The rumor swelled since the beginning of the week. It is now confirmed by the person concerned. In a long interview granted to the Team, Virimi Vakatawa, 31, announces his upcoming return to the field. August 18 with the British Barbarians against Samoa to start, then most certainly under the colors of a foreign club.
Go back. Almost a year ago, Virimi Vakatawa, center of Racing 92 and the XV of France (32 caps from 2016 to 2022), announced the end of his career due to an evolving heart defect. The verdict is clear: no play. At least in France, where he will no longer obtain a license. But overseas, where regulations are less strict in some countries, the Fijian-born player may be allowed to play.
This will be done shortly. And the interested party assumes it completely. “I’m not afraid,” he told our colleagues from L’Équipe. He assures us that he has always thought about it. “A year ago, it was very hard to make this announcement because, deep down inside, I wasn’t worried at all. There was no panic. (…) I said it was over, but I knew that rugby, for me, was not over.
He reveals that he practiced rugby during his family stay in Fiji and, above all, that he resumed training in order to prepare to play again at the high level. “But not in France since it is the rule…”
He will therefore officially put on the crampons. “The opportunity finally fell, with the Babaas. This means that God listened to everything we asked. I kept this confidence in myself, I didn’t lower my head, even after the announcement, I continued to train and until now I don’t see any signs that could tell me that I I have a problem…”
The following ? He should resume his professional career abroad. In Japan or, more likely, in England. Bristol manager Pat Lam is also the manager of the British Barbarians. A clue for the future?
