RYUNOSUKE Ito is the biggest threat on Japan’s side.
This according to Fiji Water Flying Fijians interim head coach Senirusi Seruvakula, ahead of tomorrow’s Pacific Nations Cup final at 9:05pm at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo.
The 21-year-old Meiji University fly-half has quickly emerged as one of the most promising prospects in international rugby, despite having no professional experience.
The Brave Blossoms, known for their fast and dynamic style, have thrived in recent matches with the young fly-half leading the charge.
Seruvakula has rated Ito highly and identified him as a priority for Fiji’s defence.
“The biggest threat for us is the nippy number 10 (Ito). He is very accurate, very fast and can read the game, and he will dictate how the Japanese will play,” he explained.
“He is one of the most dangerous players we will be looking at.”
Japan’s head coach Eddie Jones called Ito into the Japan XV squad to face the Māori All Blacks in June, 2026.
By July, he was named starting flyhalf for Japan’s prestigious Nations Championship matches against heavyweight Tier 1 teams Italy, Ireland, and France.
Ito handled the massive step up effortlessly and quickly signed his first professional contract with powerhouse club Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath.
Meanwhile, Vilikesa Nairau and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens could make their Flying Fijians debut off the bench against Japan.
Seruvakula said it’s always an honour to represent your nation and looks forward to the two players taking full advantage of the opportunity to be considered for future Tests.
The Flying Fijians have won the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup for a record seven times.
In 2024, they successfully reclaimed the title and defended it last year, aiming to make it a three-peat this year.
