Virimi Vakatawa: I never dared to believe I would play international rugby again

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.

Vakatawa is eligible to represent Fiji under World Rugby's 'birthright' rule, which allows players to switch national allegiances to a country in which they, their parents or grandparents were born in after a three-year stand-down period.

Vakatawa, who made his most recent France appearance against Japan in July 2022, was born in New Zealand but moved back to his parents' native Fiji as a young boy.

"No, to be honest with you," he told BBC Sport, when asked whether he had considered the possibility of a Test comeback

"Playing international rugby is something that I knew I was not going to be able to do. From that day [of being barred from playing in France], I thought it was over.

"Maybe I thought I can still play in club rugby, but this is huge to come and represent my country Fiji.

"When I was selected, I was surprised. When you play for Fiji, you have to be good, because there are talents everywhere.

"It is an honour and a privilege for me to be here and to be part of this environment."

While Vakatawa has been away from Test rugby, his profile, power game and offloading ability have made him a regular for the Barbarians.

He started for the invitational side in their games against South Africa and Wales last month, running in one try and setting up another against the Springboks.

The former Racing 92 man says the differing diagnoses about his heart condition, which was first detected in 2019, don't concern him.

"I'm all good, I feel as well as ever," he added.

"Different opinions from different cardiologists and different specialists - I'm not really worried about that.

"Whatever the doctors say that's their opinion. So, I respect whatever past doctors and cardiologists have said, but what matters for me is I'm here and I'm healthy."