The five local players in the Europe Tour squad are optimistic of making a mark.

The players and officials will depart the country today for the first team assembly in Toulouse, France next Monday with the overseas based players.

For Mesake Doge, Mosese Voka, Jale Sassen,Serupepeli Vularika and Joeli Veitayaki this will be their first tour with the Vodafone Flying Fijians.

And Doge believes this would be a great learning experience for the local players

“This is a great opportunity and everything for us,”Doge said.

“We want to thank head coach John McKee for giving us this opportunity to be with Flying Fijians and to represent our families and our country.”

Nadroga No. 8 Eremasi Radrodro debuted for the Flying Fijians during the Pacific Nations Cup in June and the Americas Pacific Challenge with the Telecom Fijian Warriors.

But the Batiki, Lomaiviti native believes he has to step up.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity but playing with the Warriors team is different from teaming up with the Flying Fijians.

“This is the first time for me to travel with the Flying Fijians and I know I have to step up and do my best,” Radrodro said.

Naibalebale, Vio, Yasawa native Mosese Voka echoed the same sentiments.

“This will be a good experience for us, big call and good opportunity for us to learn from the overseas based players,” Voka said.

Tailevu hooker Jale Sassen is excited.

“I’m really looking forward to this tour, a lot to learn and I want to thank God for this opportunity,” Sassen said.

Edited by Osea Bola

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