Famous Faces Hit the Field for Fiji

There was a fresh buzz around camp today as the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians laced up their boots for training on Albert Park. 

The team welcomed back Aviva Premiership Player of the Year, Vereniki Goneva, EPCR European Player of the Year Leone Nakarawa and French top league firecracker Jale Vatubua, following intense European schedules.

With John McKee’s squad gradually building to full strength as his European based finalists finish up their contracts, the preparations for this weekend’s World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup opener also gain momentum.

“It’s definitely great to have guys like Niki and Leone integrate into camp as we continue to focus on this weekend’s big challenge against Samoa” said McKee.

“We’ll welcome Nadolo back later this week (following his Top 14 grand final on Saturday) and Semi (Radradra) is in on Sunday”

“There’s a high level of intensity and commitment in the group at the moment and the more time we have together to strengthen that, the better”.

Speaking between back to back sessions, the Head Coach applauded his squad for the outcomes of their first rain drenched week in camp.

“I am complimetary to the boys for the qualty work they put in during difficult conditions last week” he said.

“We were able to make great strides in our scrum work, and it’s pleasing to see the boys determination to keep putting in the quality hard work”.

As the opposing nations ascend on Suva to also prepare for the Pacific Nations Cup, McKee is less interested in concentrating on what Samoa may present and is more intently focussed on strengthening his own team’s combinations and weapons.

The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians will continue their concentrated build up with another field session at Albert Park tomorrow afternoon, as Samoa, Tonga and Georgia also start to hit the training track in Suva’s central rugby pitch.