Virimi Vakatawa, who could make his Fiji debut against England on Saturday (14:10 BST), says he never dared to believe he would play international rugby again after a heart condition brought an abrupt end to his 32-cap France career
The 34-year-old centre was barred from playing in France in September 2022 after a panel of doctors said that his cardiac health had deteriorated, leaving him too vulnerable to play elite sport in the country.
While the decision ruled out any return as a key part of France's midfield – where he started the 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Wales and was a Six Nations regular - it only applied domestically.
Vakatawa played for Bristol for a season, after being reviewed by the Bears' own experts, and signed for the Fijian Drua in January.
He has been called into Fiji's squad as a replacement for Semi Radradra, who injured his knee in defeat by Wales on Saturday.
The 34-year-old centre was barred from playing in France in September 2022 after a panel of doctors said that his cardiac health had deteriorated, leaving him too vulnerable to play elite sport in the country.
While the decision ruled out any return as a key part of France's midfield – where he started the 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Wales and was a Six Nations regular - it only applied domestically.
Vakatawa played for Bristol for a season, after being reviewed by the Bears' own experts, and signed for the Fijian Drua in January.
He has been called into Fiji's squad as a replacement for Semi Radradra, who injured his knee in defeat by Wales on Saturday.
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