If Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne is going to select players for the July Test matches based on their current performance, then he has to consider veteran lock Leone Nakarawa.

The 37-year-old is among the four Fijian players named in the French Top 14 Players of the Season 2024/25. The selection was conducted by Rugby Pass.

Nakarawa plays for Castres Olympique. This is another remarkable achievement for the 2016 Rio Olympic gold medallist. In 2018 Nakarawa was named European Player of the Year and was in the Rugby World Magazine Best Team.

Other Fijian players named in the T14 Team of the Season, included Lyon hooker Sam Matavesi along with second-five eight Josua Tuisova of Racing 92 and Bayonne centre Sireli Maqala.

Here, Rugby Pass stated the reason behind the selection: 

Sam Matavesi (Lyon) 

A human bulldozer, Matavesi has brought real bite to Lyon’s forward pack. His lineout accuracy has added composure, while his linking with the backs has brought an extra dimension in attack.

Injuries have limited his minutes, but his presence has still been felt as Lyon push for a strong finish.

Leone Nakarawa (Castres) 

At 37, Nakarawa is still offloading like a trebuchet. The Fijian lock has moved between bench and starting roles but continues to bring his lineout nous and game-breaking ability. Six of his 22 offloads have led directly to tries, underlining his unique influence in attack.

Josua Tuisova (Racing 92) 

Tuisova has been one of the few bright spots in a flat Racing campaign: 68 defenders beaten, eight assists, 15 line-breaks and three tries tell the story. A timely return to form from one of the league’s most destructive runners.

Sireli Maqala (Bayonne) 

Maqala is staking a claim as Fiji’s next great centre. With 10 tries, an average of 1.5 linebreaks and four defenders beaten per game, he’s everywhere. Maqala’s top-four in linebreaks, metres, offloads, and tries—elite by any measure.

Speaking to FRU Media, Byrne has confirmed that he is in the final stages of selecting his squad for the July Test series, which includes the anticipated clash against the Wallabies on July 6 in Newcastle, Australia.

Then followed by the Test against Scotland in Suva. The July test series marks the beginning of a packed schedule, leading into the Pacific Nations Cup in August and September, followed by the Autumn Tests in November.

Castres centurion 

Still in France, utility back Vilimoni Botitu played his 100th match for Castres in their Top 14 clash against Union Bordeaux- Begles on Sunday.

It was a big achievement for Botitu after arriving in Castres in 2020. According to the club, “Botitu has mastered every step of the way, evolving from a young talent trained here to a key pillar of our backline.

“The Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist is creative, unpredictable, and formidable in his support. He has become a real threat to opposing defenses. In five seasons, he has made his versatility an asset, capable of shining with both his devastating crosses and his defensive solidity. Well done Vili!”

Sad loss 

Meanwhile, Fijian Drua centre Iosefo Masi is mourning the death of his father Atonio Kawakawa. This was confirmed to SUNsports yesterday by a Drua player that Kawakawa passed away on Monday.

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