Fiji call up Qera ahead of England Test

Fiji have called up Gloucester flanker Akapusi Qera ahead of their Test match against England at Twickenham this Saturday.

Qera has been in sparkling form for Gloucester Rugby in recent weeks and was named Man of the Match in the recent win over the Leicester Tigers.

The 28 year old, who has won 26 caps for his country and featured in the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups, had initially committed himself to Gloucester throughout the autumn period.

However, the Fijian squad has been affected by injuries as they prepare for their forthcoming tour matches, which includes a game against Gloucester at Kingsholm next Tuesday evening .

As a result, they have formally requested that Qera be released to join up with the rest of the Fiji squad.

Director of Rugby Nigel Davies confirmed ,”We received a request on Monday morning from the Fijian management requesting Akapusi’s services as they have been hit by withdrawals in their build up.

“Under the current IRB regulations in these circumstances, we can’t actually prevent a player’s release and we’ll obviously miss him because he’s been in great form for us.

“However, we are of the understanding that this is just for the one match. So, we look forward to him returning to the club very shortly and wish him well in the meantime.”