Author: TMC Palau

Former Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne Photo: Fiji Rugby Former Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne and the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) disagree over the circumstances surrounding their split. The FRU announced in early April that Byrne, who took over as the Fiji men’s XVs team coach in 2024, had resigned “in the best interests” of both parties. “It has been an honour to work with the Flying Fijians players and staff,” Byrne was quoted as saying in a FRU statement at the time. However, he has now come out against his former employer, saying the union lied about…

Fiji Rugby CEO Koli Sewabu with coaches from different participating schools during the launch of the championship yesterday. Fiji Rugby CEO Koli Sewabu encouraged young women across the country who are pursuing rugby to fully commit to the sport, as it has evolved into a viable career path for aspiring athletes. Speaking at the launch of the Weet-Bix Raluve Championship in Suva yesterday, Sewabu highlighted the significant growth of women’s rugby in recent years and the increasing opportunities available at the professional level. He said that with more pathways now open to female players, building a rugby career has become…

Imran Khan outside court today. [PHOTO: NIKHIL KUMAR] Imran Khan, also known as “King Khan,” has pleaded guilty  to breaching a restraining order in a civil case. Khan appeared in the Suva High Court this morning. He is accused of disposing of a vehicle that was covered under the court order. The restraining order reportedly included a $400,000 property, cash in a bank account and four vehicles.Article continues after advertisement Court documents allege Khan transferred a vehicle registered KNGKHN to his brother, Ifran Khan, in breach of the 2023 order. The matter has been stood down and will resume at 11:30am…

Amnesty International says allegations of police and military brutality in Fiji consistent with past patterns. Photo: Facebook / Fiji Police Force Amnesty International says allegations of police and military brutality in Fiji leading to the death of Sakiasi Ose Radravu are consistent with historic patterns. The human rights organisation said it was “deeply concerned” by allegations made by Radravu’s family that he had been “sodomised” and “tortured” in an early morning police raid in April. “In spite of viewing the medical autopsy, there are serious concerns that his injuries contributed or substantially contributed to his death,” Amnesty International’s Pacific Islands…

The US military has disabled an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman that it accused of violating an American blockade by “attempting to transport oil from Iran”.In a post on X, external, US Central Command said an aircraft fired “precision munitions” into the engine room of the Palau-flagged Settebello “after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from American forces”.India’s government said three Indian sailors were missing and 21 Indian crew members had been rescued after the attack on the Settebello off the coast of Oman.It said the “targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region…

[File Photo] A damaging heavy swell warning remains in force for parts of Fiji with rough seas and coastal flooding expected. The warning covers southwest Viti Levu, Lau waters, Koro Sea and Kadavu Passage. A strong southeast wind flow is pushing heavy swells toward Fiji. These swells are being generated by a high pressure system far southwest of the group. In open waters, waves are expected to reach up to 4.5 metres. Sea conditions are expected to be dangerous especially for small boats and marine activities.Article continues after advertisement A coastal inundation alert is also in force for Yasawa and…

Former Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne. [Photo: FILE] Former Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne claims he didn’t resign but was removed by the Fiji Rugby Union and that he wasn’t sick. The 67-year-old made these claims in an interview with Australia’s nine.com.au. On April 1st, the FRU announced they had “mutually agreed to part ways” with the Australian coach, addressing concerns about his health. However, in the interview, Byrne revealed he just wanted to clear the air on his situation that he didn’t resign, and doesn’t have any ongoing health issues.Article continues after advertisement According to Byrne’s medical report, seen…

The surge in global oil prices following the US-Iran conflict has exposed the extent of Pacific economies’ vulnerability to fuel supply shocks. At its peak, prices climbed to over US$118 per barrel, placing immediate pressure on the region. In Fiji and Solomon Islands, reserves fell to as little as 20 days remaining, while in Papua New Guinea rising fuel costs sharply increased transport and service prices. The result was inflation and heightened risks for vital sectors such as tourism. These events highlight a structural reality: Pacific countries must accelerate their transition to renewable energy. Although most Pacific governments have adopted…

Rising pressure on Fiji’s economy, driven by debt concerns, cost-of-living strains and questions over fiscal management, has triggered a sharp political clash. The debate centred on whether current policies are stabilising the country or deepening economic uncertainty. Government MP Professor Biman Prasad defended the government’s economic strategy, saying Fiji’s high debt-to-GDP ratio was inherited and worsened during the COVID-19 period. He said recent revenue reforms, including the consolidation of multiple VAT rates into a single system, were designed to close major loopholes that had led to an estimated $400–$500 million in revenue leakage.Article continues after advertisement “What the governor of…

Overview: Australia and New Zealand have pledged to strengthen energy security, supply chain resilience and defence cooperation across the Pacific, recognizing the growing challenges Pacific Island countries face from rising fuel costs and global disruptions. The renewed commitment, announced during the 2026 Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting, aims to support Pacific-led solutions while enhancing regional stability and economic security. NOOSA, 08 JUNE 2026 (PACNEWS) — Australia and New Zealand have pledged to strengthen support for Pacific Island countries facing supply chain disruptions and rising fuel costs, while deepening defence, trade and security cooperation under a renewed trans-Tasman partnership.  In a joint…