Don’t Count Us Out
Queensland Country duo Kirwan Sanday and Filipo Daugunu are keeping their options open of representing the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians.
Sanday, 27, plays at tighthead prop and 23-year-old winger Daugunu also play for Queensland Reds in the Super Rugby competition.
“I always wanted to represent Fiji as it has been my goal,” said Sanday.
“I’m putting myself in the best position to play for Fiji. I’ve done that for the Fiji Under-20 and also the Fiji Warriors.
“Playing for Fiji has been at the back of my mind which I’m now pushing for.”
Sanday said playing the Fijian Drua in the National Rugby Championship final was a tough one. “The Fijian Drua came out with a lot of energy and they played very well.”
Daugunu who also represented Labasa football team in 2015 says, he’s still keeping his options open.
“It did not come our way in the final. It was a hard game and we had to work hard but I thank my Fijian Drua brothers for giving their best and they deserve the win. Daugunu represented the Fijian Under-20 at the World Rugby Junior Trophy in Portugal.
He was part of Ben Ryan’s extended training squad in 2016, but opted out after he got a contract to play for a club in Brisbane.
RAULUNI IMPRESSED
Former Fiji Airways Flying Fijians defence coach Mosese Rauluni said he was impressed with the way the Drua won the NRC final. “It was a tough game from both teams but unfortunately only one team won,” Rauluni who captained the Flying Fijians to the quarterfinals of the 2007 Rugby World Cup said.
The 43-year-old has been part of the Queensland Country’s coaching panel this season.
“I am doing this for one season with Queensland Country and we’re working with a good young group of players.
“Fiji did not need my services so I got the opportunity with Queensland so it is a good learning curve. “There is no contract but it is for a season only. It is about how you coach a club.”
WAUGH HAILS FORWARDS
Former Wallabies flanker Phil Waugh says the Senirusi Seruvakula coached- Fiji Airways Fijian Drua side have lifted the standard of the NRC despite making their debut last year.
“The involvement of the Drua and Fiji Rugby has been excellent,” he said.
“It is a great crowd and the way they embrace the NRC has been fantastic. I’m extremely impressed. “The Fijians are known for their running rugby but the way the forwards played upfront was really impressive.”