Fiji international Qera on verge of return to English rugby
Fijian backrow Akapusi Qera is in talks about a return to England after a four-year stint in France, as he looks for game-time ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Japan next year.
Qera played for seven years in the Premiership with Gloucester. He moved to France to play for Toulouse, going subsequently to Montpellier and then to Agen, who released him at the end of last season. Qera has been on the lookout for a new club since.
Qera was not part of the 29-man Fiji squad named by head coach John McKee earlier this month for Fiji’s November internationals and wasn’t even on the 8-man standby list. Fiji are due to play Scotland on November 10th, followed by France on November 24th.
Now it’s been revealed that the 34-year-old is in talks with English second tier club Hartpury.
“We’ve spoken to him and we’re in negotiations to try and get him in,” Hartpury head coach Mark Cornwell told Gloucestershire Live.
“There are a few things to sort out, things like the visa and work permit, but we’re in the process of looking into all that.
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Watch: Lawrence Dallaglio discusses Cipriani’s omission and England’s back row options
“He wants to play rugby between now and the end of the season prior to playing for Fiji at the World Cup.
“He wants to come back to the area he knows well from his long time at Gloucester.
“He’s obviously thinking short term about playing rugby and the World Cup and also long term over where his future lies because he’s in his twilight years.”
“A good friend of mine from Birmingham is representing him and called up to say ‘he’s about and wants to play rugby, can you make it work?’
“I’ve kept in touch with Q during his time in France and he messaged me a few times.
“We all know what he can do and it would be great for Hartpury if we can sort it out.”
Qera captained Fiji at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, when they failed to get out of a tricky Pool A which contained hosts England, Australia, Wales and Uruguay. Fiji are in Pool D for the 2019 tournament, alongside Australia, Wales, Georgia and Uruguay.
Fiji November International Squad:
Campese Maáfu, Joeli Veitayaki, Eroni Mawi, Mesulame Dolokoto, Ratu Vere Vugakoto, Sam Matavesi, Kalivati Tawake, Manasa Saulo, Ropate Rinakama, Leone Nakarawa, Tevita Cavubati, Albert Tuisue, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Peceli Yato, Mosese Voka, Viliame Mata, Nemani Nagusa, Frank Lomani, Henry Seniloli, Ben Volavola, Alivereti Veitokani, Eroni Vasiteri, Jale Vatubua, Semi Radradra,Vereniki Goneva, Josua Tuisova, Setareki Tuicuvu, Metuisela Talebula, Eroni Sau
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Comments on RugbyPass
Four Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
10 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
15 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
1 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
10 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
10 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
10 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to commentsConnaught man? How you can write that without blushing.
6 Go to comments