Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne will still consider players who are approaching retirement for this year’s Test matches.

These players include 34-year-old Waisea Nayacalevu, Peceli Yato, Sam Matavesi, Semi Radradra, Levani Botia and Peni Ravai.

Nayacalevu captained the Flying Fijians to the 2023 RWC, which was his third along with Botia and Ravai.

When questioned if he has replacements for these seasoned players, Byrne said they would still be monitored for selection.

“Last year we played a number of players in different positions,” he said.

“I think at this stage, meeting these guys and while they’re at the end of their careers, it’s still an opportunity to be selected. We’ll just see how their form goes and how it all finishes up.

“Obviously, you know, there are some young players coming through in different positions that we will continue to look at.”

Byrne indicated Ponipate Loganimasi was doing well with the Fijian Drua from a wing perspective.

“There are some players around, but at the same time, these players are very experienced players and you can’t replace that experience, so we’ll continue to monitor them and their form.”

The former Drua coach said they have the depth in most position including fullback.

Byrne named a few players on the position last year including Vuate Karawalevu, Ilaisa Droasese and Sireli Maqala.

“It’s a position that we want to continue to build our depth in moving towards the World Cup, but I think Vuate is growing into that role quite well and we’ve got a couple of options here for us as well,” he said.

“Isaish Armstrong Ravula filled that role for us a little bit; depending on the game we want to play with or we’re looking at a strong kicking game against our opponents, so we do have some selection variations there for us.”

While it was still early to name the July squad at this time, Byrne is likely to keep Tevita Ikanivere and Nayacalevu is his leadership group.

“I thought that Tevita (Ikanivere) did a good job when he was put into that role last year and as a young player, he’s developing his leadership skills at the Drua as well.

“Wise (Nayacalevu) is obviously a very seasoned leader. It’s very early days but I was very happy with our co-captains and the leadership from last year. Wise is a senior voice in amongst the players and they listen to him.”

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