Fijian Qera called up for England clash - but still in running to play against his national side next week

AKAPUSI Qera has been called into the Fiji squad for Saturday’s opening autumn international clash with England.

The Gloucester flanker had opted out of Fiji’s Northern Hemisphere tour in favour of fighting for a fruitful Cherry and Whites future under new boss Nigel Davies.

The 28-year-old told The Citizen turning down his national side – but not retiring from international rugby – had been one of his toughest decisions in rugby.

But no sooner had he made that call than the Fijian Rugby Union were in touch this week, asking for his services to ease a spate of injuries ahead of their clash with England at Twickenham this weekend.

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The Fijian management have exercised their right under IRB rules to draw him into the national squad.

Openside flanker Qera is only expected to feature in the England clash – so could yet line up against his country for Gloucester at Kingsholm on Tuesday, November 13.

Gloucester boss Nigel Davies confirmed Qera’s call-up for the England game, expecting to have the marauding loose forward available for selection next week.

Davies explained: “We received a request on Monday morning from the Fijian management requesting Akapusi's services as they have been hit by withdrawals in their build up.

“Under the current IRB regulations in these circumstances, we can’t actually prevent a player’s release and we’ll obviously miss him because he’s 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 wish him well in the meantime.”