No one denies the abundance of rugby talent in this country. Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne recently announced the 44-member squad for the July Test matches against Australia and Scotland. It was great to see the wily coach recall the likes of Peceli Yato and Seta Tuicuvu, who have been playing well for Clermont and Toulon in the French Top 14 competition. Also, for allowing CA Brive’s loose forward Taniela Sadrugu, the opportunity to show his worth. Then the inclusion of rookies Philip Baselala, Isikeli Rabitu, Motikiai Murray, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Sam Wye, Kitione Salawa, Kavaia Tagivetaua and Mesake Vocevoce who are now groomed for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. On the other hand, there were other players who had been playing well but were overlooked for selection. We understand that Byrne has to make hard decisions of dropping these players simply because he can only accommodate 44. However, that does not mean it is the end of the road for the players but for them to keep trying harder and the opportunity will come. It’s a matter of trusting the process. Let‘s take a look at seven players who unfortunately did not make Flying Fijians squad; #1 VINAYA HABOSI (Racing 92) This explosive winger has been moved to second-five eight to partner Josua Tuisova in the centres. They have formed a formidable partnership for Racing and have been playing week in and week out. Habosi could be that livewire to provide the much-needed thrust in the Flying Fijians backline. He did just that in the historic win against England in Twickenham followed by the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Let’s hope, there is fair play when it comes to the selection of Habosi over allegation of his past behaviour where he was not even charged by Police, which simply means that he is innocent until proven guilty. #2 LEONE NAKARAWA (Castres) The 37-year-old lock forward is playing his best rugby and this season Rugby Pass named him in their Top 14 Team of the Year. It was his intelligence and strategic thinking involved in winning and controlling the lineout that really stood out. Also, six of his 22 offloads have led directly to tries, underlining his unique influence in a game. #3 TEVITA RATUVA (CA Brive) The Clermont bound lock stands at 2.01m and will provide that extra edge in the lineout. Legendary All Blacks No.8 Murray Mexted called on for the All Blacks to look for locks, who are 2m or taller, if they are to match the likes of South Africa and other rugby heavyweights. Ratuva played well for CA Brive in the ProD2 and Clermont has signed him on for next season. He has played 11 Test matches for the Flying Fijians and needs only that chance to cement his spot. #4 MESULAME KUNAVULA (Hunter Wildfires) He was in the extended NSW Waratahs squad but did not play this season. Now out of injury rehab, the tough loosie is back playing for Hunter Wildfires in the Shute Shield competition in Sydney, Australia. The former Fiji men’s rugby sevens forward has vast experience after playing 23 matches for Edinburgh, 10 matches for CA Brive and 10 Test matches for the Flying Fijians where he has scored three tries. The 29-year-old is on a comeback trail and like Ratuva they only need to be given that chance. #5 ONISI RATAVE (Benetton) He is one of the few Fijians playing the United Rugby Championship (URC). The URC involves professional clubs from South Africa, Scotland, Wales and Italy. The former Namosi utility back has also racked up an endless array of broken tackles, linebreaks and offloads of the highest quality. He played for Bay of Plenty and the Fijian Drua at the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific. #6 JOSUA VICI (Montauban) He was the star for Montauban when they beat Grenoble 24-19 last week to seal a spot in next year’s Top 14. Vici was only 19 when he was the non-travelling reserve of the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. The flying winger has been a consistent performer in France and his speed and ability to side-step tacklers coupled with his off-loads have been the hallmark of his game this season. #7 ASAELI TUIVUAKA (CA Brive) Dubbed ‘The Tank’ and was once the most feared player in the HSBC World Sevens Series. Tuivuaka is now playing at flanker for CA Brive and is renowned for his ball hunting skills and turnover balls. Given the exposure Tuivuaka could be our next Levani Botia or Timoci Tavatavanawai. Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj