The return of tighthead prop Luke Tagi to the Flying Fijians has faced an unexpected setback. The Bayonne player has been sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained during the French Top 14 semi-final against Toulouse last Saturday. Following consultations with Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne and the medical staff at Bayonne, it was decided that Tagi should withdraw from rugby activities to focus on recovery.
“Luke is an important part of our squad, and his presence will be missed during the upcoming matches,” Byrne remarked. “However, his long-term health and recovery are our top priorities.” Tagi is contracted with Bayonne until 2028, and will remain in France for rehabilitation.
In light of his absence, the Flying Fijians have called up Samu Tawake from the Fijian Drua as Tagi’s replacement for the upcoming tests against Australia on July 6 in Newcastle and Scotland in Suva on July 12.
Byrne extended his best wishes to Tagi for a quick recovery and expressed gratitude to Tawake for stepping in. The team embodies resilience in face of such challenges, demonstrating their depth and adaptability. The management’s commitment to prioritizing player health not only reflects a thoughtful approach to sports, but also sets a standard for player welfare in high-stakes environments. Fans are hopeful that, despite this hurdle, the Flying Fijians will find the strength to compete effectively in the coming matches.
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