Will Byrne include Sowakula before kick-off?

Sowakula was not named in the Match 23 squad that was announced by head coach Mick Byrne on Thursday.

Saturday 08 November 2025 | 00:30

rugby

Pita Gus Sowakula (left), Samuela Tawake and a team official during the Captain’s run in Twickenham, London, on November 7, 2025.

Photo: FRU Media  

Speculations are rife that former All Blacks looseman Pita Gus Sowakula could be making his Test debut for the Flying Fijians against England in Twickenham, London, tomorrow morning.
Sowakula was not named in the Match 23 squad that was announced by head coach Mick Byrne on Thursday.
However, rookie lock Seta Turagacoke posted on Instagram a photo of him and Sowakula with the Flying Fijian jersey where he was congratulating him. The photo was taken after the team’s jersey presentation at their London hotel.
There were unconfirmed reports that Sowakula’s omission from the Match 23 squad was due to a delay in the processing of papers concerning his switch to Fiji.

It is believed that the approval just came through after the Match 23 squad was announced.
If Sowakula plays tomorrow then Byrne will decide on whether to drop blindside flanker Kitione Salawa, who has been named in the starting line-up or Motikiai Murray who is on the reserves.   
The Fiji Rugby Union was unable to issue a comment.

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj




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