Qera’s World Cup loss will be Hartpury’s gain as Fijian misses out
HARTPURY are ready to reap the benefits of Akapusi Qera’s World Cup absence.
The Gloucester legend has won 65 caps Fiji, representing them in the 2007, 2011 and 2015 tournaments and captained the side on several occasions but he was not named in their squad for Japan.
Qera was instrumental as Hartpury hauled themselves off the bottom of the table with a good run towards the end of last season to stay in the Championship and has committed to play for them in the 2019-20 campaign.
“He decided for himself and his family to hand the mantle over to another generation of Fijian players coming through,” said Hartpury head coach Mark Cornwell.
“Q’s done his time with the Fijian national team and he’s a legend there but he’s made that decision to stay with us.
“He loved his time from Christmas on last season and I thought the way he played and his knowledge of the game and the bits and pieces he puts into the game he was instrumental in us staying up and it was great for him to say he’s enjoying his time here.”
Hartpury looks like being the final stop in 35-year-old Qera’s long career that saw him spend seven years at Gloucester before spells with French giants Toulouse and Montpellier.
» HARTPURY will warm-up for the new season by facing Heineken Champions Cup standard opposition in the shape of the Ospreys.
They will visit the Pro14 giants on Friday, August 30 (7.30pm) at The Gnoll in Neath.
Their international stars will be deep in preparation for this year’s Rugby World Cup meaning that Hartpury will not be facing up to the likes of Alan Wyn Jones, Gareth Anscombe, Bradley Davies and George North.
Ospreys are sure to pose a massive pre-season test , with players of the calibre of Hartpury old boy, Gareth Evans, and another former Gloucester man, James Hook, in their ranks.
Whilst no other pre-season games are arranged, it is anticipated that Hartpury will also be involved in competitive training outings with Gloucester and the Bristol Bears.