At least 80 per cent of the 2027 Rugby World Cup squad will be finalized by January next year. Fiji Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne is determined to make the call early. He is in Europe visiting Fijian players at their respective clubs. Speaking via a Zoom interview with the media on Saturday morning, the former Drua coach said this year would be the transition year for the national side. He said his selection would be based on their form and the position need on their depth chart which would also include ProD2 players in France. Nine Test matches are lined up for the year, they kick off with the Wallabies on July 6 in Newcastle before they host Scotland in Suva on July 12. “If players are playing well in ProD2 they’re part of the depth chart of our selection if they’re playing well then definitely. “It’s early days but not that early moment, we’re playing in three months’ time so we need to work through what that looks like. It depends on the positioning and depth whether they playing in the premiership, or ProD2.” Byrne will also monitor young and upcoming players for the RWC. “I’ll never discount a young player coming out of nowhere. I like to call them bolters. I will never not consider a bolter so if a young player finds form or even an experienced player finds form again so we’ll always trying to pick our team to win a Test match.” He said all the Europe-based players would be available for selection for the July international window. Eligible Players Byrne indicated discussions are yet to be established regarding the former All Blacks trio who are eligible to play for Fiji. The three includes former All Blacks number 8 and 2024 Super Rugby Pacific player of the year Hoskins Sotutu, Pita Gus-Sowakula and George Bower have not donned the black jumper the last three years. This followed their non-selection for the All Blacks the last two years since their last appearance for the black jersey was in 2022. Byrne said players who have Super Rugby contracts are contracted to New Zealand rugby including Highlander’s Timoci Tavatavanawai. He added their eligibility depends on the clauses in their contracts, they might not be eligible to play for another country other than choosing All Blacks. “A lot of their contracts don’t allow them to choose their country to play for; they got to play for the All Blacks. Some people are saying they choosing the All Blacks, well actually their contracts is choosing the All Blacks. “Players are not becoming available to play for another country. They still have a NZ rugby contract that’s the discussion that needs to happen. That’s the important aspect people are missing out on. “While in theory they become available in reality that’s not necessarily the case but certainly we’re talking to them in making them aware we’re interested if the opportunity comes for them to present themselves,” Byrne added. Sowakula would be available as he is playing in the French Top 14; three year term expires in July. However Byrne said his selection would depend on his current perform if it warrants selection in the national team. Meanwhile, Sotutu who is contracted with the Blues until 2026 last featured in the black jersey in their 25-25 draw against England on November 19, 2022; his eligibility for either England or Fiji is only valid from that date this year. Sowakula and Bower’s three-year stand down period expires on July 9 and November 19 respectively. Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj