Rookie Tailevu halfback Simione Kuruvoli aims to make his debut for the Flying Fijians during the Autumn Nations Cup next month.

The 22-year-old is in the wider training group of local-based players vying for a place in the Flying Fijians squad.

Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor said Kuruvoli could be one of the local players in the squad.

“Everything now depends on the travel restrictions overseas that we are working very closely with World Rugby because they will be travelling to and from the United Kingdom,” he said.

“If that goes well than Cotter can name his team that will likely feature Kuruvoli and a few other local players Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Peni Matawalu and Serupepeli Vularika.

“At the same time we have to seek release of the overseas based players from their clubs so they can play for the Barbarians and during the Autumn Nations Cup.”

In an interview with Rakavi News Kuruvoli said the competition to make the squad was tough but he was confident of making it.

“It’s very tough to compete for a spot in the Flying Fijians squad but I’m trying everything I can do to impress the selectors with my performance,” he said.

“I’m trying my very best, it’s been my childhood dream to don the white jersey.”

Kuruvoli has been a vital component in the Tailevu squad in the Skipper Cup Premiership. His ability to deliver from the ruck, scrum and reading the game well and kicking off the tee has been some of his main weapons.

He started his rugby career in Queen Victoria School before joining the Fiji U20 squad to the Junior World Cup Championship then the Fiji Warriors side.

Now the nippy halfback has the opportunity to show and prove Cotter that he is ready to compete with first choice halfback Frank Lomani. The Barbarians coached by Cotter will play England at Twickenham on October 25 and France in the first game of the Autumn Nations Cup on November 15.

Edited by Osea Bola

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