After almost a full month of isolation the Flying Fijians are now COVID-19 free.
Returning to the training pitch earlier this week, Fiji head coach Vern Cotter told the Independent that he was excited to see his players get back into check as they prepare for the Autumn Nations Cup clash against Georgia this weekend.
“It was a great feeling to see the boys out on the field training, having fun throwing the ball around, even if the temperature was minus four degrees,” Cotter said.
Cotter said they had adhered to protocols, and now given the all clear, were ready to end on a high.
“We have had our stand-down, 14 days of isolation and now we have the opportunity to drag something out of the competition.
“We had been building really well for the first match against France, and it is going to take a while to get that dynamic back, but I think it will pick up during the week and we will put in a performance to be proud of, to represent Fijian rugby and the country.”
Cotter said although his first assignment at the helm had been drastically effected by the pandemic, the onus was to bring the positives out.
“It was so disappointing as we were looking forward to getting stuck into this competition, but this is COVID-19, and with it, you don’t look at blaming people.”
With only one game to play, the Flying Fijians are expected to treat this weekend’s match against the Lelos as a final. Fiji last played Georgia in last year’s 2019 Rugby World Cup where they ran out victors by 45-10.
The Flying Fijians travel to Scotland today where they meet Georgia at Murrayfield on Saturday at 12 midday (12 midnight Sunday morning in Fiji).
