Fiji locked and loaded for World Cup
Fiji confirmed lock Leone Nakarawa in their World Cup squad on Saturday, a day after he was cleared to enter New Zealand when he resigned his army commission.
The 23-year-old tight forward was named in a 30-man squad to be captained by New Zealand born Deacon Manu who moved to Wales in 2006 where has has since played over 100 games for Scarlets in Llanelli.
Manu has previously played for the New Zealand Maori, New Zealand Universities and New Zealand Under-21 but qualifies to play for Fiji through his Fijian mother.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully announced Friday that the ban on Nakarawa entering the country had been lifted after he resigned from the military.
Fijian soldiers have been banned from New Zealand since the military seized control of the Pacific island nation in a 2006 coup.
The 117 kg lock was the only Fiji player affected by the ban and was omitted from the side that last month travelled to New Zealand for a Test against the All Blacks because he was then still in the army.
Nakarawa is one of only nine local players in the World Cup squad which is dominated by overseas-based professionals.
Fiji have qualified for every World Cup except 1995 and made the quarterfinals in 1987 and in 2007 although they face some tough opponents in Pool D such as the defending champion Springboks, Pacific rivals Samoa, and Wales.
Fiji World Cup squad:
Forwards: Campese Ma’afu, Deacon Manu (captain), Setefano Somoca, Waisea Daveta, Viliame Veikoso, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Sunia Koto, Seko Kalou, Leone Nakarawa, Wame Lewaravu, Rupeni Nasiga, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Sisa Koyamaibole, Akapusi Qera, Netani Talei, Masi Matadigo, Malakai Ravulo.
Backs: Nemia Ranuku, Vitori Buatava, Waisea Luveniyali, Seremaia Bai, Nicky Little, Albert Vulivuli, Gabirieli Lovobalavu, Ravai Fatiaki, Vereniki Goneva, Napolioni Nalaga , Michael Tagicakibau, Kini Murimurivalu, Iliesa Keresoni.
