Mick Byrne, head coach of the Flying Fijians, has identified former All Blacks player Pita Gus Sowakula as a key target in preparations for their upcoming Test against the Wallabies in July. Byrne, currently traveling in Europe to connect with players based in the Northern Hemisphere, has already had discussions with Sowakula along with fellow forward Peceli Yato during his recent visit to Clermont.
Byrne expressed enthusiasm regarding Sowakula’s potential integration into the team, saying, “We have met up and we have had discussions, and Pita Gus is definitely one of the players on our list.” However, he clarified that selection will hinge on Sowakula’s performance currently, rather than his historical achievements with the All Blacks. “That may have been three years ago,” Byrne remarked, illustrating the importance of evaluating players based on their current capabilities.
Sowakula is set to become eligible to represent Fiji starting July 9, perfectly aligning with the national team’s schedule. The inclusion of seasoned players like Sowakula could prove beneficial, injecting valuable international experience into the squad as they gear up for important matches.
This potential roster shift reflects a broader shift in rugby, where players are increasingly seeking to represent their heritage in accordance with changing eligibility rules. Such inclusivity not only enriches the teams but also enhances the competitiveness of the sport, playing a pivotal role in the future success of the Flying Fijians. As anticipation grows around these selections and ongoing evaluations, the outlook for Fijian rugby remains optimistic as they aim to bolster their standing on the world stage.
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