Fijians Spice Up MLR

USA rugby analyst and commentator Brian Hightower, believes more Fijians will soon sign up with clubs participating in the Major League Rugby (MLR).

His comments came in an interview ahead of the current halt to sports because of the coronavirus panademic.

The latest players to be signed up a Swire Fijian Warriors winger Tira Patterson along with Fiji Airways Fijian Drua pair of Enele Malele and Tevita Naqali.

"The league has developed and expanded once again and it will continue to expand again next year," Hightower said.

"To see some of the Fijian talents here, I think it's been good for the teams out in the US that they are playing for and also against."

Three members of the men's sevens team that won the gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games are playing in the MLR.

They are captain Osea Kolinisau, Jasa Veremalua and playmaker Vatemo Ravouvou. Also joining them is non-travelling reserve Josua Vici.

Hightower said knew Kolinisau and Veremalua from his time in Fiji in 2016.

"On to the World Seven Series and getting to know them well, they have settled in nicely. Osea lives in Houston now with his family and Jasa in San Diego and they are thriving so it is exciting to see more Fijian players in the MLR.

"It is going to continue to grow as well as the league will continue to grow. They are going to need more players and one of the best places to get players is in Fiji," he added.

Hightower is a former USA 7s and XVs rep. He made his Olympic debut as a rugby analyst for NBC Sports Group at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Hightower is currently an analyst and commentator for NBC Sports Group and Pac 12 Networks, calling various rugby games.

Currently some notable players are San Diego Legion's Save Totovosau, Patterson, Keni Nasoqeqe, and Jasa Veremalua.

Second row Tevita Naqali with Old Glory DC, Enele Malele at Austin Herd, New England Free Jacks Poasa Waqanibau, Peceli Rinakama,

Naulia Dawai, Houston Sabercats- Osea Kolinisau, Seattle Seawolves Andrew Durutalo, Hope Motokana, Sitiveni and Suliasi Tamaivena and Rugby ATL Maciu Koroi.

Also playing in the MLR is former Hurricanes and Flying Fijians lock Api Naikatini.

Hightower added that Fijian players do bring spice into the game which has been widely renowned in the sevens paddock.

" Its the type of rugby that they bring on game day that is really lovely to watch," he said.

" It's entertaining rugby at it's very best and fans come ion numbers because of the type of rugby they play."

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj