They had a nickname for Jim Nagusa when he was at Ulster. It was unimaginative but it was accurate – Big Jim Nagusa.
Big Jim is now missing. 6-foot-2, 90 kilos, hirsute Nagusa is A.W.O.L from his Top 14 paymasters.
The winger went back to Fiji after an impressive season for Montpellier in domestic and European action [15 tries, multiple line breaks, countless offloads]. Fondly regarded within his club, as he was at Ulster, the 29-year-old was afforded an extra long break. No harm really when the Top 14 season spans 11 months.
The only problem is, Nagusa has not returned. He is Absent Without Leave.
It is not like Nagusa has not been in touch. He has sent a couple of apologetic emails and has been in phone contact.
His credit card was apparently stolen when he was back home and he couldn’t book a flight back. It must take a while to get a new credit card sorted out in the South Pacific. Montpellier coach Jake White told Midi Olympique:
“He was recovering after a recent groin operation. It was understood that he would have an extra weeks’ rest but it has been almost a month now…
“As soon as he gets here, he will have some serious explaining to do.”
The Top 14 season is already a week old, despite end in mid June. Montpellier lost their opener against Toulouse, last week, and play Clermont at home this weekend.
On the latest GAA Hour we look back at Mayo-Tipperary and chat to Andy Moran about his incredible, never-ending career. Listen below or subscribe here on iTunes.
