Vilikesa Naira

Vilikesa Naira brings ballast and energy to the Saracens back row. Born on 3 June 2002, the flanker is known for an aggressive defensive game and a high work rate at the breakdown, two qualities that sit at the heart of effective loose-forward play. Naira's role is to provide defensive intensity, compete for turnover ball and act as a link between forwards and backs, carrying strongly when the opportunity arises. As a young forward developing within the Saracens system, he is part of a club with a long-standing reputation for producing and refining back-row talent in the demanding setting of the Gallagher Premiership. Establishing himself in such an environment requires both physical durability and a sharp understanding of the contest at the ruck, areas in which Naira continues to build. His value lies in the effort and abrasiveness he brings to the contact area, the sort of contribution that does not always show up on a scoresheet but is felt across eighty minutes. As his career progresses, the aim for Naira is to convert his physical promise into regular senior involvement for the club.