Fiji Airways Flying Fijians wing Josua Tuisova has been excused from the Flying Fijians tour because of family commitments, as confirmed by head coach Mick Byrne.
“Tuisova have personal leave for family.
“They have had a long year, after the world cup they head straight to their clubs and they just re-connecting with their young families and we can get them back on board after this campaign they will be fully committed to the Flying Fijians,” Byrne said.
The head coach reiterated the importance of family, emphasizing its paramountcy within the team.
“We chatted about it and for us family is important we respect that and it’s great for them to go home and re -connect with their young families,” Byrne added.
In addition to Tuisova, Northern Hemisphere trio Levani Botia and Vinaya Habosi are both sidelined because of injury and are not part of the 32-member squad for the USA and Georgia tour.
“Botia and Vinaya are both injured.”
Byrne stresses the need for the team to elevate their fitness levels to remain competitive, especially in the final moments of matches.
“Northern Hemisphere players are fit, very fit in fact they have great line speeds.
“Reflecting on matches like last year’s World Cup quarter-final between the All Blacks and Ireland, we recognise the importance of maintaining competitiveness in the final 5-6 minutes. We aim to be the fittest team on the field, showcasing our talents and dominating until the final whistle,” Byrne concluded.
The Flying Fijians face Georgia on July 6 and the All Blacks on July 19.
