Fiji

Tropical Cyclone Ella has passed Fiji's Rotuma island and weakened to a tropical low.

Tropical Cyclone Ella is expected to move slowly over Fiji's Rotuma group in the next twelve hours.

The French Pacific island of Futuna is still on lockdown as Cyclone Ella slowly passes the territory. Meanwhile Fiji has cancelled all alerts.

Fiji's sevens coach expects a torrid battle against Samoa in the opening game of today's Paris Sevens even though Samoa has had limited success this year.

Fiji coach John Mckee says the international eligibility rule change announced by World Rugby is great news for the country's future prospects.

Tropical Cyclone Ella is moving away from the French island of Futuna after passing close to its northern coast.

Tropical Cyclone Ella's projected course is now taking it many kilometres north of Fiji's main islands, while the French island of Futuna, also to the north, is effectively in lock down.

Tropical Cyclone Ella has been upgraded to a category-two storm with gusts of up to 130km/h.

Cyclone Ella has strengthened to a category 2 storm with gusts of up to 130 km/h, Fiji's Metservice says.

The abuse and mistreatment of people with disabilities is prevalent in communities across Fiji according to the National Council for Disabled Persons.

Alerts have been lifted and many schools have reopened in New Caledonia as Cyclone Donna passed the Loyalty Islands further east than forecast.

Fiji has received support from the Asian Development Bank to lead the next international climate change talks in November.

Cyclone Ella, which has formed south of Samoa, is forecast to intensify to Category 2 as it moves towards Fiji.

A 36-man Flying Fijians squad has been named for the mid-year rugby internationals in June and July.