FIJI Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has highlighted young prop Atu Sokobale following a recommendation from Castres Rugby President Pierre-Yves Revol. During a discussion about potential squad selections, particularly in light of the injury to Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Revol suggested Sokobale, who is the younger brother of former national sevens representative Savenaca Rawaca.
Byrne acknowledged that Sokobale’s experience in the competitive French league will be a significant advantage to the team. He remarked, “During the conversation, he actually raised Atu’s name, and suddenly that tweaks my interest because you haven’t gone down to that next level of player coming into the French league. So, all of a sudden he threw Atu’s name at me, so I start looking when he comes off the bench, and I’m like… well he’s playing against the French, he’s coming off the bench in the French league for Cas, so he is getting that sort of experience.”
Sokobale, who previously achieved a gold medal in shot put at the Fiji Finals representing Sigatoka Methodist College, has been included in the newly announced 32-man squad, which will face England in their opening match on the 9th of next month at Twickenham Stadium at 5.40 a.m.
The current squad also includes seasoned players like Pita Gus Sowakula, a former All Black, and Peceli Yato, who are expected to bring experience to the Flying Fijians as they prepare for critical upcoming international fixtures. This meld of new talent alongside established players creates a promising avenue for the team’s future, with hopes running high for a strong performance as they aim to elevate their status in the competitive landscape of international rugby.