Toulon (AFP) – The Fijian Setariki Tuicuvu, who was not called up to challenge France on Saturday, has nevertheless been one of the sure values ​​of the Top 14 for ten years, where he has been showcasing his lively support, his power and his versatility in Toulon since 2023, despite a contrasting start to the season.

Published on: 06/11/2026 - 12:46

Starting in just one match in September, Tuicuvu worked to regain his place and seems to have convinced his coach Franck Azema, who fielded him three times in a row in the Top 14 and in the Challenge Cup in October.

“I had difficulty adapting to the new style of play put in place. We had the same system for several years with Pierre Mignoni, but Franck changed that when he arrived and it bothered me a little, I had to adapt,” the 31-year-old winger explained to AFP, before welcoming Stade Français on Saturday.

“We know his qualities and I expected more from him at the start of the season, in terms of his involvement in training and his commitment during matches,” explained the Var technician, who had already had the player under his command at Clermont.

"There were a lot of new players at the club this summer, I had to get to know them and try to know how they play to also adapt to their game. Against Racing 92 there was Gaël Fickou and Juan Ignacio Brex in the center, then a week later in Edinburgh (Editor's note: Challenge Cup) it was Jérémy Sinzelle and Antoine Frisch. It's not the same, they don't play in the same way, so I also have to understand their way of playing. play", continues Tuicuvu, who passed through Brive (2020-2023) before Toulon.

“Franck gave me an opportunity to play and I took advantage of it, then I moved on, so I’m happy,” said the winger who completed his training at ASM.

“Sometimes I yell”

The departure of Pierre Mignoni at the start of October created the desired shock within RC Toulon, with three victories in a row and a sixth place in the standings, even if Tuicuvu was saddened to see the former scrum-half leave the club.

“It was weird for me because it was Pierre who recruited me. I had trouble finding my bearings when he left, even though I already knew Franck, but it wasn't the same,” underlines the Fijian, who loses his infectious smile when talking about the departure of his former manager.

“Now things are better, we discuss a lot with Franck, particularly about what to do on the pitch,” continues Tuicuvu and his more than 150 matches in the Top 14.

The club's failed start to the season (Editor's note: three defeats in a row) has not, however, cast a shadow over one of the most joyful players in the Var collective. Quite reserved off the field, the three-quarter remains as expressive as soon as he steps on the pitch.

"It's true that I don't talk much outside, but when I'm on the pitch, I do. You have to say things, otherwise it's not good. If something annoys me, I say it directly, if a little thing can help the team I have to say it, and sometimes I yell, eh!", he laughs.

Recently called up to an expanded group of the Fijian selection, Setariki Tuicuvu (12 caps) has not played with the Flying Fijians for a year and will not challenge the Blues on Saturday evening in Lyon.

“I want to return to Fiji, but it bothers me less than before not being selected,” confides the explosive and tough winger. "Sometimes it's difficult to go far away, I have a five-year-old child who always asks me where I'm going and to stay with him, so I'm good here too."

So much so that he continued the adventure at the RCT, where he felt at home, despite the successive departures of islanders Jiuta Wainiqolo, Duncan Paia'aua and Leicester Fainga'anuku over the years.

© 2026 AFP

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