For FIJI Water Flying Fijians utility forward Albert Tuisue, getting named in the squad for the Rugby World Cup in France was a bittersweet moment.
Tuisue, who was dropped from the 2019 RWC squad, said it was an emotional moment for him to be named, but he will be missing his “best friend” and former All Blacks centre Seta Tamanivalu.
Tamanivalu did not make the final 33-member squad announced by head coach Simon Raiwalui last week.
“It’s been emotional, I was dropped at the last world cup and now I’m being picked. You know we all have a second chance, and this is my chance and maybe my last world cup even,” the 30-year-old Kadavu man said.
“My best friend (Tamanivalu) wasn’t picked and I was crying because I wanted to play at the world cup with him.”
Tuisue, who plays for Gloucester in the English premiership, said the team bonding exercise and the Pacific Nations Cup campaign had brought a brotherhood bond among the players.
“The last few weeks has been good bonding and it’s been emotional because some of the boys were not picked, but I take my hat off to those who weren’t picked.
“They sacrificed and worked hard, and like I said, if we win the world cup, it’s for them. And I’m looking forward to the world cup.”
He said Fiji was in a tough pool with Wales, Australia, Portugal and Georgia and they would need to work hard.
Meanwhile, Tamanivalu said he was happy for the players selected and his support for the team would not change.
“I just want to say congratulations to all the boys that have been picked to represent the team, this is a very special moment for all of us here,” the Yasawa man said.
“I’m upset for those of us who will not be going, but it doesn’t change our support for the team to the world cup. For those who have been chosen, we wish you the best.
“I’m happy I was part of the team in the beginning, seeing where we started from in Taveuni, and going through all those tough training together.
“I want to wish the best to my friend Albert Tuisue and my cousin Lekima Tagitagivalu.”
The Rugby World Cup kicks off on September 8.
Fiji’s first game is against Wales on September 10 followed by matches against Australia on September 17, Georgia on September 30 and Portugal on October 8.