Top 14 Clubs Eye Rising Fijian Star
Mont-de-Marsan speedster, Wame Naituvi’s top class finish could earn him a spot with Top 14 club Racing 92.
This could see him rubbing shoulders with the likes of Virimi Vakatawa, Gael Fickou and Ben Volavola.
Naituvi who hails from Nabau, Nadroga, has been playing well with French ProD2 club scoring four tries and starting in 10 consecutive matches.
Speaking to SUNsports from Los Angles, his former coach and Nadroga Rugby technical advisor Franck Boivert said that Naituvi deserves to be playing in the French Top 14.
“It is not a surprise that Wame has one of the best stats in French rugby,” Boivert said.
“He deserves to play in the Top 14, the competition is ready to have a new star like him.
“He will have great competition in the club and that will make him improve. Wame will be playing outside Vakatawa and Gael Fickou. They are the inside and outside centres for France.”
Boivert said Naituvi is a freakish player and his team-mates are always trying to keep up with him.
“All Fijian players here in France admire him and they don’t understand why he is not there yet. Wame played fullback for Nadroga and it is a shame that he does not play often at that position. In my view, he could our best fullback with Setareki Tuivucu.”
Boivert also confirmed that Naituvi might hesitate to make his move to Racing if Mont de Marsan is promoted to the Top 14.
“He had a three-year contract with Marsan and Racing 92 might have a word with his club, if they really need him. We had spoken about it as Clermont want him back too. But Wame was not happy with Clermont for letting him go so he rather go to Racing 92.
“But he might hesitate a little if Mont de Marsan goes up to Top 14. Mont de Marsan is on fire this season leading the ProD2 and winning bonus points in all home games. So if Mont de Marsan goes up Wame may want to stay as his contract runs to 2023.”
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