Robust backline player Iosefo Masi has yet to make a decision on whether he’ll join the Fiji Airways Fiji men’s rugby sevens team for the Paris Olympic Games in France.

Speaking to SUNsports on Tuesday night, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua centre said he is looking forward to be part of the Flying Fijians squad that plays the Barbarians in Twickenham, London, on June 22.

This will be followed by the Test matches on July 5 against Georgia and the All Blacks on July 20 in San Diego, United States.

The Paris Olympic Games is from July 26 to August 11.

Masi was a member of Fiji men’s sevens gold medal winning team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. He also played for the Fiji men’s seven team that won the Sevens Rugby World Cup 2022 in Cape Town, South Africa, before he signed up with the Drua for the 2023 season.

He was selected into the 33-member squad by newly appointed Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne.

“A big heart out to the coach, thanks to him for selecting me, it is not something new for me to be part of the Flying Fijians,” Masi told SUNsports.

“I had played in last year’s World Cup. For Byrne, players that come from him are great and ready to do the job.”

Masi won two awards at the Drua awards night and dedicated his awards to his parents for their guidance and support.

“I had a great season. I thank the players and the staff for allowing me to showcase my talent and what can be done.”

Byrne praised Masi for his sterling performance as he topped the Super Rugby’s category of Most Defenders Beaten with 80. He also scored seven tries each with Selestino Ravutaumada to be the Drua’s top try scorers.

“That’s world class, awesome. He (Masi) finished off the year in great form. They know your name brother,” Byrne told the audience at the awards.

“It was for the player’s hardwork done for three years. When we started, it was tough. They were asked to do a lot of things, never done before and they just did it.”

The Fiji-based Flying Fijians players along with Byrne will fly out of the country tomorrow.

MAUGER TO ASSIST? 

Former Highlanders and Moana Pasifika head coach Aaron Mauger could be one of Flying Fijians assistant coaches for the July Test matches.

Mauger had been assisting Byrne with the Drua as they prepared for their final match against Rebels in Lautoka on June 1 where they won 40-19.

The 43-year-old plays at second-five eighth and has 46 Test matches for the All Blacks and 89 Super Rugby games for the Crusaders.

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj