Rising star and Fiji Airway Flying Fijians first five-eighth Teti Tela has made up his mind to be part of the side to the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

The 28-year-old was part of the side that defeated the Barbarians 33-31 at the Twickenham, London over the weekend.

He did not mince his words on his objective.

“Yeah definitely, It’s a long way away but we can only control and live in the present then do what I can do now and fulfil that dream. Obviously there is a dream and that is making the 2023 RWC.

“Definitely if Fiji needs me I will be back. It was a special occasion to play in Twickenham. A very special moment for me and for my family, it’s Very humble at the same time.

“We had a good time with the other boys. We spend some time before the match.”

Tela, who plays for the Reds in the Super Rugby competition, is optimistic despite his contract ending this month.

“My contract ends this season. I have to sit down with my manager and discuss it,” he added.

Seruvakula rates Tela

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians assistant coach Senirusi Seruvakula has praised Tela for his instrumental role at No.10 and sparking the Fijian backline.

“He is the future No. 10 and I have been trying to get him for the past years,” he said.

“He is one of the rising players. The last time he played for us was in the  Under the 20s, by looking at his game on Sunday,  top clubs will sign him.

“I have asked him to play for Fijian Latui in the Global Rapid Rugby competition.

Eleven Flying Fijians debutants played against the Barbarians.

Seruvakula also said these players will now need to be monitored for the future.

“After 49 years these boys created history and it is a big achievement and opportunity for them going out there to play for their country and players who have just come out from the RWC. It is big exposure and experience and it is a good build-up for us for the Latui next year.

“There were 11 new players who played on Sunday and the players were confident and they can do anything on the field.

“Playing with players from New Zealand who play in the Mitre 10 comp, it’s an awesome experience and a big achievement.

The side arrived yesterday without Fiji Airways Flying Fijians head coach John McKee and captain Frank Lomani.

Tela returns to Brisbane today.

Edited by Osea Bola

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