The close season has been a busy one for a number of Cornish Pirates featuring on the international scene.

Rhodri McAtee, who gets married this Saturday, has played for Wales in the IRB Sevens, whilst Brian Tuohy has been helping Ireland in their efforts to qualify for next year's Rugby World Cup Sevens to be held in Dubai.

Brian has also been selected to play for Ireland 'A' in this month's Churchill Cup tournament, it a competition in which Ed Fairhurst captained Canada against Scotland 'A' last weekend. Also featuring for Canada was recently confirmed signing Scott Franklin, who started at tight-head prop.

A further name now to add to the impressive list above is that of one of the club's other new signings, Marika Vakacegu, who was a replacement for Fiji in their Pacific Nations Cup opener against Manu Samoa. Played at Churchill Park, Lautoka.

Fiji emerged comfortable 34-17 points winners, with gifted Marika introduced to the game in the second half at inside centre.

E-mailing the club this week, Marika advises that the coaches are using him as a utility player, covering wing, full-back and centre.

The Fiji side is captained by Saracens scrum-half Mosese Rauluni, and a fellow replacement against Manu Samoa was Gloucester's Premiership star Akapusi Qera.

Fiji's next game is against New Zealand Maori this Saturday, followed by matches against Japan, Australia 'A', and Tonga.

Fiji Times June 04/08
"We've had a few inclusions with Marika Vakacegu and Saula Radidi coming in and they've fitted in really well," Rauluni said.