Lepani Botia ready to return for the Flying Fijians at the World Cup.

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians Head Coach John McKee was impressed seeing robust forwards Lepani Botia and Nemani Nagusa during the three day camp in France this month. 

The duo were ruled out of the November test matches last season due to injury. 

“Lepani Botia had an ACL injury last year and although was carrying a little bit of calf injury at the time we were in camp he is looking fit and it is good to see him back in action.” 
 

“Nemani Nagusa was another player who was not part of the November tour but he is back to full fitness, in really good shape and playing well for his club (Newcastle).” 
 

“He has had some strong games for the club in the recent times so for me it was pleasing. There is other players like Sefanaia Galala who have also hit form which is very good.” 
 

McKee said the players are still carrying high momentum after their historic 21-14 win over France in a test match last year. 
 

“It’s evident the group have gained some self believe and momentum from that victory in Paris last November.”

“I think there is real enthusiasm amongst the group of players and there is now a strong belief in what they can achieve.” 
 

McKee used the trip to the northern hemisphere to witness the Six Nations and discuss areas to improve with his players as they move towards meeting Wales in Japan alter this year. 
 

“The Six National had highly competitive and physical matches. Defence was hard to break down, their ruck and contact zones are very competitive.” 

“We know we have a lot of work to do and my feeling with the group is that we will come into camp in Fiji in June with some good momentum.” 
 

“The boys will want to put themselves in best place to make the selections into the RWC team.” 
 

“The players are working hard to make sure they are in their best physical shape.” 

McKee said 35 players attended the camp in Toulouse and it was an important step forward in Fiji’s World Cup preparations. 
 

“For me as a coach now I have got a very close and accurate assessment of their fitness levels plus the medical status and their body weights.” 
 

“Also getting a chance look at to some of the players who just missed out on the November tour and touch base with them is important to ensuring we’re able to select from the entire talent pool.” 
 

“There is a few that need to be better before they come into camp and these players have been given clear goals so when they return to Fiji in June they are up to par.” 

The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians are expected to arrive into the country from May after finishing with their overseas club commitments. 
 

The World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup kicks off in Japan on July 27 before returning to Fiji from August 3 with a special test match against the Maori All Blacks to be announced shortly. 
 

Fiji is pooled with Australia, Wales, Uruguay and Georgia for the Rugby World Cup which will be held in Japan from September 21.