Fihaki wants to revive his career with Edinburgh

VILIAMI FIHAKI believes his move to Edinburgh can resurrect his career after a difficult spell in England. The Tongan back-row international left Sale Sharks in frustration at being unable to dislodge the son of English rugby legend Bill Beaumont. The 29-year-old spent most of his two-and-ahalf years at the Aviva Premiership club starved of game time due to the form of rival Josh Beaumont. Fihaki faces an equally tough task to get into the Edinburgh team, with 20-year-old Scot Jamie Ritchie the man currently in possession of the No 6 jersey. However, the blindside flanker, who arrived in Scotland three weeks ago after agreeing a two-year deal, is determined to prove himself to head coach Alan Solomons. ‘When I was back in Manchester, although Sale were a great team, I was under some players in the England system like Josh Beaumont, so it was hard to get some game time, even though I played well when I was given a chance,’ said Fihaki (below), who has 13 caps for Tonga. ‘Sale picked England players but, in saying that, it is good that Edinburgh gave me the opportunity to extend my career. ‘I came here to save my career and my family will love it, too. ‘I spoke to Alan Solomons and he told me to put my best foot forward and, if I perform well in training and on game day, I will get opportunities. ‘To be honest, I am enjoying my training here more than back in Manchester and I feel there is more to learn here than back in Manchester.’ Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will play a pre-season friendly against Canada ‘A’ at Bridgehaugh Park in Stirling on Tuesday 30 August. The game will be played four days before the Pro12 opener against title holders Connacht in Galway. Harlequins and Gloucester are up next, however, and the match against the Canadians will be the final warm-up fixture ahead of the new season.