Former France centre Virimi Vakatawa is in line to make his Fiji debut against England this Saturday, a prospect he admits he never thought possible after a heart condition halted his international career in 2022. The 34-year-old was barred from playing in France due to medical advice regarding his cardiac health, ending his 32-cap tenure with Les Bleus.

Vakatawa found a route back into elite rugby with Bristol in the English Premiership, with the club's own medical experts clearing him. He then signed with the Fijian Drua and has been called into the Fiji squad as an injury replacement. He is eligible to represent Fiji under World Rugby's 'birthright' rule, having been born in New Zealand but raised in Fiji.

Vakatawa expressed surprise and honor at the call-up, stating, "When you play for Fiji, you have to be good, because there are talents everywhere." He dismissed concerns over differing medical opinions on his heart condition, insisting, "I'm all good, I feel as well as ever." If selected, he could face Benhard Janse van Rensburg, a former Bristol teammate now eligible for England.