Three Flying Fijians showcased their talent in the European Challenge Cup, with Vilimoni Botitu, Kalaveti Ravouvou, and Selestino Ravutaumada all crossing the try line for their respective teams.
Botitu had a notable performance with Racing 92, scoring a try in a thrilling 31-all draw against Exeter. He was instrumental in the match, highlighting his form in the French league. Teammates Lekima Tagitagivalu and Vinaya Habosi were also part of the Racing squad, although they began the match on the bench. Exeter featured Rusi Tuima, a nephew of former Flying Fijians captain Akapusi Qera, who received a yellow card during the encounter.
In a dominant display, Botitu stood out once again for Castres, as they achieved a convincing 33-nil victory over Edinburgh. His combination play with Vuate Karawalevu led to his try, earning him the Man of the Match honors. Former Flying Fijians lock Leone Nakarawa also contributed to the win, coming off the bench for Castres.
Kalaveti Ravouvou starred in a remarkable performance for Bristol Bears, who overwhelmed Pau with a staggering 61-12 scoreline, marking their second consecutive victory in the Champions Cup pool stage. The team showcased their offensive prowess by scoring nine tries against their opponents.
In other matches, Sireli Maqala’s Bayonne faced a challenging outing, suffering a 68-14 defeat to Harlequins. Meanwhile, Setareki Tuicuvu’s Toulon secured a thrilling win over Joe Cokanasiga’s Bath with a close score of 45-34.
The performances of these Flying Fijians illustrate the growing impact of Pacific Island players in European rugby, reinforcing their status as formidable competitors on the international stage.
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