Pita Gus Sowakula, the former All Blacks number 8 now playing for Clermont, made a notable debut for the Fiji Water Flying Fijians in their 38-18 loss to England at Twickenham. Called up at the last minute due to an injury to Kitione Salawa, Sowakula stepped into the blindside flanker position, marking his return to international rugby.
In the match, Sowakula stood out with his impressive offloading abilities, particularly during a key moment that led to Fiji’s second try. His determination in ball carrying and strong defensive skills added significant value to Fiji’s overall performance, securing him recognition as one of the top players on the field despite the team’s defeat.
Head coach Mick Byrne expressed enthusiasm about Sowakula’s inclusion, explaining that his earlier debut had been delayed due to club commitments. “He was available for July… but his French club didn’t release him for PNC, so he’s really looking forward to the opportunity to be part of the national team,” stated Byrne.
Byrne also stressed the importance of maintaining high performance levels among all players, encouraging those not selected to stay committed as new opportunities will arise. He shared his vision for the team, aiming to build depth as they look toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup. “As you get toward the end of 2025, we are doing everything we can to win every Test match. There’s also an eye on 2027,” he remarked.
Following their recent setback, the Flying Fijians will regroup and prepare for their next test match against France on November 15 at the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux. This upcoming match offers the team a chance to refine their strategies and build on the performance displayed against England, signaling a promising future for Fiji rugby.