Explain, Dyer Told
Former Flying Fijians back rower Johnny Dyer could be reconsidered for national selection, if he explains why he chose to play for his club Biarritz instead of his country.
This was revealed to SUNsports yesterday by Flying Fijians head coach Vern Cotter after he was asked why Dyer was not selected for the November Test matches.
“Dyer refused selection last November and played for his club instead,” Cotter said.
Dyer was impressive for the Flying Fijians when he made five turnovers – with four from the breakdown – against the All Blacks during their first Test at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium, New Zealand, in July last year.
It is understood that Dyer opted out of the Flying Fijians squad for the Test match against Spain last November due to family commitments. Instead, he had played for Biarritz in their Top 14 clash.
On the same note, another senior member of the Flying Fijians squad opted out because of injury but later his French club had named him in their starting line-up.
The Flying Fijians management contacted the player and warned him of the consequences if he plays for his club. The player later withdrew from his club’s starting line-up and was considered for national selection.
Dyer’s club Biarritz has been demoted to the French ProD2 competition where he has been playing consistently.
“Despite that, I have had talks with Dyer. If he can explain why he chose his club instead of his country. I may reconsider his involvement. Dyer has also been playing at lock,” Cotter added.
Despite having three players in the backrow, Cotter said players like Levani Botia, Isoa Nasilasila and Mesulame Dolokoto could also play at flanker.
The Flying Fijians play Scotland at Murray field in Edinburgh on November 5 followed by Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on November 12.
The final Test is against the French Barbarians in Lille, France on November 19.
“It’s a great opportunity to play the number one team in the world, Ireland, followed by Scotland who is always hard to beat at home and the French Barbarians,” he added.
Meanwhile, Crusaders Coach Scott Robertson has included dropped Flying Fijians winger Josua Tuisova in the Barbarians squad that will take on the All Blacks XV Sunday, November 13, in Tottenham, England.
Story By: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
