The upcoming November tour of Europe for the FIJI Water Flying Fijians is set to feature an enhanced prop pack with the inclusion of newcomers Tim Hoyt and Atunaisa Sokobale. The duo, who play club rugby in England and France respectively, were officially announced in the Flying Fijians’ 32-member squad at Rugby House in Suva.
Hoyt competes for the Worcester Warriors in the RFU Championship, while Sokobale represents the French Top 14 club Castres Olympique and is notably the younger brother of Fijian winger Savenaca Rawaca. Head coach Mick Byrne expressed the significance of adding these talents to the squad as the team prepares for critical Test matches against England, France, and Spain next month.
Byrne emphasized the need for depth in the prop position, particularly with Luke Tagi unavailable due to injury. He noted, “We can’t wait too much longer to start giving some players that have been doing reasonably well and also have got a future a chance to come off the bench.” The coach highlighted the importance of fostering promising talent like Hoyt and Sokobale, underscoring their potential for the team’s future.
The Flying Fijians are scheduled to convene in London later this month to commence preparations for their autumn fixtures, starting with a match against England on November 9 at 4:40 AM, followed by a clash with France on November 16 at 7:10 AM, and concluding with a match against Spain on November 22 at 2:10 AM.
This tour marks a crucial moment for the Flying Fijians, as they aim to build on their international experience while integrating fresh talent into their lineup. The blend of seasoned players and newcomers cultivates optimism for exciting performances that could inspire future generations of athletes in Fiji’s rugby landscape.
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