Wainiqolo Faces France's Bielle-Biarrey in Lyon
Fiji winger Jiuta Wainiqolo meets France flyer Louis Bielle-Biarrey in a Nations Championship match on Saturday.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Australia and New Zealand
Fiji winger Jiuta Wainiqolo is set to face France flyer Louis Bielle-Biarrey in a Nations Championship clash in Lyon on Saturday. Wainiqolo hopes Australia winger Mark Nawaqanitawase will choose to represent Fiji before next year's World Cup.
Why it matters
The match pits two prolific try-scorers against each other, and Nawaqanitawase's eligibility choice among Fiji, Australia and Italy could shape Fiji's squad for the 2027 World Cup. Wainiqolo will also make his first appearance under new coach Jake White.
Wainiqolo scored 18 tries to lead the French Top 14 last season, and in four seasons at Toulon he scored 37 tries in 87 appearances. Bielle-Biarrey has scored 29 tries in 28 France appearances, while Nawaqanitawase's international eligibility remains unresolved among Fiji, Australia and Italy.
The players
Jiuta Wainiqolo
Fiji winger and former Toulon player who was the leading try-scorer in the French Top 14 last season with Lyon.
Louis Bielle-Biarrey
France flyer who has scored 29 tries in 28 international appearances for his country.
Mark Nawaqanitawase
Australia winger whose international eligibility among Fiji, Australia and Italy is under consideration.
Jake White
New Fiji coach who will oversee Wainiqolo's first appearance under his leadership in the Saturday match.
The details
Wainiqolo joined Lyon in 2025 from Toulon and was unavailable for Fiji's 34-28 win over Japan due to club commitments. He sent Nawaqanitawase a message encouraging him to play for Fiji, and Nawaqanitawase replied with an eyes emoji.
Timeline
2025: Wainiqolo joins Lyon from Toulon.
Saturday: Fiji and France meet in a Nations Championship clash in Lyon.
Next year (2027): World Cup, for which Nawaqanitawase may choose Fiji.
Travel Outlook
Fiji's pursuit of players like Nawaqanitawase ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup reflects how national rugby squads recruit across borders. This Nations Championship fixture in Lyon is one of several autumn tests shaping that squad-building cycle.
Fans planning to attend the Saturday Nations Championship match in Lyon should book travel and accommodation early. Rugby supporters tracking the World Cup should note that squad eligibility decisions made now can change who is available for selection.
The takeaway
Following player eligibility decisions can help rugby fans understand how national squads take shape before major tournaments. Track announcements from national federations when players change allegiance.
What happens next
Nawaqanitawase's decision on which nation to represent ahead of the 2027 World Cup is expected before that tournament.
Further reading
Explore more on Australia and New Zealand travel destinations.
Source note: This article includes information reported by SA Rugbymag.
