Fijian second row Temo Mayanavanua, injured in a knee on Sunday against Portugal (23-24), withdrew from the rest of the 2023 World Cup, and was replaced by Api Ratuniyarawa, the “Flying Fijians” announced on Wednesday.

Mayanavanua, 25, a former Lyon player who now plays for Northampton, had participated in the first four matches for his selection, the first three as a substitute. Against Portugal, he started but left after 16 minutes with a knee injury.

To replace him, Fiji, who are preparing this week for their quarter-final against the English, the third in their history, called up veteran Api Ratuniyarawa, 37 years old (42 caps), who was already present during the 2015 World Cups and 2019.

Former Agen player before migrating to the English championship (Northampton, London Irish), he signed up this summer with Bayonne. He participated at the end of August in Rowing’s trip to Toulon during the 2nd day of Top 14.