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Fiji's Gaby Lovobalavu makes French switch


Gaby Lovobalavu in action for Wasps. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
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Gaby Lovobalavu has found himself a new club after his departure from Gallagher Premiership club Wasps was confirmed at the beginning of May.

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The Fijian was one of 12 players to depart the Ricoh and the Fijian is to return to France, where he had successful spells with Toulon and Bayonne.

Lovobalavu, who turns 34 later this month, is joining Oyonnax and was one of a trio of signings announced by the club today, including another Fijian, 21-year-old Adrian Sanday and French scrum half Ilhan El Khattabi.

Winger Sanday has signed a deal until 2022.

Lovobalavu has represented Fiji at two World Cups, helping the team to the 2007 quarter-finals and was also part of the squad at the 2015 tournament in England.

He 86 times for Toulon between 2008 and 2012, moving to Bayonne where he spent five seasons, making 78 appearances.

He joined Wasps for the 2017/18 season and the centre played 19 times this season for Dai Young’s team.

In other news: Fiji’s defence coach cut loose

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Phantom 1 hour ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



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