FLYING Fijians head coach Inoke Male is working against time to try and get our local players in top condition before they fly out to join the overseas-based players for next month's Europe tour.
Male has been working with the 18 local-based players in camp this week and helping him during training is IRB Referee Conditioning Specialist Matt Blair.
Male said he had been concentrating on testing the players' fitness, strength and their recovery program.
Male said the main concern was that they had to medically check players if they were physically fit and in line with FRU's monitoring program which is a continuing program.
And the arrival of Blair is a blessing in disguise as he had previously worked with Fijian players during the last Europe tour.
"Matt Blair is not new to us as trainer, he helped us in the Test against Scotland," Male said.
"And he is now helping the preparation of our local players with technology and gauging a players' fitness, recovery and strength.
"All these are essential tools in getting a player ready for a Test," Male said.
Male said after all tests were done, he would be looking forward to the players' updates from the team's trainer.
Male said he would not rule out the selection of new players into the team should any player in the squad be dropped because of injury or indiscipline.
"Surely these are selection processes and we'll abide by it," Male said.
The Flying Fijians open their 2012 Europe tour with the Test against England on November 10 before they take on top English club Gloucester on November 13, Ireland A on November 17 and end the tour with another Test against Georgia on November 24.