Flanker Michael Leitch who has links to Fiji has been named to captain Japan in the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup.
Leitch has maternal links to Nasukamai village in Ra.
He made his debut in 2008 against the USA.
Leitch currently plays for the Sunwolves in the Super Rugby competition and previously played for the Chiefs.
The 30‑year‑old has not played since last December to a chronic groin injury but is hoping to get some meaningful match time against Fiji, Tonga and the United States in the Pacific Nations Cup and South Africa on 6th September before the Rugby World Cup kicks off on 20th September.
Fiji will take on Japan at the Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium at 5.50pm Saturday.
