Bula FC have confirmed the return of Fiji internationals Thomas Dunn and Ryan Naresh for the 2027 OFC Professional League season, securing two members of their inaugural squad who enjoyed considerable success on the domestic and international stage during 2026.
Both players helped Bula FC finish third in the regular season and qualify for the Top Four playoffs during the first edition of Oceania’s professional club competition. Their return provides continuity for the Fijian franchise as it prepares for its second campaign, with both looking to build on the experience gained in their first season as professional footballers.
Dunn returns after a memorable year in which he scored the winning goal against Vanuatu in the final of the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, helping Fiji secure the regional title for the first time in more than two decades.
The achievement represented a significant moment in his international career, adding to the experience gained from competing in the inaugural OFC Professional League.
“It was a special moment for me. I’ve always dreamt of winning something for my country,” Dunn said in the club’s announcement.
The Fiji international believes his first professional campaign helped him improve his understanding of the game, particularly through opportunities to work alongside more experienced players.
“It’s a good opportunity for me to get more experience playing professionally. The first year was a good experience, and it has helped me a lot with my awareness of the game and understanding football more,” he explained.
Dunn also credited Fiji and Bula FC captain Roy Krishna for providing guidance throughout his development.
“Learning from experienced players, especially our captain Roy Krishna, has helped me a lot to become a better player and person, both on and off the field.”
For Naresh, the 2026 season brought success across several competitions. The 19-year-old midfielder returned to his home district of Ba following the conclusion of Bula FC’s inaugural campaign in May, rejoining the Men in Black in June.
He subsequently helped Ba complete a remarkable domestic quadruple, winning the Extra Premier League, Fiji FACT, Battle of the Giants and Inter-District Championship.
Naresh was also part of the Fiji national team that lifted the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, completing an impressive year for one of the country’s emerging young players.
“Ba is home, so going back and being part of such a successful season was special. Winning all four titles with the team meant a lot. It has given me more confidence and motivation heading into another season with Bula FC,” Naresh said.
The midfielder is currently gaining further professional exposure in New Zealand through the OFC Player Placement Programme. Alongside fellow Fijians Sterling Vasconcellos and Maikah Dau, Naresh is spending time with A-League club Auckland FC, experiencing a different high-performance football environment ahead of the next OFC Pro League season.
His return to Bula FC represents another opportunity to continue that development.
“I’m really happy to be back with Bula FC. Last season was a big learning experience for me. I learnt a lot from the coaches and the players around me, and I know there is still plenty for me to improve on.”
Both players also emphasised their personal ambitions for the coming campaign.
Dunn hopes to become a more influential attacking presence, identifying improved goalscoring as one of his main objectives.
“I want to be better than last season and score more goals,” he said.
Naresh, meanwhile, is focused on earning his place in the team and building on the progress made during his first professional season.
“I want to achieve more next season, both personally and with the team. I want to improve my game, earn my place and help the club succeed. I’m looking forward to getting back to work with the boys.”
The announcements continue Bula FC’s preparations for 2027, following the previously confirmed retention of Trinidad and Tobago international winger Kaïlé Auvray.
With Dunn and Naresh returning after collecting international silverware with Fiji, the club will retain two players who have already experienced the demands of professional football in Oceania and are looking to translate that experience into further progress.
After finishing third in the inaugural regular season, Bula FC will aim to take another step forward in their second campaign, with the development of young Fijian players remaining an important part of the club’s preparations.
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