Naiyaravoro set to pick Wallabies

Editor

Fiji-born winger Taqele Naiyaravoro is expected to be named in Australia's Rugby Championship squad.

The Waratahs flyer was named in Fiji's extended squad for the Pacific Nations Cup but now looks set to turn his back on the country of his birth.

According to his manager, Tyran Smith, Naiyaravoro is keen to play for the Wallabies, and reports suggest Michael Cheika is set to name him in his 35-man squad for the Rugby Championship.

"In my conversations with Taqele, he has indicated that if he is selected by the Wallabies, he will pledge his allegiance to Australia," said Smith.

As a result Fiji coach John McKee admitted to the Daily Telegraph that he was planning for the PNC without Naiyaravoro.

"He verbally indicated to me that he wanted to play for Fiji, and on that basis we included him in our extended squad," McKee said.

"At this stage I understand he is in consideration for the Wallabies, and I’ve got to move on.

"I can’t be waiting. I’ve got some good wingers, and it would be hard to make it in our squad as a winger."

The decision could also have an impact on Naiyaravoro's planned move to Glasgow Warriors for next season with any international involvement this year ruling him out of Scotland contention further down the line.

Meanwhile the same report also revealed that Toulon duo Drew Mitchell and Matt Giteau, as well as George Smith, are also set to be included in the squad, having become eligible under the ARU's new selection criteria.