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Vern Cotter believes Super Rugby boost will help keep Fiji talent at home

Fiji's best players are often lured away by big contracts. (Getty)

Fiji head coach Vern Cotter believes the introduction of Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika to the Super Rugby competition from 2022 can help halt the drain of rugby talent from the Pacific Islands nations. Cotter has revealed a lack of opportunities to remain at home rather than accept lucrative contracts in Europe, Japan and USA – along with the option of choosing to represent another country – is evident when he tries to recruit talent for the Fiji national squad.

Cotter told SunSport: “It’s the hesitation in their voice when asked to play for Fiji.”

World Rugby has committed to helping fund the two Pacific Islands teams for an initial three-year period to support the two franchises.

The Moana Pasifika team is comprised of Tonga and Samoan players and the inclusion of both new outfits in Super Rugby is subject to New Zealand Rugby Union’s agreement.

Submissions must be delivered by the end of this month showing that funding to support the World Rugby money can be found from the individual Islands nations and private investors.

Cotter said: “Yes, this is a very positive start with this encouraging support package from the governing body towards Pacific Island rugby. We all know how important and exciting this Super Rugby team will be for Fiji.

“Families will be thrilled to see professional pathways opened up for local talents and also to see some local players return to Fiji from overseas clubs.”

Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer, John O’Connor said their business plan had already been delivered and added: “Then it will be decided if we can have a licence and then we can start to sign players and everything.

“We are currently in the process of tidying some things up. Most of the players cannot wait for the opportunity.

“Most of them are interested in coming back but many obviously have contracts that they need to fulfil.”

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R
RedWarrior 4 hours ago
The reason given by Steve Borthwick for latest England setback

So England are allowed to have a tsunami whinge fest about the ref but if an Irish fan points out that some decisions hurt Ireland also they are being petulant.

Honestly some English supporters are all politeness until they lose then the claws and fangs come out.

Ok here we go, not complaints just pointing out where England got away with roul play:

1: M Smiths headbutt on James Lowe that started the fracas with Stewart. If the ref spots that in time then thats a second yellow if not a straight red for Smith. Probably worth another 14 points with England gassed so a 41-10 final scoreline?

2: Itoje's several stamps on Hansens instep in a clear attempt to damage metatarsals. Straight red or if he is lucky, 10 in the bin.

3. Currys block on Baird to create a gap that Smith used to break the line. Penalty and possession for Ireland deep in England 22 with score at 0:0.

4: The correct decision for the Cunningham South dangerous tackle was a yellow. Lowe blew it by confronting him. The ref didn't give South or Lowe a yellow. The ref couldn't give Lowe a yellow anyway as the TMO would have informed him that m Smith alone started the previosu fracas and its not unreasonable for a player to react to being headbutted.


One last thing missing from English analysis

How is coming over to Dublin acting like you own the place, committing filthy cowardly off the ball cheap shots working out for you? I mean you clearly dont care that we think your team are a crowd of a$$holes but...... rugby wise, how is riling the Irish team to focus and get the best out of themselves against such unpleasant opposition working for you on the scoreboard?


Food for thought old boy!!!!

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TRENDING Many England fans echoing the same gripe following Six Nations loss Many England fans are saying the same thing after loss to Ireland
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