Former Racing 92 player Vakatawa called up to Fiji squad ahead of Nations Championship
Published on May 5, 2026 11:40
Reading time: 2min
Virimi Vakatawa, who has earned 32 caps for the French national team, has been selected for the extended Fiji squad on Monday, May 4, for the upcoming Nations Championship, replacing the traditional summer tour.
A potential appearance with the Flying Fijians this summer could signify a change in sports nationality for the center. Vakatawa had previously played for Fiji in the U19 level before starting an international career with the French team from 2015 to 2022. With France, he has participated in five Six Nations tournaments and the 2019 World Cup in Japan. Additionally, he has represented France in rugby sevens, including the 2016 Rio Olympics debut of rugby sevens.
This change is made possible by World Rugby Regulation 8 on player eligibility and qualification for senior national team selection. Amended in 2021, it allows a player to switch national allegiance once in their career, provided certain criteria are met.
These criteria include classic eligibility conditions for selection (being born in the country, having a parent or grandparent born in the country, being registered with the national federation for at least five years, or residing in the country for at least 10 years), along with the additional requirement of at least three years passing since the player last represented their previous national team. Vakatawa, who holds Fijian nationality and last played for France on July 9, 2022, fulfills all requirements.
This situation has gained attention due to Vakatawa being prevented from continuing his career in France in September 2022 due to an evolving heart condition. However, this restriction was only valid in France, leading Vakatawa to join the Bristol Bears in England for the 2023-2024 season after obtaining clearance from a panel of sports cardiologists. Recently, he joined the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby and scored his first try last weekend.
If he is included in the squad, Vakatawa could potentially face the French team and his former teammates in Lyon in November, marking his return to the Northern Hemisphere rugby scene.
