Fijian flank sticks with Gloucester

Published: Monday, 16. January, 2012 in category Aviva Premiership

Gloucester have confirmed that 27-year-old Fijian international flank Akapusi Qera has agreed a new two year contract with the club.

Suva born Qera is currently in his fifth season at Kingsholm and the confirmation that he has agreed to extend his stay with Gloucester is a welcome boost in a week which concludes with the visit of Toulouse in the Heineken Cup.

Qera first played in England for the Pertemps Bees but really came to prominence at the 2007 World Cup in France including scoring a try in the memorable win over Wales.

Linking up with Gloucester after the conclusion of that tournament, he quickly made an impact scoring eight tries from 20 starts in his first season, a return he bettered in 2009/10 when he scored ten from 24.

Whether he is putting in massive hits in defence or carrying with pace and purpose in attack, Qera has become an integral part of the Gloucester squad and he confirmed he is very happy to be staying at Kingsholm.

He said: "I love the people here, especially the fans and the crowd. It's a different environment altogether, at Kingsholm, it's an unbelievable place to play rugby and it's so easy to feel at home there.

"I'm happy to have signed this deal, and I will do my best to make sure we can win more silverware for the people of Gloucester."