Australia
Naiyaravoro's Fiji inclusion doesn't worry Cheika
ESPN Staff
June 18, 2015
Taqele Naiyaravoro could soon be at the centre of a World Cup Tug-O-War © Getty Images
Enlarge

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika could still use powerhouse winger Taqele Naiyaravoro at Test level despite his inclusion in Fiji's Rugby World Cup training squad.

Naiyaravoro was this week named in a 48-man Fijian squad that will gather in Suva early next month; however he was listed among players "not considered for this camp" due to his involvement in the Waratahs' Super Rugby finals campaign.

The former lower-grade Wests Tigers rugby league player is believed to have signed with Scottish club Glasgow from next season; his nomination of Fiji making a UK working visa far easier to obtain. But Cheika hasn't yet raised the white flag and may yet be tempted to blood Naiyaravoro in next month's Rugby Championship, particularly after his eye-catching efforts on the Waratahs' right wing this season.

"From what I have seen, he has been named not to attend so I'm not quite sure what that is, around naming," Cheika told rugby.com.au. "He is a popular lad because he is playing for Scotland as well apparently and he is playing for Fiji and who knows, he might even play for Australia one day, see how it goes."

Australia aren't short on talent in the outside backs with the likes of Rob Horne, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Nick Cummins, Henry Speight, Joe Tomane and James O'Connor all vying for a limited number of spots in Cheika's World Cup squad. Naiyaravoro would offer a dynamic option out wide though; a presence supported by his eight tries in Super Rugby this season.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices