Summary
Fiji rugby star Joji Nasova is transitioning from sevens to the Flying Fijians’ 15s setup, called into the squad after Semi Radradra’s injury. With extensive World Sevens experience and a growing club career with the Drua, Nasova is poised to make an impact in the Pacific Nations Cup opener against Tonga, as veteran leadership and a strong pathway from Fiji’s 7s program support his development.
Rewritten Article
Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne says Joji Nasova may be new to test rugby, but he is far from inexperienced. The former Fiji 7s standout has played at the highest level on the world circuit and is now set to push for a lasting imprint in the 15s game. Byrne believes that experience will be key as Nasova makes the transition into test rugby.
“Joji is signed with the Drua. He’s choosing a career in 15s, which is really good. He’s not a young player, he’s an experienced player. He’s played tournaments all around the world. This is his first go at 15s at this level,” Byrne said.
The Flying Fijians’ mentor also highlighted that having veterans around the squad will help Nasova adjust to the systems in use. “It’s good to have someone like Seta (Tamanivalu) who’s been around a long time to help him work around the systems we’re working on,” Byrne added.
Nasova enters the squad following Semi Radradra’s injury, but Byrne is confident the utility back can step up on the big stage. The Fiji Water Flying Fijians will open their 2025 Pacific Nations Cup campaign by hosting Tonga next Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Nasova’s rise comes with a notable club career arc. He recently signed a two-year deal with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, a move that has him set to bring his world-class sevens pace and creativity into the Super Rugby Pacific arena. Drua head coach Glen Jackson spoke highly of Nasova, stressing that his sevens experience and development under the Fiji 7s program align well with the demands of 15s rugby. The partnership with Osea Kolinisau and the ongoing Fiji 7s pathway were cited as key factors in shaping Nasova’s transition.
Nasova’s sevens pedigree is deep. He stood out as a joint-top try scorer in the HSBC SVNS World Series, sharing the 2025 title with Argentina’s Marcos Moneta, and he helped Fiji win gold at the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands. His international debut with Fiji’s 7s came at the Hong Kong Sevens in the 2023/2024 season, marking the start of a rapid ascent that has captured the attention of rugby followers in Fiji and beyond. His journey from local Dominion Brothers tournaments to Olympic success and now Drua and Flying Fijians duty underscores a broader trend of sevens stars transitioning to 15s, a pathway that continues to yield exciting talent for Fiji.
As Nasova navigates this new chapter, there is a strong sense of optimism about what he can contribute to the Drua and the Flying Fijians. His story—rooted in family support and community pride—continues to inspire aspiring rugby players in Fiji and around the world, reinforcing the narrative that dedication and cross-format versatility can unlock premier opportunities on the global stage.
Notes for editors / Additional context
– Nasova’s call-up to the Flying Fijians came as a result of Semi Radradra’s injury, highlighting squad depth and the trust in Nasova’s ability to perform at 15s level.
– The Drua contract situation reinforces a clear pathway from Fiji’s 7s program to Super Rugby Pacific, with Nasova joining a growing list of players making the jump.
– The PNC opener against Tonga in Suva is a key early-season test that will gauge how Nasova adapts to 15s responsibilities alongside established backs.
– Context for readers: Nasova’s Sevens success, Olympic exposure, and Pacific Games gold frame his upcoming 15s challenge as part of Fiji’s broader strategy to cultivate multi-format talent.
Logical commentary
– Nasova’s progression reflects Fiji’s successful model of developing players in the 7s program and then transitioning them into the 15s game, supported by veteran leadership and structured environments. If he adapts quickly, it could accelerate Fiji’s depth and tactical options in both formats.
– The blend of sevens speed and 15s game sense could make Nasova a valuable dual-threat back for the Flying Fijians and a standout contributor for the Drua in Super Rugby Pacific.
Positive spin
Nasova’s journey exemplifies resilience and opportunity, turning sevens success into a high-potential 15s career. His early exposure to top-level sevens, Olympic experience, and a strong Drua pathway position him to become a fixture for Fiji across formats, inspiring young players in Ba and beyond.
Potential headline ideas (for editors)
– Nasova Steps Up: Fiji Sevens Star Jumps into Flying Fijians for 2025 PNC
– From Sevens to 15s: Nasova Ready to Shine for Fiji After Radradra Injury
– Nasova Lands Drua Contract, Ready to Translate Speed to Test Rugby
Summary of the article
Joji Nasova, a standout Fiji 7s player, has been called into the Flying Fijians for the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup after Semi Radradra’s injury. Coach Mick Byrne emphasizes Nasova’s experience and the support of veteran players as he transitions to 15s. Nasova also signs with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua on a two-year deal, with Drua coach Glen Jackson praising the move. Nasova’s sevens pedigree, including a joint-top try tally in the SVNS Series and a Pacific Games gold, underpins his potential to make an impact in the 15s game. The opening PNC match against Tonga in Suva will be an early test of his adaptation to test rugby, offering a hopeful outlook for his ongoing career and Fiji rugby’s strength in nurturing multi-format talent.
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