Vakatawa nears Fiji debut after fearing Test rugby was gone

Virimi Vakatawa could make his Fiji debut against England on Saturday after being added to the squad as cover for Semi Radradra. The centre’s possible return to Test rugby comes after he believed his international career had ended when he was barred from playing in France in 2022 over cardiac health concerns.

The former France international, capped 32 times, last played for France against Japan in July 2022. Although the French ruling stopped him playing domestically, he later had medical checks at Bristol, spent a season there, and signed for the Fijian Drua in January.

Vakatawa qualifies for Fiji through World Rugby’s birthright rule, which permits an allegiance switch after the required stand-down period for players with qualifying family or birthplace links. Born in New Zealand and raised in his parents’ native Fiji, he has now been brought into the squad after Radradra’s knee injury against Wales.

His recent appearances for the Barbarians suggest he has remained visible at a high level, including starts against South Africa and Wales. If selected in Liverpool, his comeback would add another layer to Fiji’s meeting with an England side reported to be on a five-match losing run.