FRESH from his Super Rugby season winger, Joji Nasova will provide a major boost to the Vinod Patel Ba Rugby side ahead of the opening Skipper Cup round next Saturday in Suva.
The Men in Black will open their campaign against traditional rivals Suva at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, with expectations high following the completion of their local club grand final competition last weekend.
Head coach Ben Tora and his management team have selected a balanced squad comprising experienced players and exciting young talents from various districts around Ba.
The side boasts depth in the forwards with the inclusion of players such as Allen Osborne, Ratu Peni Dekedeke, Sirieli Qauqau and powerful No.8 Lekima Vereyali, while the backs feature exciting talents including Josese Bola, Joseva Nokalevu and fullback Tevita Nailati.
Ba Rugby officials believe the squad has the potential to challenge for top honours this season, with the players eager to restore the union’s status as one of Fiji’s rugby powerhouses.
The team management includes head coach Ben Tora, assistant coach Tuifagalele Naliva, strength and conditioning coach Sanaila Vunisa, manager Pita Matakitoga and assistant manager John Sadole.
2026 Vinod Patel Ba Men’s Squad
Loose Head Props: Sevuloni Qata (Sasa), Filipe Tuitubou (Duiyasana), Jordan Mamao (Sorokoba), Noa Tora (Toge).
Hookers: Gideon Cagimaivei (Rarawai FSC), Peniasi Sokia (Toge), Meli Cabe Jr (Duiyasana).
Tight Head Props: Allen Osborne (Sorokoba), Emosi Kautoga (Natalecake), Sekove Tuvakaikoya (Rarawai FSC), Jone Naqiri (Toge), Pita Rasila (Services Ba).
Locks: Saimone Tagitagivalu (Nailaga), Waisale Senimoli (Sorokoba), Josefa Roiroi (Sorokoba), Arimela Noa (Toge).
Blindside Flankers: Ratu Peni Dekedeke (Natalecake), Nemani Qaravatu (Toge), Peceli Weleliakeba (Rarawai FSC).
Openside Flankers: Sirieli Qauqau (Rarawai FSC), Peni Nasova (Toge), Sakiusa Tuwai (Koronubu).
No.8: Lekima Vereyali (Navala), Gabby Naliva (Sorokoba).
Halfbacks: William Ryland (Toge), Bruce Sautulevu (Rarawai FSC), Sailasa Takali (Ba River), Vatukilagi Ratu (Natalecake).
Second Five-Eighths: Viliame Cama (Ba River), Valami Kunavue (Natalecake).
Flyhalves: Joseva Nokalevu (Vatutuvi), Josaia Naisua (Ba River), Josese Bola (Services Ba).
Outside Centres: Panapasa Nalatu (Nailaga), Peni Waqa (Toge), Damasio Levi (Navala).
Wingers: Meli Tuvusa (Natalecake), Iliavi Masori (Toge), Joji Nasova (Toge), Jerry Matai (Lomavata), Waisale Naturaga (Yakete), Solomoni Druku (Nailaga), Epeli Draunidalo (Ba River).
Fullbacks: Tevita Nailati (Natutu), Josateki Vale (Nailaga).
