Tigers hunt another Fijian flyer
Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:51
Leicester Tigers, beaten finalists last season, have entered the race for the signature of another Fijian flyer - Rupeni Caucau.
The Fiji Times report that the 28-year-old Caucau could join compatriot Seru Rabeni at Welford Road in the near future.
Rated as the best wing on the planet, Caucau has had a flood of new offers from top European clubs, all queuing for his services.
According to the newspaper he will fly to Leicester "this week" to discuss a playing contract.
Close to seven months out of rugby after being sent home by Agen, in France, Caucau's return from the wilderness has been marked by interest from the Waratahs and now the Tigers.
Caucau, 28, has sent ripples of excitement across the rugby world in his four outings for Tailevu in domestic competition in Fiji, scoring five tries.
Tailevu coach Inoke Male said Leicester Tigers officials kept tabs on Caucau from the moment he returned to provincial rugby.
"A lot of clubs are going after him now, just like the Waratahs. It's all because of the internet and websites that they came to know he was back playing and getting into top form," Male told the Fiji Times.
"He is going to Leicester for a week to check things out. It's not yet finalised when he will be leaving, but it could be by the end of this week."
Male said it was for Caucau to decide if he wanted to join the Leicester Tigers, home to suspended World Cup star Rabeni.
Tailevu Rugby Union (TRU) secretary Nimilote Naivalumaira confirmed an offer from Leicester Tigers was on the table.
"He will be flying over this week to look at the contract. Caucau will miss Saturday's game against Rewa, but he'll join us for next week's game in Ovalau," he said.
Caucau could not be reached for comments.
Naivalumaira said Caucau had instructed TRU officials he did not wish to make any media statement.
