Derenalagi likely to replace injured Yato for July tests series - Byrne

Fiji Water Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne has revealed that Swire Shipping Fijian Drua captain Ratu Meli Derenalagi will be considered as one of the players who is likely to replace injured Clermont-based backrower Peceli Yato for the upcoming July tests against Georgia and the All Blacks.

Derenalagi did not make the cut when the final 33-member squad for the July tests series was named but is currently in London with the Flying Fijians squad for the Killik Cup clash against the Barbarians this weekend due to unavailability of Northern Hemisphere-based players.

Byrne says they will go through the selection process in the next few days and will be making an announcement for replacements after the game this weekend.

He says they will also await the medical update at the end of the weekend but says they are definitely considering Derenalagi to step in.

When asked about the replacements of Fijian Drua duo Iosefo Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada who have joined the Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s side in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Byrne says they will be making the announcement next Tuesday.

The Flying Fijians will take on the Barbarians at 4.15am Sunday at Twickenham Stadium.