Semi Radradra one of two Fiji stars out for remainder of Nations Championship

Fiji have been dealt a double injury blow after Semi Radradra and Tim Hoyt both left the field during Saturday’s 39-24 defeat to Wales at Cardiff City Stadium and will play no further part in the Nations Championship.

Radradra departed with a leg brace, while Worcester Warriors tighthead Hoyt was also removed from the field on a medical cart. Head coach Senirusi Seruvakula confirmed both players are expected to be sidelined for at least six weeks.

“There will be no excuses,” said Seruvakula. “That’s why we selected a squad of 32 players. Injuries create opportunities for others to step up. We have another big game next week, and our focus now shifts to preparing for that.”

The losses, especially Radradra’s, are a significant blow to a Fiji side that produced an encouraging attacking display in Cardiff despite the defeat.

Fiji had made the perfect start when No.8 Pita-Gus Sowakula crossed in the second minute, with scores tied up 10-10 at half-time.

Wales pulled clear after the break, scoring two quick tries through Rhys Carre and Josh Adams to lead 22-10, before Fiji hit back through Elia Canakaivata and Selestino Ravutaumada to close to within three points at 25-22.

Wales ultimately held on, with Ryan Elias and Eddie James adding further tries to seal the result.

Seruvakula acknowledged that discipline and unforced errors had proved costly despite the clear statistical dominance his side enjoyed.

“We started well, but we gave away some silly mistakes and penalties, and that cost us the game. We felt we could build from that first try, but unfortunately we couldn’t finish some of the opportunities we created.”

Fiji now turn their attention to their second Nations Championship match against England at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool.

Fiji are playing their “home” Nations Championship game in the UK, with Scotland up in the third round of the new competition at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.