Vakatawa, who earned 32 caps for France before being medically barred from playing in the country in September 2022, has been selected for Fiji's Test match against England on Saturday. The 34-year-old former Racing 92 centre did not expect a return to international rugby after his cardiac diagnosis ruled out any comeback in France, but World Rugby's birthright eligibility rule—which permits him to represent Fiji, where his parents were born, after a stand-down period—has now provided an unexpected opportunity. He replaces Semi Radradra, who sustained a knee injury in Wales's recent victory, and maintains he feels healthy despite differing opinions from various medical specialists regarding his cardiac condition.

Vakatawa has remained active in elite rugby through regular appearances for the Barbarians over the past two years, including a recent match against South Africa where he scored a try. He describes his selection as an honour and privilege, expressing gratitude for the chance to represent Fiji at international level. Should he be selected for Saturday's fixture, he may encounter Benhard Janse van Rensburg, a former Bristol teammate who will make his England Test debut this weekend.