There is a significant difference in conditioning and game speed between players participating in the Skipper Cup and those in the Super Rugby Pacific competition. This observation was made by Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne in a recent interview. He noted that Naitasiri hooker Kavaia Tagivetaua was the sole local-based provincial player selected for the Flying Fijians squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup.
Byrne emphasized that the professional rugby environment requires players to maintain rigorous training routines. “One of our challenges moving forward is to ensure that our Skipper Cup teams are working hard towards achieving the fitness levels we desire,” he stated.
He expressed eagerness to collaborate with Skipper Cup coaches to help bridge the gap between the two competitions. “We have received valuable scientific feedback from players involved in the Skipper Cup this year regarding their energy levels and performance metrics. There are talented individuals that we hope to integrate into the Fijian Warriors program,” he added.
Byrne also expressed optimism about the possibility of these skilled Skipper Cup players joining the Drua franchise club, stating that they could potentially earn spots through the Warriors.
In addition, the selection of France-based Adrea Cocagi is intended to strengthen the second-five eighth position in the Flying Fijians squad. Cocagi, a specialized second-five eighth, has been making waves with Castres in this season’s Top 14 competition. “Cocagi is a strong running player in the midfield, and we are excited to have him in the upcoming campaign,” Byrne remarked. Cocagi has played two Test matches for the Flying Fijians under previous coach Vern Cotter and comes from Nuku Village in Serua.
Byrne mentioned that the Pacific Nations Cup will serve as an opportunity to evaluate players, highlighting Cocagi’s skills as essential for competing against other Pacific nations. Furthermore, hooker Zuriel Togiatama was not selected due to personal matters in Auckland, New Zealand. Byrne stated, “I’ve talked to Simione Kuruvoli, who has been consistently playing since the World Cup, and he deserves time off to spend with his family.”
The 30-member Flying Fijians squad will report to training camp tomorrow.