Qera Fighting His Way Back
Former Fiji Airways Flying Fijians captain Akapusi Qera is in talks of a return to England after a four-year stint in France, as he looks for game-time ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Japan next year. Qera played for seven years in the Premiership with Gloucester. He moved to France to play for Toulouse, going subsequently to Montpellier and then to Agen, who released him at the end of last season. Qera has been on the lookout for a new club since. Qera was not part of the 29-man Fiji squad named by Fiji Airways Flying Fijians head coach John McKee earlier this month for the November internationals and wasn’t even on the 8-man standby list. Fiji are due to play Scotland on November 10, followed by France on November 24.
Now it’s been revealed that the 34-year-old is in talks with English second tier club Hartpury.
“We’ve spoken to him and we’re in negotiations to try and get him in,” Hartpury head coach Mark Cornwell told Gloucestershire Live.
“There are a few things to sort out, things like the visa and work permit, but we’re in the process of looking into all that.
“He wants to play rugby between now and the end of the season prior to playing for Fiji at the World Cup.
“He wants to come back to the area he knows well from his long time at Gloucester. “He’s obviously thinking short term about playing rugby and the World Cup and also long term over where his future lies because he’s in his twilight years.”
“A good friend of mine from Birmingham is representing him and called up to say ‘he’s about and wants to play rugby, can you make it work?’
“I’ve kept in touch with Q during his time in France and he messaged me a few times. “We all know what he can do and it would be great for Hartpury if we can sort it out.” Qera captained Fiji at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, when they failed to get out of a tricky Pool A which contained hosts England, Australia, Wales and Uruguay. Fiji are in Pool D for the 2019 tournament, alongside Australia, Wales, Georgia and Uruguay.
Fiji November International Squad:
Campese Maáfu, Joeli Veitayaki, Eroni Mawi, Mesulame Dolokoto, Ratu Vere Vugakoto, Sam Matavesi, Kalivati Tawake, Manasa Saulo, Ropate Rinakama, Leone Nakarawa, Tevita Cavubati, Albert Tuisue, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Peceli Yato, Mosese Voka, Viliame Mata, Nemani Nagusa, Frank Lomani, Henry Seniloli, Ben Volavola, Alivereti Veitokani, Eroni Vasiteri, Jale Vatubua, Semi Radradra,Vereniki Goneva, Josua Tuisova, Setareki Tuicuvu, Metuisela Talebula, Eroni Sau.