Virimi Vakatawa has moved back into Fiji’s Test-week picture, giving Saturday’s Nations Championship meeting with England a sharper midfield storyline.
Fiji Rugby confirmed that Vakatawa and prop Luke Tagi had joined the Flying Fijians squad after injuries to Semi Radradra and Tim Hoyt. The timing matters: Fiji face England at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool on 11 July, with World Rugby listing Hollie Davidson as referee.
Virimi Vakatawa and Luke Tagi have joined the FIJI Water Flying Fijians squad following injuries sustained by Semi Radradra and Tim Hoyt during the Test match against Wales.
— Fiji Rugby Union (@fijirugby) July 6, 2026
Why Vakatawa changes the feel of Fiji’s week
Vakatawa was already one of the most intriguing names in Fiji’s wider Nations Championship plans. Rugby.com.au reported in May that the former France centre had been included in Fiji’s extended squad, alongside Nathan Hughes, under World Rugby eligibility rules.
His route back has been far from routine. The 34-year-old won 32 caps for France between 2015 and 2022 before his playing career in France was halted on medical grounds. He later restarted in England with Bristol and then moved into Super Rugby with Fijian Drua.
For England, the development lands in an already tense week. Steve Borthwick’s side are trying to respond to a 45-21 defeat by South Africa, while injuries to Beno Obano and Cadan Murley have brought Emmanuel Iyogun and Chandler Cunningham-South into the squad.
The selection question is now simple but loaded: if Vakatawa is cleared for the matchday 23, Fiji gain another carrier capable of turning fractured defensive spacing into immediate pressure.
