FIJI Water Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne is adamant on starting the 2025 Autumn Internationals with an injury free squad- after bringing in Kitione Salawa, Joji Nasova, and Setareki Tuicuvu as replacements for Lekima Tagitagivalu, Iosefo Masi, and Ponipate Loganimasi who were withdrawn due to injuries.
“I think with the quality of players that we have, we need to start the tour with players that are 100% fit. These players, (Lekima Tagitagivalu, Iosefo Masi, and Ponipate Loganimasi) unfortunately, will probably come good towards the end of November. It’s unfortunate for them
“We selected them based on their ability and we thought that they’d be right.
“The initial response was that they could possibly be right by the tour.
“But they’re unable to be ready to go at the start of the tour,” he said.
Byrne made the decision to withdraw the players last Saturday, to minimize disruptions to the team’s preparation.
“I think the squad hasn’t come together yet so the effect it has on the squad itself is probably minimal. The effect it has on the individuals is great.”
The selection of Joji Nasova over other overseas based players comes after his memorable debut at the Pacific Nations Cup earlier this year.
Bryne believes the Ba native has the skills and character to become an international 15s superstar.
“Joji Nasova, he showed a lot of promise in PNC. We know that there’s a couple of great players up north that are playing really-well.
“Joji fitted in really-well with the side in PNC and made some real progress. We feel that while it’s an opportunity for Joji to come in and grow, that learning he took from PNC and take another step.
“We know he’s a world-class sevens player.
“He showed us in PNC that he has real potential to develop into a world-class winner in the fifteens.”
The team touched down in England on Sunday with the overseas based players joining our local Drua players.
They began their first training session yesterday (Monday) and continues today ahead of their series opener against England on November 9 at Twickenham Stadium at 5.40am.
