Pita Gus Sowakula, the former New Zealand All Blacks number 8 now playing for Clermont, made a significant debut for the Fiji Water Flying Fijians during their recent match against England at Twickenham, which ended in a 38-18 loss. He was called up last minute to replace Kitione Salawa, who was injured, marking his much-anticipated return to international rugby.
Throughout the match, Sowakula showcased his skills, particularly his offloading ability, which proved pivotal in keeping plays alive for Fiji. His standout moment came when he delivered a crucial offload to Simi Kuruvoli, helping to set up Fiji’s second try. Sowakula’s strong defensive efforts, combined with his determined carries, earned him recognition as one of the best performers for the Flying Fijians, despite the team’s defeat.
Before the game, head coach Mick Byrne highlighted Sowakula’s long journey to this moment, stating that his debut had been delayed due to club commitments. “He was available for July, and for us, he became eligible then,” Byrne explained, referencing Sowakula’s wedding and subsequent unavailability for earlier games. Byrne encouraged other players who missed selection to keep working hard, emphasizing that opportunities do arise based on performance and need.
Looking towards the future, Byrne revealed that there will be considerations for additional players as the team builds depth for the upcoming 2027 Rugby World Cup. “While we aim to win every Test match leading up to 2027, we also need to assess and include players who can strengthen the squad,” he stated.
As the Flying Fijians regroup after their match, they will begin preparations for a challenging test against France at the Nouveau Stade De Bordeaux on November 15. The integration of experienced players like Sowakula into the squad signals a promising direction for Fijian rugby, as they focus on enhancing their performance and competitiveness on the international stage.
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