McKee Reject Stars

Two players who could not make the cut for the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians at the 2019 Rugby World Cup impress in the opening round of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby in England.

Taqele Naiyaravoro and Albert Tuisue played a power game defying the odds for Northampton Saints and London Irish Exiles respectively over the weekend.

Tuisue’s was a surprise omission from the RWC squad after coach John McKee opted for Tevita Ratuva.

Naiyaravoro who had played twice for the Australian Wallabies was eligible to play for Fiji at the World Cup, if he had played for the Fijian 7s team in the 2018/19 London and France tournaments.

But he was not selected as the Fijians won both tournaments to scoop the HSBC World Sevens Series title.

Naiyaravoro has extended his contract at Franklin’s Gardens for two more seasons after a dominant showing in the 27-25 win over defending champions Saracens on Sunday.

The 27-year-old Yasawa, Ba native continued where he left off last season mesmerising his opponents with his immense ball-carrying ability.

Dubbed Big T, he made he made 28 appearances in an explosive debut season scoring 11 tries, making more metres and clean breaks than any other player in the Gallagher Premiership.

Albert Tuisue

Playing at No.8 for 80 minutes, the Kadavu native gained good yards and was a tower in defence.

Exiles director of rugby Declan Kidney praised the heroic defence and Tuisue for scoring from a lineout move.

Tuisue’s was a surprise omission from the RWC squad after coach John McKee opted for Tevita Ratuva.

Tuisue’s Exiles will play Sale Sharks while the Saints face Worcester Warriors this weekend.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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