Veitokani Joins Fijian Drua
Fijian utility back, Alivereti Veitokani is expected to join the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua camp today.
In a zoom press conference yesterday, head coach Mick Byrne confirmed that the former London Irish player was on his way to the Gold Coast yesterday.
“He is on his way. We are just in the process of sorting out the paperwork necessary for him to arrive,” Byrne said.
“And the issue also about being evacuated has upset some plans but at the same time he’s definitely on his way,” he said.
“I’m waiting for an update as we speak. So that update should be coming through in the next couple of hours as to exactly where he is at.”
The former warden had played for Namosi in the Skipper Cup provincial competition before joining the Fijian Drua in the 2018 National Rugby Championship campaign.
When approached regarding his departure at Ratu Cakobau on Saturday, Veitokani was evasive for a comment.
He won the Rising Star Award after his sterling performance with the Drua when they claimed the 2018 NRC competition. In that year he had the most breaks: 26, most offloads at 19, the most try assists 9, and most run meters 921 metres.
Veitokani made his debut for the Flying Fijians in the Autumn International test match against Uruguay; he was also a key player in their win over France.
In January 2019, he signed a deal to join London Irish.
Veitokani has mesmerizing footwork, a great passing game, an eye for the gap and plays with flair.
Meanwhile, first five eighth Teti Tela is one of the players on the short list for the captaincy role against the Brumbies this weekend.
“Teti was the captain when the money went off. At this stage for the coaching group, we’re sitting down to go through this week’s selection and obviously his name will be one of the names we will talk about,” Byrne said.
“And once we finalise selection, we’ll have a look at the team and we’ll make that call,” he added.
Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
