Fiji coach assures omitted Nathan Hughes the door remains open for debut

Nathan Hughes has missed out on Fiji’s 32-man squad for their three Nations Championship fixtures this summer, but interim head coach Senirusi Seruvakula has publicly assured the former England No.8 that he remains very much in the picture for a Flying Fijians debut.

Seruvakula is finalising a squad rich in European-based talent ahead of matches against Wales in Cardiff on 5 July, England at Everton’s ground on 11 July, and Scotland at Murrayfield on 18 July. Hughes, who earned 22 caps for England before switching his international allegiance, was among a group of players excluded from the initial selection due to injuries or limited game time.

The powerful back-row has since returned to form in impressive fashion with Racing 92, who reached the Top 14 play-off semi-finals before a heavy 71-17 defeat to Toulouse. His performances have kept him firmly on Seruvakula’s radar.

“We put in the best 50 but there are other players outside that 50 who we are still monitoring and know that they are available,” Seruvakula said. “That is why I’m making all the connections with all these players, talking to them regularly, telling them the expectations and how we are going to do these three matches in the Nations Championships.”

The Fiji coach pointed to the broader calendar as reason for optimism among those currently on the fringes. “It’s a big year this year — we got these three games then the Pacific Nations Cup in Japan and then the remaining Nations Championships games in November. So, anything can happen and we want to start with the foundations, get the 32 in and after the first three Nations Championships matches, they might have to return to their clubs or get injured, so the door is always open.”

Hughes is not alone in waiting for his chance. Ex-France international Virimi Vakatawa, Apolosi Ranawai and Vilive Miramira are among others in a similar position. Hughes and Vakatawa are both set to feature for the Barbarians against Wales this weekend, with Seruvakula’s coaching staff watching on. Vakatawa showed he retains his trademark running threat despite the Barbarians suffering an 80-31 defeat to the Springboks.

With a packed schedule stretching through to November, Fiji’s squad depth will be tested, and Hughes — who revived his career in Japan before moving to Racing 92 — appears well placed to force his way into contention before the year is out.