NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga: Fiji claimed a place at the 2019 Rugby World Cup when it rallied to beat Tonga 14-10 on Saturday, securing the Pacific Nations Cup for the second straight year.
Tonga led 10-3 early in the second half but Fiji hit back with a try to lock Leone Nakarawa and two late penalties to flyhalf Ben Volavola to seal its win in a tight match at Teufaiva Stadium.
Fiji now joins Australia, Wales, Georgia and a qualifier from the Americas — either Canada or Uruguay — in Pool D at the Rugby World Cup as the Oceania No. 1 qualifier. It is the second team after the US to emerge from the qualifying process.
Samoa will host Fiji next weekend and remains in competition with Tonga for the Oceania No. 2 qualifying position which would send it to the Rugby World Cup in a pool comprising England, Argentina and France.
The third team from Oceania will compete in a repechage against a European team for a place in Japan.
The Oceania qualifying process is based on the combined results of the Pacific Nations Cup in 2016 and 2017.
Tonga, coming off last weekend’s upset win over Samoa, started strongly and rocked Fiji when it seized the lead with an early second-half try to prop Siegfried Fisi’ihoi.
The teams had been locked at 3-3 after a first half in which Fiji scored first with a penalty to Volavola and Tonga replied with a penalty to scrumhalf Sonatane Takulua.
Fisi’ihoi’s try was converted by Takulua and gave Tonga a 10-3 lead but Fiji replied swiftly with an unconverted try to Nakarawa, reducing the lead to two points.
Volavola then kicked a penalty to put Fiji ahead 11-10, and another in the 74th minute to seal the win.
Fiji is enjoying an outstanding season in which it beat Italy and Scotland last month.
Fiji 14 (Leone Nakarawa try; Ben Volavola 3 penalties), Tonga 10 (Siegfried Fisi’ihoi try; Sonatane Takulua conversion, penalty). HT: 3-3
Fiji books spot in 2019 Rugby World Cup
Fiji books spot in 2019 Rugby World Cup
Pitbull confirmed as headline act for Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Saturday concert
- The Grammy Award-winning global superstar will perform on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit Main Stage on April 18
JEDDAH: Pitbull has been confirmed as the headline act for the post-qualifying concert at this year’s Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, organizers announced on Sunday.
The Grammy Award-winning global superstar will perform on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit Main Stage on April 18, as part of the three-day race weekend running from April 17–19.
Pitbull, whose real name is Armando Christian Perez, is one of the most commercially successful artists of his generation, with billions of streams worldwide and numerous gold and platinum certifications.
The American artist remains a major touring draw, having completed sold-out arena runs across Europe and Australia in 2025. In January, he announced his “I AM Back Tour” in the US following a series of sold-out shows globally.
Pitbull’s appearance adds to a star-studded entertainment lineup for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend. Shakira and Kygo have already been confirmed as headliners for the post-race concert on Sunday, April 19.
Promoted by the Saudi Motorsport Co., the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has become one of F1’s standout events since joining the calendar, with the Jeddah Corniche Circuit holding the distinction of being the fastest street circuit in the championship.
The night race is staged along the Red Sea coastline and combines high-speed racing with large-scale live entertainment.
