Virimi Vakatawa hoping for comeback to the big leagues
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At 33, the former star center for the French national team and Racing 92 recently revived his career in Fiji, where he distinguished himself in the Skipper Cup. Banned from playing in France, Virimi Vakatawa hopes to secure a place in Super Rugby.
On November 1st in Suva, Malolo defeated Naitasari (41-26) in the final of the Skipper Cup, a competition between Fijian provinces. Beyond the first national trophy for the Malolo Rugby Union, this top-level match was notable for the presence of a renowned player in the ranks of the runners-up: Virimi Vakatawa (33 years old, 32 caps), who delivered a strong performance despite the defeat.
As a reminder, the French international has been unable to play in France since being diagnosed with a progressive heart condition in 2022. He subsequently bounced back in England before disappearing from the scene after his contract with Bristol expired in June 2024. This autumn, the former Racing player has made a comeback in the Fijian domestic league. While he appears more physically imposing than during his time in France, he has nonetheless retained his rugby skills, to the point of establishing himself as one of the best players in the competition.
“It’s been a while since this Cup has been missing.”
— Fijian Drua (@Fijian_Drua) October 31, 2025
-Virimi Vakatawa
While spending off-season with the Drua, the former French international will line up at inside centre for Naitasiri in the provincial club final against Malolo. pic.twitter.com/qQXeZh6MFH
Not included in Drua's initial squad
Meanwhile, the former sevens player has joined the preseason training of Fijian Drua, the local Super Rugby Pacific franchise. He harbors the hope of securing a contract with the province and, perhaps in the longer term, a call-up to the national team. At the beginning of October, he was torn between ambition and caution as he embarked on this new chapter: "I can't say I'm ready because I've only just started training and I know the competition is tough, that there's already a good pool of talent," he told FBC News . "I want to do my best in training. For now, I'm focused on my offseason preparation with the Drua; and if I'm ever called up to join the Flying Fijians and represent the country, that will be a whole other step. Time will tell."
His hopes of returning to the highest level suffered a setback this week: Virimi Vakatawa was not included in the 39-man squad announced on November 5th by Fijian Drua for the upcoming Super Rugby season. A mere minor setback, perhaps, for someone who seems determined to continue his career despite the obstacles and challenges.
