*Fiji Skipper Levani Botia will Undergo Knee Operation This Month*

Fiji’s ‘Demolition Man’, Levani Botia, will undergo a knee operation this month. Botia, who is known for his incredible skills on the field, has been one of the Flying Fijians’ stars of the tournament in France.

*Early Life and Career*

Botia was born in Naitasiri province in the interior of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu. He had to work hard to make it as a professional player and was working as a prison warden before his talent was spotted. Botia’s employers saw him playing for a local side and invited him to join the Wardens’ sevens team. He was soon spotted by the Fijian national sevens team and represented them before switching to the 15-a-side game.

*Rugby Career*

Botia’s big break came in 2014 when he received a phone call from Fiji great Sireli Bobo, who was then playing for La Rochelle in France. Bobo invited Botia to join him in western France, initially as an injury replacement for the last three months of the season. Botia scored a brace of tries in the promotion play-off semi-finals against Agen and helped the club win promotion to the Top 14. That earned him a full-time contract and he hasn’t looked back since, winning the Champions Cup with La Rochelle in each of the last two years.

*Injury Update*

Botia is set to undergo a knee operation this month, which will likely keep him out of action for several weeks. This is a significant blow to Fiji’s chances in the Rugby World Cup, as Botia has been one of their standout players. However, the ‘Demolition Man’ is known for his resilience and determination, and fans will be hoping for a speedy recovery.

*What’s Next?*

Fiji will face England in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final on Sunday, and while Botia’s absence will be felt, the team will be looking to other players to step up and fill the gap. The match kicks off at 3 am Fijian time, but the locals are long used to overcoming all sorts of difficulties to watch their beloved national team.