FLYING FIJIAN OSBORNE
Not giving up on representing Fiji
Patrick Osborne is not giving up on representing Fiji. The Mavana, Vanuabalavu native made his test debut for Fiji in 2016, but despite featuring in six tests last year, he missed out on selection for the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
His last appearance was in the Flying Fijians’ impressive win over the Barbarians at Twickenham in November. Despite suggestions Fiji could feature in an eight-team tournament in the Northern Hemisphere, Osborne said that would probably be his international swansong.
“I’m not too fussed on that actually because Fiji has a lot of young boys coming through. If they need my help I’m happy to jump in but I’m not too fussed - we will cross that bridge when/ if we come to it,” he told Radio New Zealand.
Meanwhile, in a new development, the format of the eightteam tournament has changed. According to AFP, France will face Fiji, Italy and Scotland during November’s ‘Eight Nations’ tournament.
The Fabien Galthie’s side will host the Vern Cotter-coached Flying Fijians on November 15. Georgia have been invited to feature to replace Japan and will face England, Wales and Ireland. Due to travel restrictions Cotter is closely monitoring Fijians who are likely to feature for the Mitre 10 Cup competitions when it kicks off in New Zealand tomorrow.
Our players playing in Europe are likely to make up the bulk of the Flying Fijians squad
The one-off series of winter Test matches were devised as a way to replace the lucrative November internationals, which usually feature southern hemisphere heavyweights.
London is set to provide the base for many of the games, with Twickenham hosting the majority and Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium vying for a game or two. Pool 1: England, Ireland, Wales, Georgia
Pool 2: France, Scotland, Italy, Fiji