Fiji hold on in Spain and prove their progress

The Flying Fijians finished their European tour on a strong note, beating Spain 41-33 in front of a sold-out crowd at Estadio Ciudad de Malaga on Sunday, New Zealand time.

The match was tight from start to finish, but Fiji’s calm and control in key moments proved the difference.

Halfback Simione Kuruvoli scored twice, with other tries to Elia Canakaivata, Mesake Doge, and Joji Nasova. Young flyhalf Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula again showed his growing confidence, kicking five conversions and two penalties.

Spain kept the pressure on through smart kicking from Gonzalo Lopez Bontempo, whose long-range penalty before halftime helped his side lead 15–14 at the break.

But Fijians answered early in the second half, and when the game tightened in the last five minutes, the visitors held their line with desperate defence.

After the game, head coach Mick Byrne told reporters that the win showed “real maturity” from his team, especially in the moments when Spain pushed hardest.

Fiji captain Tevita Ikanivere takes on the Spanish defence. Photo/Facebook/Fiji Rugby Union

“We were lucky to get out of that at the end. I give full credit to Spain, they were passionate, they kept coming after us. We started the game and had several areas of avoidable penalties," Bryne says.

“We’ve talked all tour about staying calm and winning the big moments. Tonight, the boys did exactly that. That’s why we held on. It shows our growth.”

Byrne says the team had let discipline slip in earlier matches against England and France, but this time they finished strong.

Watch highlights of Joji Nasova's try against Spain below.

“We performed well against top teams but lost because of discipline. Tonight, the boys learned from that. That’s a good sign for Fiji rugby.”

The match capped off a tour where Byrne used a large part of his squad, making seven changes for the Spain test. The win, he says, proved Fiji now has real depth, something the team will need heading into next season.

“It’s good to go to the depth of your squad and give players a chance,” Byrne says. “Some of these boys have had massive seasons. This match shows we can trust the next group coming through.”

Debutant hooker Kavaia Tagivetaua unfortunately lasted just 45 seconds before being sent off for a dangerous challenge, but Byrne adds that the experience will still help his development.

Players who stood out included:

• Kuruvoli was sharp around the ruck and punished Spain with two tries.

• Jiuta Wainiqolo caused trouble every time he touched the ball, including a break that set up Kuruvoli’s first try.

• Armstrong-Ravula kept Fiji in control with accurate kicking.

Spain gave Fiji a real scare, something Byrne had warned about before kick-off. “Spain are no walk-over. They pushed us last November and they’ll keep improving.”

But in the final moments, Fiji’s defence held firm as Spain tried to muscle over the line for a historic victory.

Fiji finished their 2025 Autumn Nations Series with one win from three matches. They opened the campaign with a 38-18 loss to England on 8 November, followed by a 34-21 defeat to France a week later.

The Flying Fijians now head home with the much-needed win over Spain, a stronger squad depth, and clear signs of progress after a long year.

In other Test internationals played on the weekend, the All Blacks proved too strong for Wales 52–26 in Cardiff, the Springboks beat Ireland 24-13 in Dublin, and France defeated Australia 48-33 in Paris.

New Zealand ended their Autumn Nations Series with a strong showing over Wales. The All Blacks scored seven tries, with two each from Caleb Clarke and Sevu Reece, and further scores by Ruben Love, Tamaiti Williams, and Rieko Ioane.

Damian McKenzie was perfect with the boot, converting all seven tries and slotting a penalty for a 17-point haul.

Despite the loss, Wales’ Tom Rogers made history with a hat-trick, becoming the first Welshman to do so against New Zealand. Wales also faced two yellow cards in the second half, and New Zealand capitalised to pull away with the win.

Later on Sunday, Tonga will face Scotland at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh. On Monday, Argentina will take on England.

Springboks hooker Malcolm Marx is World Rugby Men's Player of the Year. Photo/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga

Meanwhile, rugby's top achievers of the year were honoured on Saturday. Here are the 2025 World Rugby Awards winners:

• Men’s 15s Player of the Year: Malcolm Marx (South Africa)

• Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year: Fabian Holland (New Zealand)

• IRPA Men’s 15s Try of the Year: Santiago Pedrero (Chile)

• Coach of the Year: John Mitchell (England Red Roses)

• Women’s 15s Player of the Year: Sophie de Goede (Canada)

• Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year: Braxton Sorensen-McGee (New Zealand)

• Referee Award: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)

• IRPA Women’s 15s Try of the Year: Maia Joseph (New Zealand)

All Blacks lock Fabian Holland is World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year. Photo/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga

The highly anticipated Men's World Rugby Dream Team of the Year will be unveiled on Tuesday, 25 November. The women’s side was unveiled last September after their Rugby World Cup 2025. The men's RWC will be held in Australia in 2027.