Mata Joins Edinburgh Rugby’s Centurion List

Recalled Flying Fijian star No.8 Viliame ‘Bill’ Mata will make his 100th Edinburgh Rugby appearance against Zebre Parma at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi tomorrow (Fiji time).

Mata becomes the first overseas, non-Scottish qualified player to reach the milestone in the club’s long history and is Edinburgh Rugby’s 37^th centurion, joining former capital back-row greats Simon Taylor, Ally Hogg and Roddy Grant in reaching 100 matches.

Ahead of the fixture, head coach Mike Blair, said: “We’re delighted to see Bill make his 100^th appearance for the club and the guys will be determined to put in a performance that reflects the occasion.

“It’ll be a proud moment for Bill and his family as he becomes the first overseas, non-Scottish qualified player to reach the milestone in Edinburgh Rugby history and we’ve talked a lot this week around using that emotion and pride in Bill as catalyst come game time.

“A number of players who’ve not been involved in recent weeks get their opportunity and they’re champing at the bit to make an impact.”  Mata will feature for the Flying Fijians in their November Test matches in Europe.

Ratuniyarawa, Tuisue set to go

Veteran Flying Fijians lock Api Ratuniyarawa played well for London Irish despite losing 22-21 to Gloucester in their Gallagher Premiership clash this morning. Coming in for Gloucester as an impact player was backrower Albert Tuisue who made some big hits in the match.

Ratuniyarawa and Tuisue were named in the Flying Fijians squad that’ll play against Scotland, Ireland and the French Barbarians in November.

Meanwhile, the local-based Flying Fijian players, coaches and technical officials flew out of the country to their base in France. This is where they’ll meet up with the Europe-based players and start their preparations for their Test opener against Scotland in Murrayfield on November 5.

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