Team captain Waisea Nayacalevu and Olympian Viliame Mata have joined the Flying Fijians rugby team’s training camp in London. The team is preparing for their upcoming Test match against Georgia. Team manager Eleina McDonald confirmed this information from their European base camp.
Jiuta Wainiqolo, Sireli Maqala, and Stade Francais winger Peniasi Dakuwaqa were reportedly joining the camp as well. The Flying Fijians previously came up against Georgia in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, emerging victorious with a score of 17-12. In all seven matches played between the teams so far, Fiji won five, Georgia one, and one game resulted in a draw.
The Fijians, ranked 11th, are expecting a tough match against the 13th-ranked Georgians. This match is a crucial preparation for the Fijian team, led by coach Mick Byrne, as they gear up for their Test match against the All Blacks. Byrne is anticipated to marshal a strong team with around 15 overseas-based players expected to join the squad for the upcoming match against Georgia.
Georgia’s recent performance has been commendable, with their team winning all five matches they played in 2024 against Portugal, Romania, Spain, Netherlands, and Germany. On the other hand, Fiji has been on a losing streak with three consecutive losses to Barbarians, England, and Portugal at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Following the Georgia Test match, Fiji will prepare for a much-anticipated game against the All Blacks, scheduled on July 20 at the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, USA.