Former Flying Fijians skipper Akapusi Qera, who was part of Fiji’s famous quarter-final finish at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, has taken to social media to wish the FIJI Water Flying Fijians the best in their participation at the 2023 World Cup in France next month.
A video of the former openside flanker surfaced on Facebook yesterday, where he sent well wishes to Simon Raiwalui and the players.
“I just want to give all the praise to the Flying Fijians as they head into the World Cup,” the 39-year-old said.
“And it is our prayer for all Fijian people around the world to support you, and we are behind you all the way.”
The towering forward played a huge role for the Flying Fijians side at the 2007 RWC, also in France, where they shocked Wales to make the last eight.
“It is our prayer that this year will be a very successful one for the Flying Fijians side.”
“To Simon Raiwalui and the boys, all the best.”
Before making his way into the Flying Fijians, Qera was part of the Coastal Stallions where they competed in the Colonial Cup, which is known today as the Skipper Cup competition.
From here he managed to find his way into the Fiji Under-21 side, then to the Fiji Warriors before heading into the Flying Fijians side, making his debut against Samoa in 2005.
He first received the captaincy role for the Flying Fijians in 2009 against Scotland during Fiji’s European Tour.
Three years later, after making more appearances for the Flying Fijians, he received a call up to join the Barbarians, debuting for the side against England that year.
In May 2013, Qera was named in the Flying Fijians squad for the Pacific Nations Cup and captained the side in the 20–8 victory over Japan and 20–18 loss to Canada.
Meanwhile, Fiji opens its 2023 RWC campaign against Wales on September 11.
The side will then face Australia, Georgia and Portugal to round off its pool C matches.
