Strong running Fijian centre Levani Botia is hitting the headlines in Europe after another mesmerising performance for La Rochelle as they beat Gloucester 27-16 in Kingsholm, England on Friday night.

The win has seen the French club claim the last 16 spot for the Heineken Champions Cup.

They’ve booked a home quarterfinal match against either Sale Sharks or Scarlets next weekend.

The French daily newspaper L E’quipe described Botia’s performance: “The Fijian international centre performed a phenomenal game, whether defensively, where he cut the English in series and scratched several ammunition, or on the offensive, where his charges with the ball gained precious metres for his team,” stated the newspaper.

It also highlighted the Fijian’s obsession to defend against the opposition, offload passes and ability to create spaces for his team-mates.

Botia was able to display that when he created space for French winger Aruthur Retiere to score a try. And in defence, he turned England and Gloucester winger Jonny May over to prevent a sure try.

In the European Challenge Cup, Albert Tuisue at No.8 helped London Irish score a 41-35 win over Cardiff Blues. Glasgow Warriors with Fiji internationals Leone Nakarawa and Nikola Matawalu coming in as subs went down 26-21 to Montpellier.

Fijian-born England winger, Joe Cokanasiga, marked his return for Bath by scoring the first try as they dumped Zebre 35-27.

Edited by Osea Bola 

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