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Fiji international Qera on verge of return to English rugby
By Online Editors
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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“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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Latest Comments
I dont believe Skelton has ever proven himself at test level tho Nick. Yep he played well against a side they scored plenty against but his record v the top sides isnt special. Good quality player but Im not as convinced about him as you seem to be, as you base most of your opinion on his local club stuff not really his test performances. His test record of 30 tests in 10 years explains itself very well. I think he is an honest performer but certainly not a top notch International player.
Go to commentsI wonder Jake, who do you think is the best fit for Australia as a coach? Not since Joe Schmidt took over as coach did Australia look any good, however, there is always this debate around not having an Aussie coach by the fans and so called pundits and old players.
Some of them are changing their minds now however, but I would love to see who you would choose. I think Joe Schmidt is an excellent coach, who puts in everything for the team he is coaching. To him, there is no such thing as being biased.
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