Mick Byrne, head coach of the Fiji Water Flying Fijians, is committed to assembling a fully fit squad as they get ready for the 2025 Autumn Internationals. This determination follows the recent inclusion of Kitione Salawa, Joji Nasova, and Setareki Tuicuvu to the team as replacements for injured players Lekima Tagitagivalu, Iosefo Masi, and Ponipate Loganimasi. Byrne highlighted the importance of starting the tour with players in optimal physical condition, especially since the injured players may not return until late November.
Last Saturday, Byrne made the call to withdraw the sidelined athletes to minimize disruptions during the team’s preparation. While he believes the impact on the team’s overall performance may be manageable, he acknowledged the personal disappointment that the sidelined players would experience. Reflecting on the situation, Byrne remarked, “The initial response was that they could possibly be right by the tour,” indicating the unforeseen nature of injuries.
Joji Nasova, one of the newcomers, impressed during his debut at the Pacific Nations Cup earlier this year. Byrne sees significant promise in him, asserting that Nasova possesses the necessary skills and mentality to succeed at the international level. “Joji showed a lot of promise in PNC. We feel that while it’s an opportunity for Joji to come in and grow, he can build on what he learned and take another step forward,” he pointed out.
The Flying Fijians have arrived in England and have begun training, marking the start of their preparations for their opening match against England on November 9 at Twickenham Stadium. This autumn tour represents both a test and a chance for the Flying Fijians to display their resilience and depth, simultaneously nurturing emerging talent alongside established stars.
As the team sets their sights on challenging matchups against formidable opponents, an optimistic atmosphere permeates the camp. With high hopes for extraordinary performances, the Flying Fijians are well-positioned to shine in the international rugby arena, combining their seasoned expertise with the promise of promising newcomers ready to seize the moment.