LONDON, 19 DECEMBER 2019 (RUGBY PASS)—Paul Gustard has handed Tevita ‘Tex’ Cavubati a key role as Harlequins attempt to use their trio of Fijian internationals to bid for the Gallagher Premiership play-offs.
Quins boss Gustard signed Cavubati and Niki Goneva from relegated Newcastle Falcons to join Fiji Olympic Sevens gold medal winner Semi Kunatani at the Twickenham Stoop to ensure the versatile forward felt at home in south-west London.
Making sure the Pacific Islands players have a support network to help them deal with life away from their families is an area that Premiership clubs are recognising needs to be properly addressed and Quins also have a welfare manager tasked with overseeing this key area.
Kunatani joined Quins from Toulouse last season and has become a fan favourite with his big hits in defence and sevens-inspired ball-handling skills.
With Quins failing to make a significant impact in Europe, the Premiership now becomes their main focal point this season and Gustard is looking to his Fijian internationals to help bring the best out of young stars such as Alex Dombrandt, the highly-rated back row forward.