Nations Championship: France and England internationals to revive careers with Fiji
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Former France centre Virimi Vakatawa and ex-England No.8 Nathan Hughes have been given a chance to revive their international careers after both were named Monday in an extended 50-strong Fiji squad for July’s Nations Championship matches.
New Zealand-born Vakatawa, 34, played 32 matches and scored 10 tries for Les Bleus between 2015 and 2022 before being banned from playing in France because of a progressive cardiac abnormality.
After a one-year break, the former Racing 92 player got his career back on track in England, at Bristol and has since joined Super Rugby club Fijian Drua.
Hughes, who is also 34, was born in Fiji but joined Wasps and qualified for England on residential grounds.
He made 22 appearances, 10 of them as a starter, under Eddie Jones with his last cap coming against Scotland in the 2019 Six Nations.
After a spell in Japan, Hughes now plays for Racing 92 in the Top 14.
Given the period since their last international outings, World Rugby’s rules allow him to switch allegiance and wear the Fiji jersey.
“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,” said acting head coach Senirusi Seruvakula in a federation statement.
The squad will be cut to 32 players two weeks before Fiji begin their Nations Championship campaign on July 4 in Cardiff against Wales.
Fiji will then face England a week later in Liverpool, followed by Scotland in Edinburgh on July 18.
These three matches are considered home games for Fiji, due to a lack of adequate facilities in the country.
Flying Fijians 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 and Nathan Hughes
Scrumhalf: Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli, Sam Wye, Philip Baselala
Flyhalf: 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
Fullback: Salesi Rayasi, Vuate Karawalevu
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