Welsh rugby referee Nigel Owens will take charge of his 71st Test when he runs out for the opening Pacific Nations Cup match between the Vodafone Flying Fijians and Tonga this Saturday.
Owens arrived at the Nausori Airport yesterday and is looking forward to taking charge of his record breaking match.
He says that he is more excited to be in Fiji as he always dreamt of coming over to the Pacific.
Owens will become the most experienced international referee of all time, taking over from Jonathan Kaplan of South Africa, who refereed 70 Tests during his career.
Owens made his Test debut in 2003 when Portugal beat Georgia 34‑30 in Lisbon.
Meanwhile Flying Fijians lock Tevita Cavubati is anticipating a physical encounter against Tonga.
Cavubati says the players would be a surprise for other teams in the competition.
Meanwhile the Ikale-Tahi Tonga side has been boosted with the inclusion of Racing Metro prop Ben Tameifuna, Narbonne wing Nafi Tu'itavake and Auckland Blues forward Jack Ram.
