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.
Qeleca try seals win for Bourgoin
Bourgoin Flyer Saimone Qeleca scored his first try for the club. He chased through on a kick inside the opposition 22 to score in the 75th minute, his try sealing the win over Suresnes 26-16.
It's only his 2nd match for the club after making his debut in last week's victory over Rouen.
Bourgoin move into 11th position following their 3rd win, 2 of which in the past 2 outings.
Powell scores first try for Nissa
Nissa Centre Christa Powell scored his first competition try for the club in their win over the struggling Marcq-en-Baroeul 30-21.
His try came in the 52nd minute when he ran a great line to slice through the defence from 15 metres out.
Nice maintain first spot, equal with Narbonne.
Perigueux win 3 straight
CA Perigueux won their third straight match after defeating Bressane 28-10.
Centre Fred Hickes scored his 3rd try of the season and 2nd in as many games in the 74th minute when he powered through several defenders from close range.
They move into 3rd on the National 1 ladder after 10 rounds, a single point behind joint leaders Nice and Narbonne.
Hickes scores in Perigueux win over Suresnes
Perigueux made it back-to-back wins after beating Suresnes on their own turf 20-9.
Winger Fred Hickes scored his 2nd try of the season just before halftime. He took a quick tap after a penalty and thanks to some retreating offside defenders, found himself in space and dotted down under the posts.
Perigueux move into 4th position while Suresnes drop to 9th spot.
Turagaca scores winner for Bourgoin
Bourgoin's 7 match losing stream came to an end, surprisingly on the road against the much fancied Rouen and it was their impressive new backrower Meli Turagaca who scored the winning try in the 70th minute.
Their only win up until this point came in the opening round, a long time between drinks.
On debut for the visitors was former Nimes Flyer Saimone Qeleca who started on the wing. It's his first appearance in the National 1.
Naqalevu powerful in Narbonne victory
Apisai Naqalevu put in a five star performance for National 1 leaders Narbonne on Saturday night against Albi.
He scored a try and set up another in a barnstorming display of power and skill.
It's his first try for the club and it came in the 30th minute when he broke through the line and beat several defenders on a 20 metre run.
Through 6 matches for his new club, the former Perpignan Centre is yet to taste defeat. Final score 27-23.
Turagaca scores first National 1 try
Meli Turagaca started at Lock for Bourgoin in their trip to Niort in round 7.
He scored his first try in the competition and also for his club in the 25th minute and it would be the visitors only 5 pointer for the afternoon.
Final score 49-16.
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
Chris Minimbi got his first starting jersey for Niort in his 2nd match for the club. After back-to-back wins over Tarbes and Chambery, they travelled to Rouen to take on a desperate home team looking to end their 3 match losing streak.
Niort couldn’t keep their win streak alive and lost the match 19-10. Rouen were without Minimbi’s former teammate Api Vota.
After going the first 5 rounds undefeated, Suresnes have made a complete 360, losing 5 straight games and now sit in 12th position with only the struggling OMR and Tarbes below them.
On the weekend they were beaten by Bourgoin 26-16. Petero Tuwai missed their last 2 matche and made a return in this match, starting at Inside Centre.
They have an opportunity to turn things around next up in a somewhat favourable matchup at home against Massy.
Rouen were one of the competition favourites at the start of the season but their hopes of a big season is quickly fading after suffering yet another defeat, their 3rd in succession and 6th overall.
They sit in 10th spot amongst a logjam of teams and are only 2 losses from the dreaded relegation zone.
Api Vota has played in 6 matches – every match since his debut in round 4 but was benched in round 10.
A tough test next up against a Niort side coming in with the momentum of back-to-back wins.
Rennes returned to the winners circle after a draw and a 1 point loss in their last matches.
Eneri Lotawa started on the wing for the home side. He’s played their last 3 games after missing their opening 7 games.
They defeated Narbonne in a boilover, 8-3.
They sit in 8th position with a 4 win, 1 draw and 5 loss start.
Perigueux sit 3rd on the National 1 ladder after 10 rounds. They won their 3rd consecutive match on the weekend vs Bressane 28-10.
Fred Hickes has been switching between Wing and Centre this season and was in the 13 jersey in their last outing where he scored another try, his 2nd in 2 weeks after he powered through several defenders to score the final try of the match.
Joeli Matalaweru has played 2 matches for Perigueux’ in the first 10 rounds, making his debut in round 5 against Massy.
He has started at Lock and also at Number 8.
CAP sit in 3rd position on 34 points along with Albi. Both sides 1 competition point behind joint leaders Nissa and Narbonne.
