Portugal coach who shocked Flying Fijians takes charge of Fiji Latui

The coach who guided Portugal to a 24-23 victory over the Flying Fijians at the 2023 Rugby World Cup has been named the Fiji Latui’s rugby director.

He is legendary former France rugby winger Patrice Lagisquet, who was nicknamed the “Bayonne Express” during his playing career.

The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) announcement is part of its plan to strengthen the development pathway and prepare the next generation of Flying Fijians through the return of the Fiji Latui.

A 37-member squad has been named for the team’s November tour of Ireland.

The squad will be supported by a new coaching panel, with FRU chief executive officer Koli Sewabu describing the Latui as an important platform for developing local talent and preparing players for international rugby.

Sewabu told SUNsports that the return of a senior men’s representative team would fill a gap in Fiji Rugby’s development structure, following the absence of the Fiji Warriors for several years.

“Something that has been missing from Fiji Rugby for a long period of time is what we call the senior men’s representative team,” he said.

Sewabu said the team would provide another pathway for local players, particularly as more young Fijian players moved to Europe and other parts of the world.

“It’s really important to get the Latui going and for our local players, it’s another pathway,” he said.

He said the programme would also give domestic players an opportunity to showcase their abilities overseas.

Sewabu said Fiji needed to lower the age profile of its international players to remain competitive in the Tier One rugby environment.

“One of the things we’ve noticed is our current crop of players in the Flying Fijians scene, who are performing really well in the international arena around the later 20s, early 30s. So for us to become successful and sustainable in terms of holding our foot in the Tier One space, that age group needs to come down to around 23, 24,” he said.

The Fiji Latui will leave Fiji next Monday for Ireland, where they will play a Test against Ireland A and a warm-up match against Munster.

Fiji Latui squad

Loosehead props: Emosi Tumania (Bayonne), Sylvester Vakauliafa (Vannes).

Hookers: Sesoni Tamani (Castres), Osea Dasalusalu (Naitasiri), Joseva Baleiloa (Kadavu).

Tighthead props: Johnny Muller (Naitasiri), Mesake Doge (Drua), Samuela Tawake (Angouleme).

Locks: Peni Naruma (Nadi), Petero Mailulu (Stade Français), Watisoni Waqanisaravi (La Rochelle), Meli Turagaca (Lock Chambery), Isaia Lotawa (Ba), Francis Peters (Bordeaux).

Loose forwards: Apisalome Kuruisaqila (Béziers), Mosese Tabuakoto (Stade Français), Isoa Koronawai (Suva), Joshua Thomson (Grenoble), Veresa Ramototabua (Castres).

Halfbacks: Cameron Kelemeti (Doncaster), Leone Nawai (Nadi), Iliesa Baravilala (Vannes).

Flyhalf: Joeli Baleilevuka (Nadroga).

Wings: Warne Naituvi (Racing), Apete Narogo (Toulon), Sireli Masiwini (Provence).

Centres: Jope Naseara (Dax), Alipate Waidilo (Naitasiri), Mosese Naura (Nadi), Peniasi Dakuwaqa (Stade Français), Semi Lagivala (La Rochelle), Kaminieli Rasaku.