Standby Halfback In Camp
Flying Fijians officials put in place Plan B if Lomani, Sorovi fail to make it in time
ANew Zealand-based halfback is camping with the Flying Fijians in Christchurch, New Zealand as a standby.
This was due to the strict COVID-19 regulations that had caused the late arrivals of the Australian-based players, which included halfbacks Frank Lomani and Moses Sorovi.
Last night, the players along with Teti Tela were still in Australia. It was earlier reported that they were leaving but it did not happen.
Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor confirmed yesterday to SUNsports that the standby player had been training with the squad.
The only halfback in the squad is Simione Kuruvoli.
“Apart from Kuruvoli, there were other players who had being playing in the position during training,” O’Connor said.
It is understood that Flying Fijians head coach Vern Cotter wanted to check on the standby player before making any decision.
The Flying Fijians head into Dunedin at 6pm today.
Burly winger Nemani Nadolo said they have maintained in camp that the team belong to the country and its people.
“So when we come to camp to represent Fiji we are of the same level,” he said.
“We the senior players make the newcomers feel welcomed, get their trust and inform them of what we’ll go through.”
The Leicester Tigers veteran said they are excited with the role they are playing as the new players are opening up.
Nadolo also the highlighted that the current COVID-19 pandemic had tested them physically and mentally as well.
‘We are all struggling with the pandemic and we understand the situation at home. For we’ve been away from our families and underwent quarantine to play for Fiji.”