FRU Congratulates Leone Nakarawa

The Fiji Rugby Union has sent a congratulatory message to the 2018 European Player of the Year and Fiji Airways Flying Fijian Leone Nakarawa.

Nakarawa edged out club colleague Maxime Machenaud for one of the most prized individual accolades in the world game, while Leinster’s trio of Scott Fardy, Tadhg Furlong and Johnny Sexton also made the shortlist for the award.

The letter sent to Nakarawa was on behalf of the FRU President, the Board Chairman, the FRU Board, the Rugby Council and the Rugby Family in Fiji congratulating him on his achievement.

“The Rugby Family in Fiji have been proud of your great rugby achievement in previous years and we are overjoyed and proud of this great achievement of being the Best Rugby Player in the entire European competitions.  This is a huge achievement and is testament to your professionalism, commitment and passion for the game of Rugby” the letter stated.

“You have not only done you and your family proud but the entire Rugby Family and likewise all Fijians.”

“Thank you for continuing to do your Country proud.”

“You are a true professional rugby player and an inspiration to young aspiring rugby players in Fiji who aspire to represent their country and follow in your footsteps.”

“We in Fiji have regarded you as the Best Player Rugby Player in the World and it is great that the World is also starting to recognize and bestowing this title to you officially, starting with the European Player of the Year.”

“Congratulations on a well-deserved award.”

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians Head Coach John McKee, also applauded Nakarawa on his achievement.

“There are many very good players in Europe so it’s great honour for Leone Nakarawa and Fiji and he has brought great honor to Fiji being the first Fijian to receive the award.”

Nakarawa is expected to be in Fiji for the June tests and everyone will get the opportunity to watch the 2018 European Player of the year, play right here on home soil when the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians take on Georgia and Tonga on 9 and 16 June at the ANZ Stadium in Suva and Tonga on 23 June at the Churchill Park in Lautoka.