Qera added to Fiji squad

Rugby:Gloucester's in-form flanker Akapusi Qera has been called into the Fiji squad ahead of their European tour. Qera, 28, had initially committed himself to Gloucester's fixtures throughout the autumn Test period.

But the English Premiership club today confirmed a request from the Fijian management for Qera to link up with them. The Fiji squad has been hit by injuries, but Qera’s inclusion will lift the South Sea Islanders.

The 26 times-capped openside has been in blistering form this season, highlighted by a man-of-the-match display when Gloucester beat Leicester at Kingsholm nine days ago. After England this weekend, Fiji play Gloucester in a friendly three days later before tackling Ireland at Thomond Park.

Gloucester rugby director Nigel Davies said the club believe Qera’s release will be for one game only.

“We received a request this morning from the Fijian management requesting Akapusi’s services as they have been hit by withdrawals in their build-up,” Davies said. “Under the current IRB (International Rugby Board) regulations in these circumstances, we can’t actually prevent a player’s release and we will obviously miss him because he has 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 we wish him well in the meantime.”