FIJI Water Flying Fijians head coach Jake White’s demand for players to earn their places in the national team will take shape through the Fijian Latui program.
With 35 players, including former Flying Fijians and promising prospects from Fiji and overseas, the shadow national team, the program will provide another pathway for players to push for national selection.
Fiji Rugby Union High-Performance General Manager Nacanieli Cawanibuka said the Latui would ensure no player’s place in the national team was guaranteed.
“The team announced this morning there are many players who were Flying Fijians before, their selection is a message to them that they are still in the discussions,” Cawanibuka explained.
“We are creating now a performance platform where everyone competes, Latui is the second arm of Fiji rugby together with the Drua that is going to give equal opportunities to all potential Flying Fijians a fair chance to raise their hands up for selection.”
While opportunities in the Fijian Drua remain limited, the Latui will provide another competitive platform for players to prove their worth and catch White’s attention.
Cawanibuka said the national coach was fully aware of the programme and its role in strengthening competition for places.
“With the national coaching team, the Flying Fijian coach Jake White is well aware of this Latui project,” Cawanibuka said.
“And we will be using the Latui as a conveyer belt into the Flying Fijians, with this tour up to Ireland their players also on standby on the tour should any injuries happen.”
