National 1
The National 1 is the third tier rugby competition in France. It features 14 teams with a promotion relegation system. A total of 25 players are of Fijian heritage or nationality. This page is dedicated to their progress throughout the season.
Nalaga try in big Nissa win
Nissa Winger Inoke Nalaga scored his 2nd try in 2 games on Friday night as they won their 4th straight match to maintain their top of the table spot.
The Nadroga native ran a great line from a scrum move to score under the posts in the opening minutes. He then broke through the defensive line, beating several defenders to set up their 2nd try.
Nissa won the game 31-7. Number 8 Masivesi Dakuwaqa also got amongst the tryscorers in what was his first try for the club.
Vota scores first try for Rouen
The National 1 resumed on the weekend and Rouen were at home against Albi.
Centre Apisalome Vota, playing his 2nd match for Rouen, scored his first try for the club in the 8th minute.
Rouen were keen to return to the winners circle after a last-up loss to Narbonne but were beaten 22-20 thanks to a last minute penalty to the visitors.
Nayacalevu new Brand Ambassador for Dubai Knights
Waisea Nayacalevu was announced as the new Brand Ambassador for the Dubai Knights.
The former Flying Fijians skipper who is contracted to Nice for 2 seasons, including their current campaign, spends his day's off and holidays helping the club with skills, training and exposure.
They released the following on their official Instagram page;
<em>"Knights proudly welcome our Brand Ambassador Waisea Nayacalevu</em>
From the islands to the world stage, Waisea embodies the true spirit of rugby and the fire of experience. Now, he joins us in Dubai to inspire our journey forward.
As Brand Ambassador, Waisea will share his experience, spirit, and strength to guide the next chapter of Knights RFC, standing tall with our 3 C’s: Courage, Commitment, Community.
Together, we move with purpose, pride, and power."
Rasaku scores superb solo try
Rokoua Rasaku's career has taken off with a bang in France, the Chambery winger scoring yet another try bringing his tally to 4 tries in his first 3 matches including 2 on his debut.
His 4th may be his best so far after a perfect chip and chase over the opposition winger to score in the right corner.
Chambery couldn't get the job done in the end, losing 16-20 to Albi.
Rasaku scores in big win
Rokoua Rasaku scored another try for Chambery, this time in their win over RC Narbonne. It also marks his first winning match as they suffered a loss in his debut last weekend.
He now has 3 tries in 2 matches and the extra attention from Chambery’s media team suggests the hype is starting to build around the exciting winger.
Hickes scores for CAP in first loss
Fred Hickes scored his first try of the season for Perigueux who were on the wrong side of the scoreboard in their trip to Tarbes.
After starting last week on the wing, Hickes returned to his usual Centre position and scored in the 66th minute.
Perigueux came into this match undefeated and scored 2 tries to Tarbes 1 but were let down by ill-discipline, giving up 18 points via 6 penalties.
Rasaku scores 2 on debut
Rokoua Rasaku made his National 1 debut for Chambery who travelled to Marcq-en-Barœul for their round 2 clash against Ol Marcquois.
He scored 2 tries in the 2nd half, first breaking through a wall of defenders to put his team in the lead in the 59th minute before finishing off a linebreak just minutes later.
A 67th minute intercept try put the home side back in-front by two, a lead which they held to the end, winning 19-17.
Tuwai scores Suresnes first for the season
Suresnes opened their National 1 campaign with a huge win, defeating competition heavyweights Rouen Normandie on their own turf 17-13.
Centre Petero Tuwai ran a hard, straight line close to the opposition tryline to score his sides first 5 pointer for the season.
National 1 Kicks off
The 2025/2026 National 1 season kicked off early this morning (FJT) with 3 matches beginning with competition heavyweights Nice travelling to Tarbes.
The visitors were too strong, holding the home side tryless 42-6. Christa Powell (pictured) started at Centre while Waisea Nayacalevu did not play. Masivesi Dakuwaqa came off the bench for Nice.
In other matches Joel Matavesi made his National 1 debut for Bressane, starting at Centre in their loss to Chambery 13-34.
Former Perpignan Centre Api Naqaliva started at 12 in his debut while Iliavi Nasova started on the wing, also on debut. Narbonne defeated Massy 23-17.
Vota joins Rouen for 2 years
Former Fijian Drua Centre Apisalome Vota joins Rouen Normandie in the National 1 for 2 seasons. Vota’s last match for the Drua was in round 10 of the 2024 season and made his test debut later in the year against Samoa in the PNC. A move to Japan was first rumoured but never eventuated and he has been left without a club for nearly 12 months.
Rouen finished as Semi Finalists in their first year back in the National 1 after relegation from the Pro D2.
Player Updates
Apisalome Vota made his long awaited debut for Rouen Normandie in their round 4 clash with Narbonne.
He started at Inside Centre in a baptism of fire against the hard running Apisai Naqaliva.
Vota had a solid performance where he made several strong carries, a couple of neat offloads and saved a try early after a Naqaliva break.
He was however yellow carded at the back-end of the first half after failing to get back onside on an opposition quick tap.
Suresnes played hosts to Bressane in round 3, the match finishing a 32-32 draw.
Tuwai returned to the starting side after a bench role in week 2.
Suresnes had the game in the bag until a late try gave the visitors an opportunity to draw level and ultimately split the points.
Benito Masilevu made his first appearance of the season for Rouen in their round 4 clash with Narbonne, a match they lost 16-30.
He started on the wing in a game which also happened to be the debut of big name signing Apisalome Vota.
Rouen finish the first block of matches with 1 win from 4 games and sit 8th on the National 1 ladder.
Perigueux finished the first month of the season with 3 wins from 4 games and are equal leaders with Nice and Suresnes.
Hickes started in the 12 jersey for the second consecutive week. He has played every minute this season outside of a spell on the sidelines for a yellow card in the opening round.
