Fiji Airways Fijian 7s utility back Sireli Maqala played for Bayonne in their French Top 14 opener on Saturday.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games gold medalist was the only over­seas-based player in the Ben Goll­ings’ 12-member squad for the Rug­by World Cup Sevens which gets underway on Friday, September 9, in Cape Town, South Africa.

It is understood that Maqala flew to Cape Town to join the national sevens team.

Maqala was at centre while Eneriko Buliruarua ran at second five-eight in their 45-20 loss to Toulon.

Also making his debut in Toulon colours was Flying Fi­jian captain, Waisea Nayacalevu, who started at centre, with Jiuta Wainiqolo on the wing.

Wainiqolo scored Toulon’s second try in the 17th minute and put on a sterling performance.

Flying Fijians No.8 Kitione Kami­kamica also made his debut for Rac­ing 92 and starred in their 25-19 win over Castres.

Another standout performer was 20-year-old centre, Inia Tabuavou, who made his debut from the bench for Racing and showed his class.

Burly Fijian winger Filipo Nakosi scored a try for Castres in the 56th minute while Josua Raisuqe played well at flanker.

Lyon, with Flying Fijian lock Temo Mayanavanua, beat Brive 31- 27 in a thriller. Brive fielded winger Seta Bituniyata and fullback Seta Tuicuvu, while lock Tevita Ratuva came in as a substitute.

Veteran Jale Vatubua was at sec­ond five-eight for Pau along with lanky Lekima Tagitagivalu as they edged Alivereti Duguivalu’s Perpig­nan 16-14.

Former Fijian-born Wallabies winger Sefa Naivalu was moved to centre as Stade Francais beat Aliv­ereti Raka’s Clermont 24-18.

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