Injury sidelines Etonia Waqa from Flying Fijians squad in London

Injury is the reason why backrower Etonia (Eto) Waqa is not with the Flying Fijians in London.

This was confirmed on Thursday by Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson when he told SUNsports that Waqa had injured his finger.

It is understood that he suffered the injury during the Pacific Nations Cup final against Japan.

“He (Waqa) had a little surgery on his finger, so he’ll be out for some time,” Jackson said.

“Waqa is back in Fiji now, so he’ll be under rehab.”

Drua halfback Frank Lomani is back on track, making progress with his shoulder surgery.

Jackson said Lomani is almost back to full training.

“We’ve obviously got a long time before we play Moana Pasifika, so we don’t need to rush Frank. Frank was reasonably close to being back for the Flying Fijians team.”

Jackson said what’s best for the Drua and Fiji Rugby, at the moment is for Lomani to get back to full fitness.

“At the moment, Simi (Kuruvoli) and young Philip (Baselala) are obviously into another great season. So, in professional rugby, it’s always tough to have everyone involved.”

Former Wallabies halfback Issak Fines-Leleiwasa and former Chiefs winger Manasa Mataele are expected to join the Drua squad next month. Mataele starred for Canterbury in their recent win of the New Zealand NPC (National Provincial Championship) title.

Meanwhile, the Drua has yet to confirm anything on former France centre Virimi Vakatawa as he continues to train with them right up to Christmas.

Vakatawa featured for Naitasiri during the Skipper Cup competition.

Outgoing Drua chief executive officer Mark Evans said they’ll see how things go with Vakatawa.

“At the moment he’s on a training contract or training with the Drua up for another couple of months here. So we’ll see how that ends up,” said Evans.

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj