Briefs: Warriors miss Talei, Manu for Fiji

The Fiji Times - Saturday, October 31, 2009 3:08 PM

WORCESTER Warriors will be without a regular back-rower once tough number eight Netani Talei joins the Flying Fijians tour party to Europe.

Warriors' regular number eight Kai Hortsman is out as well with a rib injury with Jake Abbot likely to earn promotion into the starting line-up for the Guinness Premiership.

Director of rugby Mike Ruddock said, "This could open up a number of opportunities for young players like Jake, James Collins and Matt Cox".

Fiji plays Scotland on November 15, Ireland on November 22 and Romania on November 29.

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MANU OPTS FOR FIJI

SCARLETS head coach Nigel Davies has admitted defeat in attempting to persuade prop Deacon Manu to commit to Wales.

Manu, who could represent Wales under residency rules, is set for his international debut against Scotland on November 12.

"He's in a very strong position in terms that Fiji are certainly interested in him and want him in their squad, while Wales have also looked at him," said Davies.

"We have spoken to Deacon and he knows our position in terms of what we would prefer, and he has been supportive of that. It is his decision. As a region we have our own priorities and he is aware of that."

Manu is in the Scarlets squad to face Connacht for Saturday's Magners League game.

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LMS TARGET U19 TITLE

NIGHTS Brothers will be among the top contenders for top honours in the Suva Seven Series under-19 competition next weekend at Laucala.

The Brothers are boosted with the inclusion of Lelean Memorial School U19 players.

LMS U19 skipper Jerry Tokamalua, rugged flanker Sakiusa Nadruku, Epeli Natuivau, Mesake Druma, Tevita Tuinavitilevu, Josaia Veisei and Rupeni Tuimavana will return to the ground where they captured the secondary schools premier prize the Deans trophy in August.

Team spokesman Sekove Serukalou said they wished to repeat their Deans winning performance to scoop thier first Suva 7s title.

Serukalou said other teams would be tough but they were prepared for the challenges they'll face

Knights brothers will be joined by Waimanu, Veisari, Marist and Nabua in the U19 category. More teams will confirm participation by the start of the week.

"I think we want to play in this tournament to gain some exposure in the abbreviated code. We've won here during the Deans and we'll want to repeat that performance in the 7s code," Serukalou said.

"We'll not underestimate any team right now but we'll give our best when the tournament beings proper next week."

The Suva 7s is on November 6-7.