For his last test match of the tour of November, the XV of France faces Fiji. If the Blues have played only 9 times against this opponent since 1964, the last time in 2014, there are many Fijian players known in France.

If French and Fijians are not used to being in an international setting (the last match was in November 2014), XV de France players do not go into the unknown. Because of the 23 players called by the coach John McKee to play the first test of November against Scotland, 10 currently evolve in France (6 in Top 14, 4 in Pro D2) and three have already passed through the Hexagon.

Cultural shock

Among these players, we find Dominiko Waqaniburotu, third row of Brive and captain. "Waka is the key player in the Fijian game system under John McKee," says Nicolas Godignon, a former Brive manager who is now a consultant for Canal +. It is a big size, a combative player, bitter, a real sturdy. "

These qualities are often found among Fijians, making them very popular profiles in French rugby, as explained by Jean-Noel Spitzer, coach of RC Vannes (Pro D2): "That it is in terms of velocity, power, speed, they cover the different physical parameters that clubs are looking for. They have real athleticism, and this is something that is not so consistently found in Western players. "They have a real rugby culture, it's the number one sport out there, everyone practices it at 15, 13 or 7," compliments Godignon, who is very involved with the Fijians at the time. his years at CA Brive. They are nearly 70 to evolve at the highest level (Top 14 and Pro D2), even more at lower levels.

But the arrival of these players in the Hexagon can sometimes be difficult. "There is no more French Embassy in Fiji," says Jean-Noel Spitzer. Players are now forced to go to Vanuatu (two hours by plane) and sometimes wait several days before they can get a visa for France. To bring a young Fijian player to France is extremely complicated. "

Once arrived, the Fijians face many new developments (cultural, administrative, climate ...) that are all potential concerns. "The situation for Fijian players is fragile," said Simon Raiwalu, former captain of Fiji and coaches of the South African team, who has spent many years in France. It's a culture shock, the discovery of another world. " They can then rely on compatriots, or associations such as the French Fijian Support Association, which aims to " defend the interests of Fijian rugby players on the French territory and help the integration of players in their clubs and of French society. "Big brothers", like the president of the association, former Briviste Sisa Koyamaibole, available to discuss, help solve problems or organize moments together.

Professional clubs also help their players as much as possible: "This is something that has to be taken into account in recruitment ," confirms Jean-Noël Spitzer. Some players, when they arrive, need to be welcomed in all areas, it is a real debauchery of energy. In Vannes, we ask a lot of our sports director Gaetan Martel, who helps players on different aspects. It's a daily support. After each case is necessarily special, it depends a lot on their journey. "

Accustomed to live in community, players far from their family also recreate a microcosm within their teams. The opportunity to share moments, meals as religious rites, to ward off the "homesickness" that awaits some. But beware: once in the field, the Fijians are at home. The Blues are warned.