The signing of Jiuta Wainiqolo and Sireli Maqala by the French clubs is not a surprise for Flying Fijians head coach, Vern Cotter.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Cotter said, with the exposure of our sevens’ players to the rugby world, there would be a large number of clubs looking to bolster their playing roster with x- factor players.

“Firstly, congratulations to Gareth (Baber) and his team for their awesome achievement,” Cotter said of the Team Fiji men’s rugby sevens team for winning the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games gold medal.

“It is no surprise to see a number of contracts being signed with Wainiqolo for Toulon and Maqala for Bayonne. We already have a large contingent of our talents in France.”

Cotter said for the end of the November test matches, he’s going to consider Europe based-players of Vilimoni Botitu, Semi Radradra and Aminiasi Tuimaba, who were part of the sevens team to the Olympics.

He also indicated his interest on lanky forward Meli Derenalagi, hard-hitting Asaeli Tuivuaka and Rusiate Nasove.

“There are spots up for grabs for the November Test series and we will be looking to get feedbacks from these players over the next three months before making the final selection.”

Cotter also indicated that Team Fiji men’s rugby sevens training squad member and Flying Fijians centre, Onisi Natave, will also be considered as he is now playing for Bay of Plenty in New Zealand.

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