Fiji Waters Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne has stated that players such as Nathan Hughes, Peniasi Dakuwaqa, Vinaya Habosi and others who were not included in the current Flying Fijians squad are still in contention for the team should there be any injuries picked up by the current squad members.
“All players that are outside the squad at the moment are being considered.,” said byrne.
“I know that there are people out there pushing for these players in the media and that’s great and they should be because we have been discussing them.
“They come under serious considerations so when they don’t get selected it’s not because we think they are not good players, there’s a lot of things that go into it. So, yes, they are in consideration, and they will continue to be in consideration.” he explained
Former Flyng Fijian utility back Ben Volavola’s move to the Queensland Reds could also reignite his international career with the Flying Fijians.
Byrne says his involvement in the upcoming super rugby season will be closely monitored by him and his coaching team.
“Ben has been considered previously and the fact that he has now signed with the Reds is a great thing. It’s great for Ben that his been able to get back near his home and it’s also good for us and we will be keeping a close eye on him,” said Byrne.
Volavola made his debut for the Flying Fijians in 2015 and earned 38 test caps before he was left out of the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad.
Volavola was Fiji’s incumbent flyhalf in the 2015 and 2019 rugby world cup. In the 2015 world cup he started in all of Fiji’s pool games, he was also instrumental in Fiji’s historic 21-14 victory over France in Paris, scoring 11 points from the boot.
Volavola will return to Super Rugby in 2026 with the Queensland Reds after eights year playing abroad. He is expected to provide depth as a fly-half, inside centre, or fullback for the Reds.
