The Fiji Water Flying Fijians have named a powerful and well-rounded 32-member squad to take on Tier one heavyweights Australia and Scotland in back-to-back test matches next month.
Head coach Mick Byrne announced the squad today, highlighting a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging stars drawn from top clubs across Europe and the Fijian Drua franchise.
“Both Australia and Scotland are top-tier opponents, and we know the standard we must reach,” said Byrne.
“This squad reflects our growing depth and strength, and we’re ready to deliver a performance that will make all Fijians proud.”
The squad includes 13 players from the Fijian Drua, 10 France-based players from elite clubs like Racing 92, Castres, and Pau, five England-based players, and others from New Zealand and Super Rugby academies.
Key names include powerhouse backline stars Viliame Mata (Bristol), Josua Tuisova (Racing 92), and Sireli Maqala (Bayonne).
The forward pack is reinforced by veterans Eroni Mawi (Saracens), Samuel Matavesi (Lyon), and Albert Tuisue (Gloucester).
Rising local talents such as Tevita Ikanivere, Caleb Muntz, and Iosefo Baleiwairiki have also been rewarded for their strong Drua performances.
The Flying Fijians face the Wallabies on July 6 in Newcastle and Scotland on July 12 in Suva.
Tevita Ikanivere will captain the team.
Coach Byrne concluded: “We’ve focused on combinations that give us both tactical adaptability and the trademark Fijian spirit. We want to win, but more importantly, we want to win playing our brand of rugby.”
32-member-team: Eroni Mawi, Luke Tagi, Haereiti Hetet, Mesake Doge, Peni Ravai, Tevita Ikanivere, Samuel Matavesi, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Setareki Turagacoke, Viliame Mata, Elia Canakaivata, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Albert Tuisue, Etonia Waqa, Motikai Murray, Simione Kuruvoli, Philip Baselala, Sam Wye, Caleb Muntz, Isaiah Armstrong Ravula, Vilimoni Botitu, Josua Tuisova, Iosefo Masikau Baleiwairiki, Sireli Maqala, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Ponipate Loganimasi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Salesi Rayasi
