White targets tackling technique
The Flying Fijians traditionally enter the field through two poles displaying the Fijian flags during training sessions.
Monday 02 November 2026 | 11:30
Members of the Flying Fijians squad at Matmut Stadium de Gerland, Lyon, France following the Top 14 match between Lyon and Vannes on November 1, 2026. Winger Jiuta Wainiqolo (front) and Iosefo Masi (front, second from right) scored a try each in their 48-25 win over Simione Kuruvoli's (front right) side.
Photo: Lyon Rugby
Flying Fijians head coach Jake White is focusing on improving his players' tackling technique as the side prepares for the Nations Championship.
Fiji will face France at Groupama Stadium in Lyon at 8.10am on Sunday. France finished their July campaign with a 2-1 record, losing to New Zealand before defeating Australia and Japan.
"We're starting to work on the Fijian boys about dropping their body height because they tackle high and clean high," White said.
The Flying Fijians traditionally enter the field through two poles displaying the Fijian flags during training sessions.
However, White has placed a bandage between the poles, forcing players to lower their bodies as they enter the training field.
"It's a conscious decision to actually go lower, so this week our theme is 'ra', which means under," he said.
Fiji enters November seeking its first Nations Championship victory after losing all three of its July matches against Wales, England and Scotland.
The Flying Fijians are sixth in the Southern Hemisphere standings with no championship points.
However, their three matches in Europe offer opportunities to improve their position before finals weekend in London.
Meanwhile, Flying Fijians winger Jiuta Wainiqolo continues to impress in France's Top 14 competition for Lyon, scoring a try in his club's 48-25 victory over Simione Kuruvoli's Vannes side.
Members of the squad were at the Top 14 match yesterday (Fiji time).
Wainiqolo is level with teammate Gabin Lorre on seven tries but remains second among the competition's leading try-scorers for the 2026-27 season.
Flying Fijians centre Iosefo Masi also scored in the match, taking his tally to five tries and placing him sixth among the competition's leading try-scorers.
Flying Fijians flanker Peter Gus Sowakula scored a try to help Clermont secure a 37-30 victory over Racing 92.
Racing 92's Fijian wingers Salestino Ravutaumada and Warne Naituvi also scored a try each.
Nations Championship fixtures
• Fiji v France - OL Stadium, Lyon - November 8
• Fiji v Ireland - Aviva Stadium, Dublin - November 15
• Fiji v Italy - Bluenergy Stadium, Udine - November 22.
