Fiji Airways Flying Fijians Coach John McKee says they were aware of wingers Timoci Nagusa and Nemani Nadolo’s intention to leave international rugby but it did not make the news any easier to digest.
Just 8 months to go until the Rugby World Cup kicks off in Japan, the duo revealed their decisions to retire from international rugby from their home bases in France after a combined 56 test caps for Fiji.
McKee thanked the two veteran backs for what they have given to the national team over the last decade both on and off the field through their exceptional play and team leadership.
McKee says that retirements such as these shows them the pressure the Flying Fijians can be under juggling their professional rugby career, possible injuries, living in Europe, family life and making themselves available to represent Fiji.
Meanwhile, McKee remains firmly focused on the job at hand for Fiji in Japan later this year, noting that there is plenty of competition for places in the squad.
McKee says that now have a very good depth of players who can play well at the highest level of the game in test match rugby and a lot of competition across the team to make the final selection for this year’s Rugby World Cup.
