FRU targets stronger rugby links in Europe

The Fiji Rugby Union's(FRU)long term plan is to have more en­gagements in Europe. This was revealed to SUNsports by FRU board chairman John Sanday during an interview on the upcom­ing Fijian Latui's two-match tour to Ireland.

"The future of rugby is in Europe and given that we have almost 500 Fijian players in that market, we have to look at all options on how we can better utilise and monetise this asset pool," Sanday said.

He also pointed out that the FRU is making a big investment on the Fijian Latui for the tour to go ahead as it would benefit our players and coaches in many ways.

Sanday said the financial returns on this tour is projected to break even.

"The commercial terms for the planned matches especially against Ireland A, have been discussed and agreement has been reached on how this will look like. We are try­ing to finalise sponsorship as well. It is the first tour so we are project­ing a break even financial outcome.

"The real return is the exposure and expansion of player depth from which the Flying Fijians will be se­lected from for Rugby World Cup 2027 plus the learnings for the Skip­per Cup players and coaches."

The Fijian Latui travels to Dublin to take on top Irish club Munster on Saturday (November 14) and face Ireland A on Friday, November 20.

Sanday said one of the immediate gains is to add depth to the pool of players who are available for Flying Fijians selection.

"The central point of the Fijian Latui is that it will have capping status," the former Flying Fijians No.8 said.

"In other words once you play for the Fijian Latui you become capped for Fiji and therefore secures the pool of players that are available for Flying Fijians selection. We plan to cap our youngsters play­ing overseas plus provide a devel­opment pathway for Skipper Cup players to get exposure in a high performance environment."

Sanday said in this way they are supporting Flying Fijians head coach Jake White's intention to find the best 33 players to represent the country at next year's Rugby World Cup in Australia.

"In that sense we are growing the pool of players that the head coach (Jake White) can select from. We are playing our part in investing in the right places to build depth and competition for positions."

Sanday also indicated that in addi­tion they are using the Fijian Latui to give high performance exposure to our local coaches.

"Without this investment they would never get an opportunity to be part of a coaching team in a high performance environment. They will bring these learnings back to our Skipper Cup and clubs so the whole standard of Fiji rugby lifts toward the global best standards.

Fiji Latui squad

Loosehead prop: Emosi Tumania (Bayonne), Sylvester Vakauliafa (Vannes); Hooker: Sesoni Tamani (Castres), Osea Dasalusalu (Naita­siri), Joseva Baleiloa (Kadavu); Tighthead prop: Johnny Muller (Naitasiri), Mesake Doge (Drua), Samuela Tawake (NZ), Kaliova Bu­lai (Angouleme); Locks: Peni Naru­ma (Nadi), Petero Mailulu (Stade Franc;ais), Watisoni Waqanisaravi (La Rochelle), Meli Turagaca (Lock Chambery), Isaia Lotawa (Ba), Francis Peters (Bordeaux); Loose forwards: Apisalome Kuruisa­qila (Beziers), Mosese Tabuakoto (Stade Franc;ais), Isoa Koronawai (Suva), Joshua Thomson (Greno­ble), Veresa Ramototabua (Castre); Halfback: Cameron Kelemeti (Don­caster), Leone Nawai (Nadi), Iliesa Baravilala (Vannes);

Flyhalf: Joeli Baleilevuka (Nadro­ga); Centre/Wings: Warne Naituvi (Racing), Apete Narogo (Toulon), Sireli Masiwini (Provence); Jope Naseara (Dax), Alipate Waidilo (Naitasiri), Mosese Naura (Nadi), Peniasi Dakuwaqa (Stade Fran­cais), Semi Lagivala (La Rochelle), Kaminieli Rasaku (Angouleme), Avakuki Niusalelekitoga (An­gouleme), Josaia Ralulu (Racing Espoir);

Fullback: Rupeni Junior Caucaunibuca (Montpellier), Se­tareki Tuicuvu (Toulon).