FIJI Airways Drua hooker Mesulame Dolokoto is among the new inclusions in the Flying Fijians squad for the November Europe tour.
Dolokoto is joined by his Drua teammates Joeli Veitayaki, Eroni Mawi, Ratu Vere Vugakoto, Mosese Voka, Frank Lomani, Alivereti Veitokani, and Albert Tuisue.
The Koroivonu, Tunuloa, Cakaudrove native captained the Queen Victoria School under-18 team in the Coke Zero Deans Trophy competition in 2013.
His mother Bale Dolokoto is proud of her son’s achievement.
“Firstly, we thank God for the talent he has given Mesu to be able to reach this far,” she said.
“He has come a long way in terms of rugby since Kaji Rugby days, into the Deans Trophy level, overseas exposure and now into national level.
“We’re surprised that it has come this early, but nothing happens outside of God’s plan in our lives.
“We thank all those who have been involved in his rugby, the coaches at primary and secondary school, Henry Speight who took Mesu into his care while in Canberra, Gungahlin Rugby Club, Brumbies players and coaches, coaches of Breakthrough Rugby Club, QVSOB Rugby Club and also Suva,” she said.
Fiji head coach John McKee named Dolokoto and some Drua players in his squad. McKee said the importance of this year’s November tour would be its the last assembly before the 2019 Rugby World Cup assembly which was less than 12 months away.
“There will be a lot of focus on the two Tier 1 Test matches, Scotland and France, to measure our performance at this level leading towards 2019. Uruguay is also an important match for us with Uruguay being one of our Pool D opponents at RWC 2019,” McKee said.
“Some new, younger players will get an opportunity on this tour.
It is very important that these players really step up on this tour to put themselves in the selection frame for Japan 2019.”
The Flying Fijians will camp in Toulouse, France from October 29 to November 3.
Dominiko Waqaniburotu takes over the captaincy from Akapusi Qera who is not part of the tour.
On November 10 Fiji will take on Scotland in Edinburgh, Scotland and on the 17th they face Uruguay at Hartpury College ground in England and their last match will be against France on the 24th at Stade de France, Paris.
Squad: Campese Ma’afu, Joeli Veitayaki, Eroni Mawi, Mesulame Dolokoto, Ratu Vere Vugakoto, Sam Matavesi, Kalivati Tawake, Manasa Saulo, Ropate Rinakama, Leone Nakarawa, Tevita Cavubati, Albert Tuisue, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Peceli Yato, Mosese Voka, Viliame Mata, Nemani Nagusa, Frank Lomani, Henry Seniloli, Ben Volavola, Alivereti Veitokani, Eroni Vasiteri, Jale Vatubua, Semi Radradra, Vereniki Goneva, Josua Tuisova, Setareki Tuicuvu, Metuisela Talebula, Eroni Sau. Players on standby: Ratunaisa Navuma, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Api Ratuniyarawa, Semi Kunatani, Seru Vularika, Nikola Matawalu, Benito Masilevu, Sevanaia Galala. Unavailable for selection due to injury: Waisea Nayacelevu, Nemani Nadolo, Timoci Nagusa, Kini Murimurivalu, Patrick Osbourne.
