AGP Executive Report

Hospitality Boom: Accor and Fiji’s Yavu Collective have signed a landmark deal to bring three hotels to Fiji—Sofitel, TRIBE and The Sebel—with Sofitel Fiji Vatu Talei (176 rooms) set for early 2027 on Denarau, designed around Fijian culture and the element of wai. Rugby Spotlight: Fiji’s Tier One status is on players’ shoulders, says former Flying Fijians captain Kele Leawere, as the expanded Nations Championship begins in July. FRU Update: The Fiji Rugby Union says it stands by its decision to part ways with Mick Byrne, despite Byrne’s claims he didn’t resign and was medically cleared. Women’s Rugby: Wallaroos lock Sera Naiqama expects a tough Super W opener against McDonald’s Fiji Drua, while Drua Women coach Mike Legge confirms Manuqalo Komaitai won’t join this season due to a British Army promotion. Pathways & Culture: The Weet-Bix Raluve girls’ rugby competition is back as a key talent pipeline, and the Girmit documentary “The Fields of Sadness” has drawn sold-out community screenings in Nadi and Ba. Language & Learning: A Ba student, Semira Douglas, wins Fiji’s Mandarin qualifier to represent the country at the Chinese Bridge competition in China.

Rugby Union Shake-up: The Fiji Rugby Union has stood by its April decision to part ways with Mick Byrne, rejecting his claims he didn’t resign and was not ill, while saying focus now shifts to upcoming Pacific Nations Cup home games. Tier One Pressure: Former Flying Fijians captain Kele Leawere says Fiji’s Tier One status only matters if players deliver consistently as the expanded Nations Championship begins in July. Nations Championship Hosting Talk: FRU CEO Koli Sewabu says Australia or New Zealand could host Fiji’s 2028 home matches, with a Fiji stadium still a longer-term dream. Women’s Rugby Pathway: The Weet-Bix Raluve Championship was launched as a cornerstone for girls’ rugby, with FRU and sponsors backing the pathway to Drua, Fijiana 7s and Fijiana 15. Local Football Funding: Navua football is calling for sponsorship ahead of the Fiji FACT in Labasa, aiming to qualify for semis after missing goals in league play. Drua Women Update: McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women will miss Manuqalo Komaitai this season as she takes a British Army promotion, with attention turning to later national team involvement. Inclusive Sport: A new wheelchair rugby push is taking shape in Fiji after a student exchange sparked the idea, with plans for national-level competition. Surf Spotlight: The Fiji Surf Pro at Cloudbreak delivered epic conditions, with Jane Seman winning the women’s title. Hospitality & Tourism: Accor signs a landmark multi-hotel deal with Yavu Collective, bringing new brands to Fiji and a second Sofitel planned for early 2027. Arts & Culture: Fiji Airways backs the Fijian Flying Circus on its first Australian tour, bringing contemporary Pacific circus to major stages.

Rugby Spotlight: Japan coach Eddie Jones broke his silence after a six-week ban and salary cut for verbal abuse of a referee, apologising while explaining he felt his team was treated unfairly. Fiji Rugby & Sport: Fiji’s inclusive rugby push gets a boost as a wheelchair rugby team is launched nationally after a student exchange sparked the idea, while Drua Women’s home games are set for live FBC Sports coverage and the Weetbix Raluve Championship kicks off this weekend. Community & Culture: Nasaseru Pool Tourism in Savusavu is being revived by community effort, bringing back a healing-pool tradition that once welcomed visitors with ceremony and music. Arts & Entertainment: Fiji Airways backs the Fijian Flying Circus on its first Australian tour, bringing a contemporary Pacific production to major stages from September to October 2026. Global Pop Culture: Love Island USA Season 8 keeps rolling in Fiji-filmed drama with new bombshells and villa updates, plus talk of a “Love Island” villa activation heading to NYC.

Fijian Drua Women on TV: FBC Sports will stream every McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women home and away match this month, starting with Western Force at Churchill Park, Lautoka, then the Brumbies at Four R Stadium, Ba—aimed at keeping fans across Fiji connected to the team’s push toward the business end of the season. Community Tourism Revival: Nasaseru Pool in Savusavu’s Wailevu East is back in focus after youth-led efforts to restart a healing-pool tourism initiative that stalled during COVID-19, with Peace Corps volunteer Emily helping reignite plans for new opportunities. Grassroots Rugby Launch: The 2026 Weetbix Raluve Championship has been officially launched at Suva Grammar School, with Fiji Rugby CEO Koli Sewabu urging schools to treat it seriously as a pathway for national reps, including growing women’s rugby. Inclusive Rugby in Auckland: Te Papapa Wolves debuted as New Zealand’s newest inclusive rugby team, welcoming players of different backgrounds, ages and sexual orientation, with a Pacific kaupapa at its core. Sports Tech in the Pacific: LiveU says it has delivered remote VAR to the OFC Pro League for the first time, bringing video assistant refereeing access to island nations. Fiji Rugby & Football News: Fiji FACT champions Babasiga Lions aim to defend their title at Subrail Park, Labasa, while Fiji Airways backs the Fijian Flying Circus’s first Australia tour. Public Health & Tourism: Fiji’s Public Health Amendment Bill review is raising concerns that clearer rules are needed on what counts as “nuisance” noise for resorts hosting entertainment events.

NRL & Identity: Fiji international and former NRL enforcer Kane Evans has come out as gay in an emotional Channel Nine interview, describing years of denial, addiction, homelessness and suicidal thoughts—and crediting support that helped him turn his life around. Fiji Rugby Pathways: Fiji Bati has named Mick Potter as head coach for the Rugby League World Cup, with the team now facing a tight four-month preparation push. Sevens Spotlight: Canada’s women’s rugby sevens team won bronze at the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Bordeaux, with Blenheim’s Breanne Nicholas playing a key role; Canada also beat Fiji in the quarter-finals. Commonwealth Games: Rugby Sevens may be dropped from the Commonwealth Games, but organisers say Pacific nations remain central to the event’s future—an issue that matters for Fiji’s medal pathways. Arts & Culture: Fiji Airways is backing the Fijian Flying Circus on its first Australia tour, blending myths and folklore with contemporary circus, while Fijian devotional music links a Sydney-born girl to her Lautoka roots through temple kirtans. Tourism Regulation: Fiji’s Public Health Amendment Bill review is raising concerns for resorts hosting entertainment, as noise rules may be too ambiguous without clearer standards. Broadcasting: FBC 2 will air exclusive free-to-air live Wimbledon coverage nightly from 10pm, bringing the tennis fortnight to Fiji viewers.

Rugby League & Identity: Fiji international Kane Evans came out as gay in an emotional Channel Nine “100% Footy” interview, describing decades of denial, addiction, suicidal thoughts and homelessness—while crediting support from the RLPA and coach Trent Robinson for turning his life around. Coaching & World Cup Prep: Former NRL fullback Mick Potter has been confirmed as head coach of the Fiji Bati for the Rugby League World Cup, with FNRL chairman Rajesh Singh saying his contract is being finalised and the team has four months to prepare. Women’s Rugby Pathways: McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women captain Bitila Tawake praised the next generation as newcomers settle into Super W, with senior players mentoring younger teammates on professionalism and life skills. Sevens Spotlight: Fiji’s trio Reapi Ulunisau, Vuiviwa Naduvalo and Terio Tamani were named in the 2026 HSBC SVNS dream teams after standout seasons in Bordeaux. Broadcast & Sport Access: FBC 2 will air exclusive free-to-air live Wimbledon coverage nightly from 10pm (29 June–12 July), bringing the grass-court spectacle to Fiji viewers. Maritime Safety: Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji has given seafarers one week to renew medical fitness certificates ahead of compliance checks. Entertainment Buzz: Love Island USA Season 8 is already stirring talk in Fiji, with bombshell Corbin Mims drawing attention for his accent and villa drama. Cultural Loss: Fiji mourns cultural icon Ratu Manoa Rasigatale, remembered for decades of work preserving and promoting Fijian culture through journalism, performance and the Pacific Harbour Cultural Centre.

Fiji in the spotlight: The Flying Fijians kick off the inaugural Nations Championship against Wales at Cardiff City Stadium on July 4, then host England on July 11 and finish against Scotland at Murrayfield on July 18, with interim coach Senirusi Seruvakula stressing “performance first” in an 11-day camp. Super W Rugby: McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women coach Mike Legge says the team must fix a slow start after a 42-29 opening loss to NSW Waratahs, with the side now turning to Western Force at Churchill Park, Lautoka (4:05pm). Sevens & netball: Fiji’s men and Fijiana both fell in Bordeaux quarterfinals, sending Fiji to 5th-place playoffs; meanwhile Fiji-born Rachael Ravoka is helping lift netball’s profile in Northern California. Culture: Fiji mourns cultural icon Ratu Manoa Rasigatale, remembered for decades of work at the Pacific Harbour Cultural Centre and on Mai TV. Entertainment: Love Island USA drama continues as contestants face backlash and exits, while Disneyland’s park-hopping rules and new Disney/Hulu releases are set for the week.

Fiji Culture Loss: Ratu Manoa Rasigatale, a respected journalist, performer and cultural leader behind the Pacific Harbour Cultural Centre, has died, remembered for decades of preserving iTaukei dance and storytelling and for his work on Mai TV. Super W Rugby: McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women coach Mike Legge says the team must fix a slow start after a 42-29 opening loss to the Waratahs, with the Drua now turning to Western Force at Churchill Park, Lautoka. Flying Fijians Camp Focus: Interim Flying Fijians head coach Senirusi Seruvakula says the Nations Championship is about “good performance first” as Fiji prepares for Wales, England and Scotland in Cardiff, with short camp time but pro players ready to deliver. SVNS Sevens Update: Fiji’s men and Fijiana both miss the semis in Bordeaux and move into 5th-place playoffs, with Fiji set to face South Africa again. Entertainment & Events: Kick Entertainment has secured franchising rights to PNG’s Wan Fire brand, linking the Suva-based Wan Fire team with a decade of event experience in Port Moresby. Local Sports Spotlight: Fire Rugby beat Lomaiviti Black 31-24 and now face Police Blues in the Escott Shield pool finale, while Ablaze Redz smash Rovers Yellow 26-2 as they target the Suva Netball Princess grade title. Streaming Buzz: Disneyland park-hopping rules are set to ease from June 9, and Hulu/Disney XD are rolling out new comedy and anime-style series.

Fiji Rugby 7s: The Fiji Airways men’s and Fijiana teams both head into Bordeaux 5th-place playoffs after quarterfinal losses, with the men to face USA and the women to meet France. Super W: McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women opened their campaign with a 42–29 loss to the Waratahs, and now turn to a home clash against Western Force in Lautoka. Local Sports TV: FBC will broadcast the Fiji Surf Pro live from Cloudbreak (June 6–14), bringing elite windsurfing to viewers across Fiji and the Pacific. Arts & Culture: Rise Beyond the Reef spotlights women weaving fashion with compassion, while a Fijian artist-curator’s “Fijians for Palestine” banner project pushes back against pro-Israeli propaganda. Fashion & Community: Tawake praises Drua coach Mike Legge for building a positive, professional squad culture ahead of the Super W opener. Entertainment (Fiji-linked): Love Island USA Season 8 is filmed in Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands, with the show’s early drama and release schedule keeping fans glued.

Waste colonialism: Fiji authorities have rejected Australia billionaire Ian Malouf’s proposed $1.4billion “Pacific ashtray” waste incinerator plan, saying the environmental impact statement didn’t meet legal and technical standards. Fijian Fashion & Purpose: Rise Beyond the Reef spotlights women weaving fashion with compassion, blending community development with cultural craft. Drua Leadership: McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women captain Bitila Tawake praised coach Mike Legge for building a positive, disciplined team culture ahead of their Super W opener. Sevens in Bordeaux: Fiji Airways men’s 7s and Fijiana both head to 5th-place playoffs after quarterfinal losses, with Fiji set to face USA and Fijiana to meet France. Surf Pro on TV: FBC will broadcast the Fiji Surf Pro live from Cloudbreak, bringing World Wave Tour action to Fiji and the Pacific. Sports Funding: Fiji’s National Sports Commission is seeking a bigger budget for Team Fiji to the 2027 Pacific Games and a new High Performance Unit. Reality TV in Fiji: Love Island USA Season 8 continues to draw huge attention, with Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands again serving as the villa backdrop.

Fiji 7s: Fiji Airways Men’s 7s beat Kenya 31-12 in their HSBC SVNS pool opener in Bordeaux, with Apete Narogo scoring a second-half double as Fiji set up another match against Great Britain. Fijiana 7s: The Fiji Airways Fijiana opened with a 24-12 win over Japan, with captain Verenaisi Bari and veteran Sesenieli Donu guiding the side. SVNS Quarterfinal: Fiji men’s 7s will face South Africa in the quarterfinal after the Blitzboks sneaked into the last eight, setting up an immediate rematch in Bordeaux. Super Rugby (health scare): All Blacks forward Wallace Sititi was taken to hospital after a head injury during the Chiefs’ win over the Reds, with the match halted and medical staff attending him. Super W: McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women opened Super W with a 42-29 loss to Waratahs in Sydney, and will host Western Force next. Football (local signings): Rewa FC confirmed Solomon Islands midfielder Don Keana ahead of Fiji FACT and the BiC Fiji tournament, with ITC steps underway. Sports funding: Fiji’s National Sports Commission is seeking a bigger budget for 2026-27, including support for Team Fiji to the 2027 Pacific Games and a High Performance Unit. Boxing rules: Boxing Commission of Fiji moves to disqualify Aisea Naicovu for the rest of the year after a foul punch while Frederick Chand was declared winner. Entertainment (streaming): Apple TV’s limited series Cape Fear is already a major streaming hit, while Love Island USA Season 8 is off to a strong start on Peacock. Music event: Wan Fire 2026 is set for June 20 in Port Moresby, with Melanesian artists including Fiji’s Mama Masalai performing.

Vodafone Cup basketball: Basketball Fiji says this year’s National Basketball Club Championship is tighter than ever, with close, low-scoring games at the National Gymnasium in Suva. Tournament push: Kaunikuila Islanders captain Osea Tuamoto is confident of reaching the final after bouncing back from an early loss, while Iconic Redz women’s captain Lynn Catanaivalu is aiming to improve set-piece and defence to qualify. Boxing rules and fallout: Boxing Commission of Fiji chair Adi Narayan says James Singh’s camp was disciplined after a scorecard incident sparked public commotion, and Aisea Naicovu has been disqualified for the rest of the year after punching Frederick Chand while he was down. Drua life after rugby + Super W focus: Samuela Tawake is building a logistics business on Ovalau and Drua Women captain Bitila Tawake says the squad will take Super W Round One “one game at a time” against NSW Waratahs. Fijiana SVNS: Fiji Airways Fijiana opened in Bordeaux with a 24-12 win over Japan, setting up another pool match tonight. Arts & media spotlight: PMN Fiji’s Pacific Mornings won Best Pacific Language Programme at the NZ Radio and Podcast Awards.

Fiji Rugby in Wales: A Cardiff pub was transformed into “The Fiji Arms” as Fiji’s rugby team and Welsh/Fijian choirs marked the countdown to the Nations Championship, with Fiji set to play home matches in the UK starting July 4. Fijiana in Bordeaux: Fiji women’s sevens opened their HSBC SVNS campaign with a 24-12 win over Japan, with Reapi Ulunisau scoring twice as the team builds momentum ahead of more pool matches. Drua & Flying Fijians momentum: Kitione Salawa’s Player of the Year haul earned him a Flying Fijians spot for the Nations Championship, while FRU unveiled three major player-welfare initiatives including the Fiji Rakavi Foundation and Life After Rugby & Sports support. Local rugby pathways: The Vodafone Deans Trophy 2026 launches this weekend, with schools urged to keep rivalry healthy and drug-free, and RKS U18 aiming to defend the title after lessons from Japan. Music & culture: “Mama Masalai” Mereani Masani confirmed she’ll perform at PNG’s Wan Fire Festival, releasing new single “Mi go” and looking to collaborate with Fiji artists. Media spotlight: PMN Fiji’s Pacific Mornings won Best Pacific Language Programme at the New Zealand Radio and Podcast Awards, celebrating two decades of Fijian-language broadcasting. Resort refresh: Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Savusavu shared a glimpse of its multi-million-dollar renewal, expanding oceanfront bures and adding a new ocean-facing fitness centre.

Rugby & Youth Sport: Kitione Salawa’s Flying Fijians call-up follows his Drua Player of the Year win, with the Nations Championship opener vs Wales set for July 4 in Cardiff. School Rugby: The Vodafone Deans Trophy 2026 kicks off this weekend, with Ratu Kadavulevu School U18s aiming to defend the title after lessons from Japan. Fijiana Sevens: Coach Richard Walker is urging the women’s side to lock in the right mindset and finish strong to avoid relegation from next season’s HSBC Women’s World Sevens Series. Sevens in France: Fiji’s men and women settle into Bordeaux Sevens camp, with Isaia Rugu set to debut and Aminiasi Tuimaba returning; all games go LIVE on FBC TV. Player Welfare: Fiji Rugby launches the Fiji Rakavi Foundation, backing education, medical support, rehab and life-after-rugby pathways for men and women. Community & Culture: “The Fiji Arms” pop-up pub in Cardiff brings Welsh and Fijian culture together ahead of the Nations Championship, featuring joint choir performances and Fijian-inspired food. Environment: Fiji rejects an Australian billionaire’s “Pacific ashtray” waste-incineration plan, citing risks around scale, imported waste, hazardous ash and public health.

Waste Colonialism: Fiji’s environment ministry has rejected an Australian billionaire’s “energy-from-waste” plan that would ship non-recyclable rubbish to Fiji and burn it in an incinerator near Nadi, citing concerns over scale, imported waste, hazardous ash and public health risks—after landowners and tourism operators pushed back. Community & Sport: Rarama Indoor Playground in Lautoka is giving families a safe, screen-free space, charging $5 per child per hour and adding community music lessons and Sunday activities. Fijian Rugby Economy: Drua CEO Jeff Miller says the club’s impact has surged, with ANZ research putting Drua’s 2025 contribution at about $108m to Fiji GDP, up 61% from two years ago. Super W Build-Up: Drua Women’s coach Mike Legge urges a strong start in their Super W opener against NSW Waratahs, focusing on collision and set-piece. SVNS Fiji on TV: Fiji’s men and women kick off the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Bordeaux with pool matches across two days, with games live on FBC TV. Drua Player Moves: Joseva Tamani is leaving the Drua again and says an announcement is coming; Isoa Nasilasila is tipped for Japan.

Waste & Environment: Fiji has rejected an Australian billionaire’s “energy-from-waste” plan to ship non-recyclable rubbish into the country and burn it at a massive incinerator near Vuda, after backlash from traditional landowners and tourism operators. The environment ministry cited unresolved concerns over project scale, imported waste, hazardous ash handling, public health risks, and knock-on impacts for tourism, while Fiji’s UN ambassador warned the coast “must not become the Pacific’s ashtray.” Rugby (Drua): McDonald’s Fijian Drua’s CEO says the franchise delivered about $108m to Fiji’s GDP in the 2025 season, up sharply from earlier estimates, framing Drua as a national economic asset. Super W (Drua): Drua Women coach Mike Legge urges a fast start in their Super W opener against NSW Waratahs, built around collision and set-piece. Transfers (Fiji football): Fiji FA’s mid-season transfer window is open, with clubs targeting key signings ahead of the Fiji FACT tournament. Sports Development (Cricket): Fiji men’s cricket faces ongoing hurdles from limited facilities and funding, with calls for a dedicated turf and more regular international fixtures. Reality TV (Love Island USA): Season 8 is back in Fiji with Ariana Madix, after pre-premiere casting controversy and rapid changes to the villa line-up.