Bula FC have begun confirming their squad for the 2027 OFC Pro League season, announcing the contract renewals of Fiji international defenders Sterling Vasconcellos and Scott Wara. The two players become the first members of the club’s inaugural professional squad to officially extend their stays, providing important continuity as the Fijian representatives prepare for their second campaign in Oceania’s professional football competition.
Vasconcellos, 21, was the first player to be confirmed, with the club announcing his renewal on Thursday, 15 October. The defender from Saweni, Lautoka, signed his first professional contract ahead of the 2026 campaign and has since established himself as one of Fiji’s promising young players.
His first season with Bula FC provided valuable experience against professional opposition from Australia, New Zealand and across the Pacific. Vasconcellos also registered two assists during the inaugural OFC Pro League campaign, demonstrating his ability to contribute offensively from defence.
“I’m really excited to extend my contract with Bula FC and to be back for the 2027 season. Last season was my first experience as a professional player, so there was a lot for me to learn,” Vasconcellos said in the club’s announcement.
“I’ve taken a lot from that first season, and I know there is still plenty of room for me to improve. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue with the club, and I’m looking forward to getting back into training, being back with the boys and getting into action again soon.”
The young defender has also enjoyed an encouraging period with Fiji’s national team. Earlier this month, he was part of the squad that won the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Suva, ending the country’s 26-year wait for another Melanesian title.
Vasconcellos contributed a goal in Fiji’s 2-0 victory over Papua New Guinea during the tournament’s group stage, while his defensive involvement helped the Bula Boys progress to the final, where they defeated Vanuatu 1-0.
His development has continued through the OFC Player Placement Programme, which has allowed him to train with Auckland FC in New Zealand alongside fellow Fiji internationals Maikah Dau and Ryan Naresh. The three players have been accompanied by Bula FC assistant coach Marika Rodu as they experience the training environment of an A-League club.
For Vasconcellos, representing a professional club from his own country remains a source of particular pride.
“Being from Lautoka, it means a lot to represent a Fijian professional club. I’m excited about what we can achieve together in 2027,” he added.
The second renewal followed on Friday, 16 October, with Bula FC confirming the return of experienced defender Scott Wara.
The 27-year-old was an important member of the club’s defensive unit during the inaugural OFC Pro League season, helping Bula finish third in the regular-season standings with 21 points from 14 matches.
Following that campaign, Wara moved to Australia, joining Maitland FC in the National Premier Leagues Northern NSW competition. His spell included a notable appearance in the Australia Cup Round of 32 against Fremantle City, when he scored a powerful header to give Maitland the lead before the Western Australian visitors recovered to win 2-1.
Wara also helped Maitland reach the Northern NSW NPL Grand Final, gaining additional competitive experience before returning to Fiji, where he joined Rewa for the Inter-District Championship.
“Australia was a good experience. I wanted to stay on this side of the world, and luckily an opportunity in Australia came up for me. I was able to do well there, and we even won the State Cup. Unfortunately, we lost the Grand Final, but it was a good experience nonetheless,” Wara explained.
Like Vasconcellos, Wara was part of Fiji’s successful MSG Prime Minister’s Cup squad. The defender played a decisive role in the 2-1 comeback victory over New Caledonia, scoring the equaliser in the 50th minute before Maikah Dau secured the win. That result confirmed Fiji’s qualification for the championship final against Vanuatu.
His return to Bula FC provides head coach Stéphane Auvray with a familiar defensive option ahead of another demanding professional season.
Wara expressed confidence in the club’s long-term development and his desire to help Bula challenge for the title.
“I’ve enjoyed being home. I truly believe that this project will grow even more, and I wanted to be part of it. Last season we finished in third place, which was amazing. I just want to build further on that, and hopefully we win it this year.”
The two renewals represent the beginning of an important recruitment period for the Fijian club.
Bula FC exceeded many expectations during the inaugural OFC Pro League, securing six victories in the regular season and defeating eventual champions Auckland FC 2-1 in Ba. The team qualified for the Leaders Group but ultimately missed out on the semi-finals after suffering a 2-1 extra-time defeat against Vanuatu United in the playoff.
With Auvray continuing to oversee both Bula FC and Fiji’s national team, the experience gained by players such as Vasconcellos and Wara could prove valuable as the club attempts to build upon its first professional campaign.
The 2027 OFC Pro League is scheduled to begin on 22 January, with another season of competition involving clubs from across Oceania. Bula FC are expected to announce additional squad members in the coming weeks as preparations for the new campaign intensify.
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