The Fijian Drua players are going to focus on their Super Rugby Pacific preparations and are likely not going to be part of the Flying Fijians squad for the Northern Tour in November 2021.

The Flying Fijians are expected to play three test matches which will be confirmed after all the arrangements have been confirmed.

One of the matches is expected to be against Wales.

This was confirmed yesterday by Fiji Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer John O’Connor indicating that due to the challenges of COVID 19, it is most likely that only Europe-based players are going to be considered for the Northern tour.

“We are still making the final arrangements and awaiting final confirmation from World Rugby on our matches and on where the team will assemble before we will make relevant announcement,”
O’Connor said, they are also awaiting confirmation on the availability of players.

The Drua players at that time should be having their first training run in Brisbane, Australia, under head coach Mick Byrne.

With the unavailability of Flying Fijians captain, Semi Radradra due to injury, the chase is now for the centre’s position with the likes of Vilimoni Botitu, Adrea Cocagi, Jale Vatubua, Eneriko

Buliruarua along with veteran Waisea Nayacalevu eyeing for the spot.

Also, Petero Tuwai made his debut for Toulon at centre in the weekend.

Meanwhile, the Welsh rugby side are using their upcoming Test matches, especially against the Flying Fijians and Australia to gauge their strength for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

This was the view of Wales head coach Wayne Pivac indicating that it will be tough as they take on four Southern Hemisphere giants.
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