Saracens sign Vilikesa Nairau ahead of 2025/26 season

Saracens have secured the signature of dynamic Fijian prop Vilikesa Nairau for the 2025/26 season, adding explosive power and flexibility to their front-row options.

The 22-year-old joins from Coventry Rugby after an impressive season in the RFU Championship and arrives with a growing reputation as one of Fiji’s most promising forward prospects.

Able to play on both sides of the scrum, Nairau’s physicality and athleticism stood out during his time with Coventry and in earlier stints representing FMF Suva in Fiji’s Skipper Cup, Fiji U20s, and the Fijian Armed Forces team.

Reflecting on the move, Nairau expressed his excitement about the opportunity:

“I am really proud to be joining a club like Saracens. This is a great opportunity for me and my family, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Saracens’ Director of Rugby Mark McCall praised the young prop’s potential and commitment:

“Vilikesa is a very talented young prop who has a huge amount of potential.

"He impressed us greatly with his attitude and desire to improve and we’re looking forward to helping him continue his development here at Saracens.”

The signing aligns with Saracens' long-term strategy of recruiting versatile young players with high ceilings for development, particularly in key areas like the front row. Nairau’s ball-carrying power, scrummaging adaptability, and raw athleticism have marked him as a standout among emerging talent from the Pacific Islands.