THE Lautoka Rugby Union will try and secure the release of France-based winger Timoci Matanavou to feature against Vatukoula during round ten of the Digicel Cup this Saturday.
Matanavou, who plays for Stade Toulousain in the Top 14 competition is in the country on a break.
The 28-year-old who was born in Lautoka, trained with the Maroons for 30 minutes yesterday.
LRU technical advisor Isikeli Mulase Bainivalu said Matanavou had showed interest in playing for the Sugar City side.
He said they would be seeking clarification from Fiji Rugby Union on the availability of Matanavou for the local competition.
"He certainly will give the team a boost," Bainivalu said.
"This week we will miss the services of our hooker Viliame Nabiau. He sustained a knee injury in the last quarter against Nadroga last week. His departure from the squad disrupted our game pattern. We really missed him."
Matanavou leads the try scoring tally for this season with six tries in 10 appearances for Stade Toulousain.
He has also played in the 2011-12 Heineken Cup — scoring eight tries — which is currently one try away from the championship record.
Matanavou is the first cousin of Racing Metro 92 winger, Sireli Bobo.
Meanwhile, Lautoka will be aiming to bounce back after going down 17-25 to Nadroga at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka last week.
Bainivalu said they needed to stay composed for the duration of the game.
"We will need to keep the intensity for 80 minutes," Bainivalu said.
"Vatukoula is a good side. They have some big forwards and will be tough to beat on their home turf."
Last week, Vatukoula went down fighting 15-20 against favourites Naitasiri at Theodore Park.
In other Digicel Cup matches on Saturday, Macuata will host Naitasiri, Nadi will play Suva at Prince Charles Park, Nadroga will take on Ovalau at Lawaqa Park, Tailevu will travel to Garvey Park to play Tavua while Rewa will face Northland at the Burebasaga ground.