Former France international and Fijian Drua centre Virimi Vakatawa has forced his way into the FIJI Water Flying Fijians extended squad, adding significant experience and firepower ahead of the upcoming Nations Championship in July.
Acting head coach Senirusi Seruvakula has named a formidable 50-member squad, trimmed down from an initial 60, with the final 32-player travelling squad to be confirmed two weeks before the opening clash against Wales on July 4 in Cardiff.
The Flying Fijians will then meet England in Liverpool on July 11 before facing Scotland in Edinburgh on July 18, in what marks a historic opportunity to test themselves against northern hemisphere heavyweights.
The extended squad features a powerful mix of seasoned internationals and emerging talent, setting up intense competition for places in the final travelling squad.
Seruvakula said the selection process had been thorough and data-driven.
“We’ve been having regular meetings, myself and the coaching staff, and also the lead Strength and Conditioning Coach, David Silvester, and my medical team,” Seruvakula shared.
“We have meetings looking at all the players, their time in their clubs, how many minutes they’ve been playing, and if there are any injuries that need to be identified. All those areas that we look into before we choose the 50.”
The team will assemble in the UK one week before their opening match.
50-member extended squad: Props: Eroni Mawi, Atunaisa Sokobale, Peni Ravai, Livai Natave, Haereiti Hetet, Luke Tagi, Tim Hoyt, Vilikesa Nairau, Mesake Doge. Hookers: Tevita Ikanivere, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Zuriel Togiatama, Sam Matavesi. Locks: Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Albert Tuisue, Temo Mayanavanua, Tevita Ratuva, Joseva Tamani. Flankers: Lekima Tagitagivalu, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Tuwai, Elia Canakaivata, Levani Botia, Kitione Salawa. No. 8: Pita-Gus Sowakula, Peceli Yato, Nathan Hughes. Half-backs: Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli, Sam Wye, Philip Baselala. Fly-halves: Caleb Muntz, Isaia Armstrong-Ravula, Kemu Valetini. Outside Backs: Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selestino Ravutaumada, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Vinaya Habosi. Inside Backs: Josua Tuisova, Filimoni Botitu, Isikeli Rabitu, Virimi Vakatawa, Iosefo Masi, Semi Radradra, Seta Tamanivalu, Sireli Maqala. Fullbacks: Salesi Rayasi, Vuate Karawalevu
