Flying Fijian 2 Retire
It was not easy for Fiji Airways Flying Fijians head coach John McKee to accept the decisions of Timoci Nagusa and Nemani Nadolo to retire from international rugby.
McKee told SUNsports yesterday that he was aware of the players’ intended decision but it wasn’t easy to digest.
“It was with disappointment that I received the news of their retirement from international rugby,” he said.
“I had been in personal contact with both players prior to the announcements over recent days and fully understand and respect their decisions.”
McKee thanked Nagusa who played 26 Test matches and Nadolo, a 30- Test veteran for what they’ve given to the national team over the last decade.
Playing for Montpellier, Nagusa and Nadolo revealed their decisions to hang up their white jersey’s from their home bases in France.
McKee said it was not easy for the Flying Fijians as they are eight months away from the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
He highlighted that in many ways retirements such as these show us the pressure our Flying Fijians can be under juggling their professional rugby career, possible injuries, living in Europe, family life and making themselves available to represent their country.
WHAT NAGUSA SAYS
The players cited their time in the white jersey as an incredible honour and something they never took for granted.
“With a few months away to the RWC today I’ve decide to hang up my international boots,” Nagusa said.
“Twelve years I’ve had the privilege to represent my country when I’m available,
“I’ve had the greatest moments, played with so many talented players.
“I was never a keeper for the jersey, having that palm logo on my heart,
“I run onto the field for my family and everyone that have always supported me.”
NADOLO’S PRIDE
For the towering enforcer Nadolo who made such an impact for Fiji at the 2015 RWC, the sentiment was much the same.
“The moment I debuted as a caretaker of the jersey in 2010 I would have never thought I’d have played for this long and represented the tiny island of Fiji.
“I want to thank all the coaches, trainers, physios and people I have come in contact with during my time.
“To all the past and present players whom I’ve had the honour of playing alongside, I want to say a big vinaka.
“Most of all to the people of Fiji both in Fiji and abroad I just want to let you all know that it’s been a pleasure to have represented you all over the years.”
LIFE GOES ON
As these two players concentrate on the rest of their Top 14 season with Montpellier, McKee remains focused on the job at hand for Fiji in Japan later this year.
He noted that there is plenty of competition for places in that coveted squad.
“As good players like Timoci and Nemani there is of course no guarantee that they would make the final selection for RWC.
“We now have a very good depth of players who can play well at the highest level of the game in Test match rugby and a lot of competition across the team to make the final selection for RWC.
“2019 is a very important year for the Flying Fijians and there will be a lot of hard work and commitment required to ensure that the final selected squad is fully prepared to put in our best performance at the World Cup,” he said.
Edited by Leone Cabenatabua
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