AGP Executive Report

Fijian Rugby Update: World Rugby funding for the Fijian Drua ends 30 June, but CEO Jeff Miller says the franchise is preparing for the shift and expects to keep competing through long-term sustainability plans. Pacific Rugby Setback: Moana Pasifika has been axed from Super Rugby Pacific 2027 after rescue talks failed to secure the funding needed to meet long-term requirements. Local Sport Spotlight: Ba chase their first Fiji FACT title since 2010 as they face defending champions Labasa in the semifinals, with Ba staying in the North to manage injuries and illness. Fiji Rugby Talent: Drua Junior Development flanker Epeli Rabaka continues a family rugby tradition after scoring in Drua’s win over Ba U-17, while Ben Volavola has signed with the Drua to add experience ahead of 2027. Entertainment (Fiji-linked): Love Island USA’s Casa Amor keeps rolling in Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands, with new bombshells entering the villa and viewers debating what teens should watch. Music/Community: Sam V and Porirua trio A.R.T lead 2026 Pacific Music Awards nominations, adding more momentum to the region’s arts scene.

Fijian Drua: World Rugby funding for the franchise ends 30 June, but CEO Jeff Miller says the club is already planning for long-term sustainability and expects the brand and commercial partners to carry it forward. Drua Signings: Ben Volavola has signed with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, returning home to bring leadership and mentorship ahead of the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season. Rugby Pathways: Epeli Rabaka, from the Drua junior system, continues a family rugby tradition and has earned a Flying Fijians call-up after strong performances. Fiji FACT: Ba chase a first Fiji FACT title since 2010, setting up a semifinal against Labasa as the tournament’s top teams battle for a spot in the final. Volleyball: The Ratu Senibici Memorial Tournament kicks off in Suva with a record 42 men’s teams chasing a $4,000 prize pool. Youth & Media: Fiji moves to introduce a social media ban for teenagers under 16, alongside wider concerns over youth alcohol and drug use. Entertainment (Fiji link): Drag Race Down Under vs The World reveals its all-star cast, including Fijian-Australian queen Coco Jumbo, premiering 24 July on Stan.

Fiji Social Media Law: Fiji is moving to introduce a minimum age of 16 for social media use, with a new law being drafted after the Online Safety Commissioner’s taskforce met in Suva and plans to take the bill to Parliament later this year. Youth Recovery Support: Fiji’s Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection signed an MoA with Empower Pacific to strengthen adolescent substance-abuse care, highlighting gaps in residential recovery for ages 13–17. Flying Fijians Call-Up: Isikeli Rabitu earns a Flying Fijians spot as cover after Vinaya Habosi withdraws, bringing Drua and Fiji U20 experience into the Nations Championship squad. Drua Women’s Build-Up: Bitila Tawake says consistency will decide McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women’s next Super W match against Queensland Reds, after a win over the ACT Brumbies. Pacific Basketball Milestone: Tonga swept titles at the FIBA 3x3 Nations League – Pacific, qualifying both men’s and women’s teams for the U23 World Cup for the first time. Love Island USA Buzz (Fiji-set): Reality-TV chatter continues around Season 8 in Fiji’s villa, including new bombshell casting and Casa Amor twists. England Rugby Update: Maro Itoje is rested for England’s Nations Championship opener, with Jamie George taking captaincy for Tests against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.

Flying Fijians Call-Up: Former Suva Grammar School U18 standout Isikeli Rabitu has been named in the Flying Fijians travelling squad for the Nations Championship, stepping in for injured Racing 92 winger Vinaya Habosi. Super W Focus: McDonald’s Fiji Drua Women captain Bitila Tawake says consistency is the key as they chase a home semi-final with Saturday’s Super W clash against Queensland Reds in Brisbane. Drua Women Pathways: Elesi Saukuru’s unconventional rise—from netball to rugby in Year 12—has earned her a spot in the Drua Women squad, showing how late switches can still pay off. Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Amateur boxer Elijiah Qiokata, 20, is set to represent Fiji in Glasgow aiming for gold in the 70kg division. Policy & Youth Online Safety: Fiji is progressing plans to raise the minimum social media age to 16, with a taskforce meeting in Suva and a bill expected later this year. Music Awards: A.R.T and Sam V lead the 2026 Pacific Music Awards finalists, with voting now open for the People’s Choice Award.

Online Safety Policy: Fiji’s Social Media Age Deferment Taskforce met in Suva to finalise terms of reference and push proposed legislation to Parliament later this year, aiming to set a minimum social media access age of 16, with the Online Safety Commission and Fiji Law Reform Commission working on the bill. Rugby & Leadership: England have rested Maro Itoje for their summer tour, naming Jamie George as captain for Tests against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina, with a 36-man Nations Championship squad also announced. Fiji in the Spotlight (Rugby): England’s Nations Championship schedule includes an “away” fixture versus Fiji in Liverpool, while Fiji U20 coach Andrew Osborne says the team will learn through mistakes as they prepare for the World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia. Fiji Talent Crossing Codes: Hull FC is reportedly pursuing Fijian winger Suliasi Vunivalu, a 10-time Fiji international, as he looks to return to rugby league after rehab from an ACL. Arts & Community: A Porirua exhibition is bringing Pasifika women’s “sheroes” voices into view, while Fiji Airports has launched the 66th Bula Festival (Nadi International Airport Bula Festival) running July 18–25.

Pacific Politics: Ted O’Brien accuses Labor of “partisan politics” over Pacific ties, after Pauline Hanson’s comments on aid and China. Commonwealth Games Weightlifting: Fiji’s Eileen Cikamatana’s Commonwealth medal push continues as Australia names its team for Glasgow, while New Zealand also finalises a seven-strong squad. Fiji Sports (Touch & Rugby): LTA touch captain Meribah Fapiano says fitness and more female players are key as they chase finals in the Jetour Fiji Suva Touch Business House Competition. Fiji Football (FACT): The BiC Fiji FACT semi-final race heats up at Subrail Park with Nasinu, Rewa, Suva, Ba, Lautoka, Labasa and Navua all in must-win mode. Fiji Surf Pro: Fiji Surf Pro at Cloudbreak is praised as a new benchmark for safety, operations and broadcast quality. Culture & Community: Fiji Airports launches the 66th Bula Festival in Nadi (July 18–25), spotlighting culture, entertainment and fundraising. International Sport on TV: Wimbledon 2026 returns to FBC 2 with exclusive live coverage from June 29. Wellness (Yoga Day): International Day of Yoga celebrations include yoga sessions involving Fiji-linked participants via India’s diplomatic missions. Reality TV Buzz: Love Island USA heads into Casa Amor, with fans debating how “real” the show feels and whether momentum has been lost.

Fiji Rugby & Sport: SportsWorld Fiji Under-20 coach Andrew Osborne has named Isoa Koroinawai as captain for the Junior World Championship in Georgia, with Fiji drawn against France, Australia and Spain and focused on improving discipline and cutting penalties ahead of the June 27-July 18 tournament. Fiji Football: The BiC Fiji FACT semi-final race heats up at Subrail Park as Nasinu, Rewa, Suva, Ba, Lautoka, Labasa and Navua chase crucial pool points, with Labasa’s late equaliser against Suva keeping hopes alive. Fiji Surf Pro: World Windsurf Tour Fiji Surf Pro at Cloudbreak is being hailed as a new benchmark for safety, operations and broadcast quality, with local expertise credited for reef access, water safety and conservation. International Day of Yoga: Indian diplomatic missions worldwide, including in Suva, marked International Day of Yoga with events themed “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” bringing communities together for wellbeing sessions. Arts & Culture Spotlight: Award-winning Fijian photographer Corporal Nacanieli Gadekilodoni Tanuku is celebrated after placing in the British Army Photography Competition, while Suva taxi driver and women’s advocate Kasanita Nadruku’s resilience story continues to inspire. Entertainment Buzz: Love Island USA remains a talking point as fans react to Casa Amor plans and renewed voting-rigged claims, with host Ariana Madix pushing back.

Fiji in the spotlight: British Army photographer Corporal Nacanieli Gadekilodoni Tanuku, from Tailevu, wins top prizes in the Story category of the British Army Photography Competition, aiming to inspire Pacific Islanders into specialised careers. Fiji fashion & lifestyle: A global fashion feature looks at the end of denim shorts for swim days, pushing cooler cover-ups like crochet, wide-leg pants and embellished sets. Fiji sport—FACT heats up: The BiC Fiji FACT semi-final race tightens at Subrail Park with key pool matches today (Nasinu v Nadroga, Rewa v Suva, Ba v Lautoka, Labasa v Navua) as teams chase top-four spots. Fiji rugby on the move: Flying Fijians and Fiji U20 squads get a State House farewell ahead of Wales and Georgia campaigns, with President Ratu Naiqama urging them to play as ambassadors. Fiji surf benchmark: World Windsurf Tour Fiji Surf Pro at Cloudbreak earns praise for safety, operations and broadcast quality, with local teams running water safety and conservation decisions. Digital arts & culture: Pacific leaders warn that AI and social media bring both opportunity and risks like misinformation and online harm, discussed at the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue in Suva.

Fiji Surf Pro spotlight: World Windsurf Tour commissioner Simeon Glasson says Fiji set a new benchmark at Cloudbreak, praising safety, operations and broadcast quality, with local crews running water safety, reef access and conservation decisions. Fiji FACT football: The BiC Fiji FACT semi-final race heats up at Subrail Park as teams chase key pool points, with Ba warning discipline matters after their opener win and Labasa’s Akeimi Ralulu named captain for the defending champions. Fiji U20 rugby: SportsWorld Fiji Under-20 coach Andrew Osborne names Isoa Koroinawai as captain and stresses physicality and fewer errors ahead of the World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia. Fiji rugby send-off: The Flying Fijians and Fiji U20 squads received a State House farewell from President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu before heading to Wales and Georgia. Melanesian music: WAN FIRE Music Festival kicks off in Port Moresby with artists from Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu. International arts/entertainment buzz: Love Island USA continues to dominate headlines, including Ariana Madix addressing rigged-vote claims and behind-the-scenes talk about the show’s Fiji filming setting.

Fiji FACT football: Ba coach Ravinesh Kumar says discipline will decide their BiC Fiji FACT campaign after a 4-1 opener over 10-men Nadroga, warning against unnecessary cards ahead of a big clash with Lautoka. Labasa home surge: Extra Supermarket Labasa captain Akeimi Ralulu urges fans to pack Subrail Park as the Babasiga Lions chase semi-final momentum after a dramatic 1-1 draw with Suva, capped by a stoppage-time equaliser. Local hustle at the tournament: Labasa superfan Mohammed Izaz turns match days into extra income by selling snacks across pavilions, raking in more than $100 after early games. Fiji Surf Pro spotlight: World Windsurf Tour commissioner Simeon Glasson praises Fiji for setting a new benchmark at Cloudbreak, citing safety, operations and broadcast quality, with local teams leading water safety and conservation. Fiji U20 rugby: SportsWorld Fiji U20 coach Andrew Osborne names a 30-man squad for Georgia, appointing Isoa Koroinawai as captain and stressing discipline and low errors in a tough Pool D with France, Australia and Spain. Commonwealth Games boxing: Fiji Amateur Boxing coach Cam Todd confirms the final Commonwealth Games team, with five men and one woman set for Glasgow medal push. WAN FIRE music festival: Air Niugini backs the WAN FIRE celebration of Melanesian music, bringing Fiji, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu artists to Port Moresby for the June 20 show. Love Island USA buzz (Fiji link): Ariana Madix addresses rigged-vote claims after a controversial elimination, as the show’s Fiji villa setting keeps fueling global chatter.

Fiji Rugby & Community Sport: Lautoka kicked off the 2026 BiC Fiji FACT tournament in style, thrashing Nasinu 4-1 in Labasa with Valeni Roserewa scoring twice and Rusiate Matererega adding another as the Blues set up a big pool clash with Ba. Fiji Rugby League: Mick Potter is set to return as Fiji Bati coach on a four-year contract as the FNRL prepares for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with work-permit approval the last step. Local Football Development: The Vodafone Cup season was launched to mark 20 years of partnership, with grassroots funding, school pathways and both men’s and women’s competitions set to run across Fiji. Fiji at the Junior World Stage: Fiji U20 coach Andrew Osborne named his final 30-man squad for the Junior World Championship in Georgia, with Pool D matches against France, Australia and Spain. Pacific Arts & Culture: WAN FIRE Music Festival is bringing Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu artists to Port Moresby, including Fiji’s Liz Vamarasi, Kali Tui, Jay Tauleka and DJ Vibez. Language & Identity: Taina Maitiro is keeping Fijian language alive through online classes for the diaspora and learners worldwide. Digital & Media Safety: Pacific leaders at the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue in Suva warned that AI and social media can boost culture and education while also driving misinformation and online harm. Entertainment (Fiji filming): Love Island USA’s Season 8 is filmed in Fiji, and the show’s production has been rocked by the death of executive producer James Barker, who passed away in Fiji after an unexpected medical emergency.

Fiji football: Lautoka opened the 2026 BiC Fiji FACT with a 4-1 win over Nasinu at Subrail Park in Labasa, with Valeni Roserewa scoring twice as the Blues set up a big pool clash against Ba. Fiji rugby league: Mick Potter is set to return as Fiji Bati coach on a four-year deal, pending a work permit, as the FNRL gears up for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. Fiji sport development: The Vodafone Cup partnership was marked as a 20-year milestone, with the new season kicking off tomorrow across Fiji and expanding men’s and women’s competitions. Fiji U20: Andrew Osborne named a 30-member Fiji U20 squad for the World Rugby Junior World Championship in Georgia, with France next on Sunday. Fiji boxing: Fiji’s Commonwealth Games boxing team is finalised, led by Jone Davule, with full-time training under coach Cam Todd. Arts & entertainment: Fiji Airways is backing VOU’s Fijian Flying Circus for an Australian tour, while Paramount Animation is developing an animated “Survivor” comedy set in the animal kingdom with Jeff Probst executive producing. Language & culture: Taina Maitiro is teaching Fijian language classes online from Madrid, helping keep Vosa Vakaviti alive across the diaspora. Regional leadership: Vanuatu’s Dr Anna Naupa becomes the first woman to lead the MSG Secretariat, a historic first for ni-Vanuatu.

Fijian Language Spotlight: Taina Maitiro is teaching Vosa Vakaviti online from Madrid, keeping the Fijian language alive for the diaspora and curious learners worldwide. Pacific Film & Festivals: Wailuku Film Festival opens with 100+ films, workshops and panels, including Pacific titles with Fiji among the lineup. Fiji Airways x Performing Arts: Fiji Airways backs VOU’s Fijian Flying Circus for its first Australian tour, screening content in-flight and supporting scholarships for young performing artists. Rugby Culture & Community: The Nations Championship Trophy is unveiled ahead of the inaugural tournament, with Fiji named among the competing nations. Regional Leadership: Vanuatu’s Anna Naupa becomes the first woman to lead the MSG Secretariat, a historic first for ni-Vanuatu leadership. Love Island in Fiji (TV): Love Island USA producer James Barker, 40, dies in Fiji after an unexpected medical emergency; the show’s episode airs a tribute. Sports on the Home Front: McDonald’s Fijian Drua women welcome Fijiana 7s stars Atelaite Buna and Verenaisi Bari back for the Brumbies clash, while Drua’s interim coach Mike Legge expects a tough forward battle.

Fiji Airways & Performing Arts: Fiji Airways has partnered with Suva-based VOU to back the Fijian Flying Circus on its first Australian tour, screening the show’s content in-flight and supporting the VOU Foundation’s performing-arts scholarships. Global Screen Culture (Fiji filming link): Paramount Animation is developing an animated “Survivor” comedy set in an animal kingdom, with Jeff Probst executive producing; Probst notes new seasons of “Survivor” are currently filming in Fiji. Regional Leadership (MSG): Vanuatu has hailed Dr Anna Naupa’s appointment as the first woman and first ni-Vanuatu to lead the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat, a 40-year wait for the top post. Sports Governance Watch: A Fiji Sports Council investigation report into CEO Gilbert Vakalalabure has not yet been submitted to police, with allegations including misuse of more than $1 million. Netball Pathway: Former New Zealand Under-21 rep Nanise Waqaira has been named in the Fiji Pearls training squad, joining sister Eseta. Super W Rugby: McDonald’s Fiji Drua interim coach Mike Legge expects a bruising forward battle against the Brumbies, with Atelaite Buna and Verenaisi Bari returning to the starting line-up. Boxing Night in Suva: Mikaele Ravalaca will defend his WBA Oceania lightweight title against Rohit Chauhan on July 25, with additional WBA bouts and a BCF title fight on the card. Entertainment (Love Island USA): Peacock confirmed “Casa Amor” for Season 8 begins Monday, June 22, with a 90-minute special also screened in select US cinemas.

Love Island USA: Fiji filming has been shadowed by the sudden death of executive producer James Barker, 40, after an “unexpected medical emergency”; Peacock and ITV America say the exact cause isn’t yet disclosed, and Tuesday’s episode ran an on-screen tribute (“For James… We love you”) while host Ariana Madix urged contestants to cherish every moment. Fiji Rugby & International Stage: Fiji’s place in the new Nations Championship is cemented with the inaugural trophy reveal, as the 12-team tournament pits Fiji and other top sides across July and November windows. Local Rugby Talent Abroad: Fijian Drua stars Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and Virimi Vakatawa have been named in the Barbarians squad for matches against South Africa and Wales. Commonwealth Games Build-Up: Hurdler Errol Bernard Qaqa rebounds from injury to secure his Glasgow spot, while Fiji swimmers set medal-focused goals for the Games. Women’s Sport in Focus: Fiji Pearls coach Michelle Parsons begins a seven-times-a-week training push ahead of the Four Nations Spirit Series, aiming to test fitness, skills and mental resilience. Culture & Community: Paradise of Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe brings dance, drumming and storytelling to area libraries, starting with a June 17 performance in Battle Ground. Rugby Africa Update: The Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens Championship in Mauritius is postponed due to public health concerns tied to the Ebola outbreak.

Rugby Spotlight: Fiji’s place in the global rugby elite was underlined with the unveiling of the inaugural Nations Championship Trophy, a new 12-team contest that will pit Fiji and other top nations against Six Nations sides across July and November windows. Local Rugby Talent: Two McDonald’s Fiji Drua stars, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and Virimi Vakatawa, have been selected for the Barbarians ahead of matches versus South Africa and Wales. Commonwealth Games Build-Up: Hurdler Errol Bernard Qaqa bounced back from injury to earn his Glasgow squad spot, while Team Fiji swimmers set medal-focused goals for the Games starting July 23. Netball Focus: Fiji Pearls coach Michelle Parsons named a 22-player squad for the Four Nations Spirit Series in Sydney, with a tough seven-times-a-week training block aimed at physical readiness and team culture. Sports Results: Moce were crowned champions of the India–Fiji T20, with Danam Fiji taking the business house title. Arts & Entertainment: Fiji’s tourism and media spotlight also hit the headlines via AHICE Fiji’s record 420+ attendance in Nadi, while Love Island USA continues to stir global attention after executive producer James Barker’s death in Fiji, with the show set to honour him on Tuesday’s episode.