Seven of the local-based players in the Vodafone Flying Fijians arrived home last night without head coach John McKee.

Kicking coach and former Flying Fijians utility back Seremaia Bai told SUNsports that the tour enabled the local-based player to get the much-needed exposure. He said the players needed to get used to the overseas environment because he saw them struggling when it comes to playing in a much bigger field.

“The need to come out of their shells  I think what I see from this tour, local players are struggling in terms of getting used to the climate, playing in front of a big crowd,” Bai said.

He added that more exposure such as the Northern tour is needed to lift the standard of our local players.

Nadroga No.8 Eremasi Radrodro said he is looking forward to get a contract and play for an overseas club next year. After returning from the Europe tour, Radrodro says, he was considering a few offers and will sign one early next year.

“The tour was quite challenging and now I am planning to rest until I sign the contract next year.”

Radrodro said he was happy with the way the tour had ended, as they played well against Japan. The players that arrived at Nadi International Airport were Sydney-based Vatemo Ravouvou, Peni Ravai, Jale Sassen, Europe-based Leeroy Atalifo, Joeli Veitayaki, Mesake Doge, Mosese Voka and Serupepeli Vularika.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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