Vakatawa’s comeback adds emotion to Flying Fijians’ biggest test yet

For years, Virimi Vakatawa believed his international rugby career was over.

A heart condition that forced him out of French rugby in 2022 brought an abrupt end to a 32-Test career with France, leaving the powerful midfielder unsure if he would ever wear an international jersey again.

Now at 34, Vakatawa is preparing for what could be one of the most emotional moments of his career. He will be making his Fiji debut against England in Liverpool this weekend.

The former France star was called into the Flying Fijians squad after captain Semi Radradra was injured. Vakatawa qualifies to represent Fiji under World Rugby's birthright rule.

Born in New Zealand and raised in Fiji, Vakatawa said he never expected another chance to play Test rugby.

“No, to be honest with you,” he told BBC Sport when asked if he thought an international comeback was possible.

The Flying Fijians are chasing their first win of the Nations Championship as they prepare to face England in Liverpool following last week's loss to Wales. Photo/FRU

“Playing international rugby is something that I knew I was not going to be able to do. From that day [of being barred from playing in France], I thought it was over.”

Vakatawa told the BBC he was grateful simply to be part of the Fiji squad.

“Maybe I thought I can still play in club rugby but this is huge to come and represent my country Fiji,” he said.

“When I was selected, I was surprised. When you play for Fiji, you have to be good, because there are talents everywhere. It is an honour and a privilege for me to be here and to be part of this environment.”

Vakatawa’s return comes at a significant time for Fiji, who are continuing their rise among the world’s top rugby nations.

The Flying Fijians are competing in the Nations Championship for the first time with their three-match tour of the United Kingdom marking a major step in their journey as a Tier One rugby nation.

Their campaign also forms part of preparations for the expanded 24-team 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

The opening round of international rugby also brought movement for several Pacific nations in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings.

Virimi Vakatawa scores a try for France against Wales at the 2019 World Cup in Japan. After representing France in 32 Tests, he now has the chance to wear the white jersey of Fiji for the first time under World Rugby's eligibility rules. Photo/INPHO/James Crombie/Photosport

Sāmoa climbed two places to 18th after their big 66-19 win over Hong Kong China while Fiji remain ninth after their loss to Wales.

Fiji’s next challenge comes against England, after their opening 39-24 loss to Wales in Cardiff.

John Sanday, Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) chairman, says the team must lift its standards as expectations grow.

While praising the support from the Fijian diaspora during Fiji’s first Nations Championship home-style event overseas, Sanday said results on the field remained the priority.

“The philosophy I have brought into FRU is the principle of accountability,” Sanday told the Fiji Sun. “We are all accountable for our roles and responsibilities to bring about a better outcome for the whole FRU.”

Fiji Rugby Union chairman John Sanday says the Flying Fijians must match growing investment and support with consistent performances on the field. Photo/

He said the investment being made into the team must be matched by performances.

“The players have been well-looked after and paid well, where is the Return on Investment? This is the urgent question,” Sanday said.

He described Fiji’s loss to Wales as disappointing and called for a stronger mindset across the organisation.

“This is not a picnic trip where one just goes through the motions, gets paid and then repeat it next week,” he said.

“We need to hold each other accountable and deliver the wins we have been searching for consistently.”

Despite the defeat, Sanday said Fiji’s wider Nations Championship campaign had created valuable opportunities, including strong support from the Fijian community in the United Kingdom.

He said the challenge now was turning that support into results.

“The major learning is that we need a winning Flying Fijian team to make this business a success,” he said.

Against England, Vakatawa has the chance to begin a new chapter, representing the country where his rugby journey began.

Fiji will finish their Nations Championship campaign against Scotland in Edinburgh on 18 July.

Manu Sāmoa will look to build on their commanding win over Hong Kong China when they face Georgia in the World Rugby Nations Cup this weekend. Photo/World Rugby

Meanwhile, Manu Sāmoa and Tonga will also continue their road to the 2027 Rugby World Cup through the World Rugby Nations Cup, with both Pacific sides in action this weekend.

The World Rugby Nations Cup is designed to give teams like Sāmoa and Tonga regular high-level matches against international opposition, helping them build depth, test combinations and prepare for the demands of a bigger World Cup tournament.

Sāmoa, who opened their campaign with a commanding 66-19 win over Hong Kong China last weekend, will face Georgia on Saturday, while Tonga will meet Spain after beginning their tournament with a 33-23 victory over Zimbabwe.

The competition gives both teams valuable opportunities to build combinations and test themselves against quality opposition ahead of the expanded 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

World Rugby said for Fiji, Sāmoa and Tonga, these matches are more than preparation - they are opportunities to show the growth of Pacific rugby on the world stage ahead of 2027.

Fiji vs England is on Saturday 11 July at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, UK, at 1.10am (NZT). Sāmoa vs Georgia on Saturday 11 July at 7am (NZT) at the Estadio Sausalito in Viña del Mar, Chile. Tonga vs Spain on Sunday 12 July at Clarke Stadium in Edmonton, Canada, with kickoff at 9.45am (NZT).

In other Nations Cup fixtures this weekend (NZT). Saturday: the All Blacks host Italy in Wellington at 3.10pm, Wallabies vs France in Brisbane at 7.40pm. Japan vs Ireland in Newcastle, Australia, at 10.10pm. Sunday: Springboks vs Scotland in Pretoria, South Africa, at 3.40am. Argentina vs Wales in San Juan, Argentina at 7.10am.

For the full schedule of Nations Championship fixtures and kick-off times in your region, click here.

For a full list of Nations Cup fixtures, click here.