Tagata Pasifika

The Pacific voice on
New Zealand television
since 1987

Tagata Pasifika

The Pacific voice on
New Zealand television
since 1987

Tagata Pasifika

The Pacific voice on
New Zealand television
since 1987

Fiji suffer major setback ahead of Rugby World Cup opener

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air

Fiji first-five Caleb Muntz has been ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury. Photo: Clive Mason/Getty Images
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Neueli Mauafu | Reporter

“It’s most devastating for us as a group and for Caleb, he has worked so hard for the past two years with the Fijian Drua and for Flying Fijians”. (Fiji Coach Simon Raiwalui)

Flying Fijians fly-half Caleb Muntz has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup after sustaining a knee injury during the team’s training run on Monday.

Muntz has been exceptional for Fiji leading up to the World Cup, and was a player many were excited to see perform on the world stage.

Head coach Simon Raiwalui says, “On Monday, Caleb sustained a knee injury in a non-contact session and is out of the Rugby World Cup.”  

“It’s most devastating for us as a group and for Caleb, he has worked so hard for the past two years with the Fijian Drua and for Flying Fijians. We feel for him especially that he misses the opportunity so close to the Rugby World Cup.”

He added “We have got 33 players and we have the utmost confidence in them. Once we name the team for the match against Wales we will have utmost faith in whom we have selected.”

A couple of names for his replacement have been tossed up onto who might be Muntz’s replacement. Veteran flyhalf Ben Volavola who was originally not named in the World Cup squad is one of them, while others have called for Fiji Under 20’s superstar Isaiah Armstrong Ravula.

Muntz made his debut for the Flying Fijians against Tonga this year and since then has been a vital part of the team in its preparation for the Rugby World Cup in France. 

Raiwalui said there are a few players outside the current group they are looking at as options for replacement and will make a decision in the next couple of days in nz sports news.

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