Still In Demand

The French Top 14 is currently on pause and as it stands a number of players will not be afforded the time to prove they deserve a contract extension by the end of the season.
Bi-weekly rugby newspaper, Midi Olympique, has released the list of players whose contracts are set to expire at the end of the current season.
These are top players like Rugby World Cup winner and All Blacks first five eight Colin Slade who plays for Pau, Wallabies and Stade Francais hooker Tolu Latu, South Africa’s Francois Steyn who is in Montpellier’s colours along with Robert Ebersohn of Castres.
Also in the list are three members of the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians players to last year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan. They are captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Kini Murimurivalu and Ben Volavola.
Last season, Nemani Nadolo and Timoci Naqusa completed their contract with Montpellier.
Nadolo has joined Leicester Tigers while Naqusa has been linked with another French club Grenoble.
According to Ultimate Rugby, Waqaniburotu, Volavola and Murimurivalu could pick up a contract extension before the end of the season or have already been linked with a move away from the club.
Here’s what they say about them:
Ben Volavola
A talented playmaker, Volavola moved to Racing 92 to cover the injured Pat Lambie back in 2018 and has stayed with the club since.
Although he hasn’t been offered a contract as of yet, he may just remain at the club with Kurtley Beale coming in.
Able to cover multiple positions, he would be a superb asset when Finn Russell, in particular, is away on test duty.
Kini Murimurivalu
Fiji’s first-choice fullback at the RWC in Japan, Murimurivalu is a crowd-pleaser with an excellent running game.
He is also comfortable under the high ball and would be an excellent signing for any club looking for a cool head in the #15 jersey.
Dominiko Waqaniburotu
Fiji’s captain at the RWC, Waqaniburotu is another player who won’t be short on offers despite being 33.
An excellent blindside flanker, he could leave the side if they are to be relegated at the end of the season.
Edited by Naisa Koroi
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