week-long flag football clinic aimed at feeding talent into the 2028 Olympics. Dance & cultural exchange: VOU and Fiji’s Conservatorium of Dance continue to grow international links through a Canada partnership, bringing young dancers to Fiji for intensive training and shared performances. Music awards: Sam V and Signature Choir dominate the 2026 Pacific Music Awards, with Fiji Veikoso honoured posthumously. Health & community: Fiji Airways and Cure Kids Fiji expand specialist travel and screenings, reaching 819 people including 716 pregnant mothers. Arts touring: VOU’s Fijian Flying Circus lands in Australia across four cities from August 2026 to January 2027, with ticket proceeds supporting youth dance education.

Pacific Music Awards: Sam V swept the 2026 Pacific Music Awards with Best Pacific Male Artist and Best Pacific Song, while Signature Choir took Best Pacific Gospel Artist and more gongs—another big night for Fiji-linked talent. Dance & cultural exchange: VOU’s Conservatorium of Dance is building international momentum through a five-year Fiji–Canada partnership, with a 45-strong Canadian delegation training and sharing with students in Nadi. Creative touring: VOU will take the Fijian Flying Circus to Australia across Darwin, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney from August 2026 to January 2027, with ticket proceeds supporting young dancers’ education. Sports & community spotlight: Rewa FC reignited its OFC Champions League campaign with a 4-2 comeback win over Tupapa in Ba. Policy & heritage: Parliament heard debate on Fiji’s Surfing Act and Cloudbreak access, with claims it protects marine resources while opening community income. Health partnership: Fiji Airways and Cure Kids Fiji say their partnership has reached 819 people, including 716 pregnant mothers, by funding specialist travel to remote communities.

Pacific Music Awards: Sam V and Signature Choir were the big stars at the 2026 Pacific Music Awards in Auckland, with Sam V taking three gongs including Best Pacific Male Artist and Signature Choir winning Best Pacific Gospel Artist plus more. Arts & Culture: VOU’s Fijian Flying Circus is heading to Australia for four-city runs from August 2026 to January 2027, mixing aerial acrobatics, dance, drama and Fijian myths, with ticket proceeds supporting the Conservatorium of Dance. Health (Fiji Airways x Cure Kids): Fiji Airways and Cure Kids Fiji say 819 people have benefited from supported child-health programmes, including 716 pregnant mothers and 103 children, with 41 flight sectors helping specialists reach remote communities. Sports (Fijiana): Captain Kolora Lomani says Fijiana’s chemistry is strong as they prepare to bounce back against South Africa in the second Test in Lautoka, aiming to fix discipline and collision issues. Sports (OFC Champions League): Rewa FC reignited their OFC Men’s Champions League campaign, coming from behind to beat Tupapa Maraerenga 4-2 in Ba. Community & Safety: SPCA Fiji says it will lodge a police complaint over a viral video allegedly showing a teenager throwing a dog, urging people not to harm animals for social media. Rugby League (Fiji links): Fiji is yet to sign the Pacific Rugby League Partnership agreement, despite Samoa, Tonga and PNG signing last month.

Arts Tour: VOU’s “Fijian Flying Circus” is heading to Australia for a major four-city run (Darwin, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney) from August 2026 to January 2027, mixing aerial acrobatics, dance, drama and Fijian myths—ticket proceeds support the Conservatorium of Dance. Music & Culture: The 2026 Pacific Music Awards are one day away, with A.R.T and Sam V leading the nominations as finalists across 13 categories celebrate Moana talent in Aotearoa. Sports Pathways: Fiji Airways and Cure Kids Fiji say their partnership has helped 819 people, including 716 pregnant mothers and 103 children, with 41 flight sectors supporting specialist care and training across remote communities. Rugby League Deal: Fiji is still to sign the Pacific Rugby League Partnership agreement, despite Samoa, Tonga and PNG signing last month—Fiji says it will sign soon after meetings with Prime Minister Rabuka. Community Sport on TV: FBC will broadcast every Vodafone Super Deans and Weet-Bix Raluve semi-final live this Saturday across three venues, with streaming via Viti Plus and Vodafone Play. Animal Welfare: SPCA Fiji plans a Police complaint after a viral video allegedly shows a teenager throwing a dog, urging reports of cruelty and warning of legal action. Fijian Rugby News: Flying Fijians halfback Sam Wye has signed with Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.

School Rugby Spotlight: FBC is set to broadcast every Vodafone Super Deans and Weet-Bix Raluve semi-final live this Saturday, using three outside broadcast teams across Suva, Lautoka and Buckhurst Park, with streaming via Viti Plus and Vodafone Play. Venue Safety Watch: Tavua Town Council says it won’t risk lives after Garvey Park safety concerns, including stones found on the field during student competitions. Flying Fijians Update: Aaron Mauger has resigned as assistant coach, with FRU hunting a temporary replacement ahead of the Pacific Nations Cup. Rugby Talent Move: Flying Fijians halfback Sam Wye signs with the Fijian Drua for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season. MSG Cup Hold: PNGFA says it won’t assemble a 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup national team unless outstanding player and tournament payments are settled. Community & Culture: Rabuka revives his 10 Days Wellness Ministry after years of personal loss. Arts & Film: Korea Story Festival brings Korean cinema to Suva, Nadi and Labasa with free screenings. Music Buzz: A.R.T and Sam V lead Pacific Music Awards nominations ahead of the ceremony. Animal Welfare: Animals Fiji calls for police investigation after a viral Bua dog abuse video.