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.
90 metre intercept try in Dolphins big win
Kurt Donoghoe ran 90 metres after taking an intercept on his 10 metre line to score and give the Dolphins a chance of hitting 50 points against the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Friday night.
The Fiji Bati representative started at Lock and played the full 80 minutes. His try the cherry on top of a big shift for the Dolphins who won the game 50-28 and move back into 80th position.
New England 3 peat
New England are the Major League Rugby Champions for the 3rd consecutive year, beating Houston 28-22 and completing the first 3-peat in the competitions history.
Jone Koroiduadua, Cameron Nordli-Kelemeti both started as well as winger Paula Balekana who scored 2 tries and also tied the competition record of 15 tries in a single season.
Bayonne lock in Maqala long term
Bayonne and Flying Fijians centre Sireli Maqala have agreed to a massive five-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until 2030.
Rather than settling for a typical two- or three-year deal, the Blue and Whites made a strong statement about their belief in the Ra native's value to the team.
Now 25 and coming off his fourth season with the club, Maqala delivered his best campaign yet. With Bayonne emerging as a genuine finals contender, the club is clearly locking in key pieces for a bright future.
Three Fijians in Japan XV forward pack
Japan XV have named their lineup to take on the Maori All-Blacks this Saturday. The lineup includes 3 Fijians in Dynaboars Lock Epeneri Uluiviti alongside Waisake Raratubua of the Steelers in his first representative match and at Flanker breakout player Vueti Tupou from the Blue Revs. It is also his first rep jersey at senior level.
It is just reward particularly for Raratubua and Tupou who both were exceptional this season. Both players only in their 2nd seasons have gone from strength to strength.
They both played 19 matches this season and coincidentally both scored 8 tries as well.
Duguivalu makes main French squad
Perpignan Centre Alivereti Duguivalu has been named in the France squad to tour New Zealand. This only a week after making his France XV debut.
He is one of 18 uncapped players in the squad which fly out next Tuesday.
Should he get the opportunity to wear Les Bleus jersey, he joins Noa Nakaitaci & Virimi Vakatawa as Fijians to represent France.
Tiko signs with Staggs
Former Fijian Drua Prop Jone Tiko will line up for the Southland Staggs in this year's Bunnings NPC.
Tiko played 2 matches in his debut season last year with the Mako after leaving the Drua.
The announcement was made via social media.
Southland finished last season in 12th position with a 3-7 record.
Talebula signs with St Claude
Metuisela Talebula has just signed with FC St Claude (also San Claudien) for the 2025/2026 season. St Claude won the Federal 3 competition, beating Limoux in the final 21-20, earning promotion into Federal 2.
The acquisition of the former Bordeaux and Flying Fijians strike man will help them stay competitive in the higher tier.
"We were looking for a rather penetrating center. I saw that his contract at Aubenas would not be extended, I don't know why. So I contacted him in January, via social networks. I had a two-hour discussion with him and I passed on the message: "I want you!" I think talent is not wasted. And when I see that he made all the match sheets in Nationale 2, it means he has the physique." - St Claude Coach
Nawaqanitawase double in Roosters win
Mark Nawaqanitawase scored 2 tries in the Roosters big win over the Cowboys 42-8 on Sunday. The former Wallaby took an intercept in the 30th minute to race away while the 2nd came after some great lead-up play.
He made the most metres for his side with 245 from 25 runs, 45 post contact metres and 8 tackle breaks. He now has 12 tries in 13 appearances and the Rookie of the year tag is starting to do the rounds.
Tavatavanawai the latest Fijian All-Black
Highlanders Co-Captain Timoci Tavatavanawai is one of 5 new faces named in the All-Blacks squad today. The powerful Centre has turned down Flying Fijians invitations on multiple occasions and his faith has seemingly paid off.
Since his debut season with Moana Pasifika, the Tailevu native has been a Super Rugby sensation and his move to the Highlanders has only further solidified his stature in the competition.
Also named in the squad is regular Sevu Reece. Unlucky to miss is Crusaders Prop George Bower, Chiefs winger Emoni Narawa and Blues Number 8 Hoskins Sotutu.
