Star studded Fiji squad for World Cup announced
NEWS: Simon Raiwalui has named a 45-strong Rugby World Cup training squad which include 23 Fijian Dura players, 13 from the French Top 14, five from the English Premiership, and one each from the French Pro D2, the United Rugby Championship, Japan’s League one and Super Rugby.
The Fijians will begin their campaign in France with a blockbuster pool fixture versus Wales in Bordeaux on September 10 and they have commenced preparations by unveiling a powerful-looking training line-up.
Fijian Drua is currently preparing for their Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final this weekend at Crusaders.
All the big names are there, with the Pacific Islanders particularly stacked with talent in the back-row and the wider channels.
“I think it’s a great balance of players in the team. We know the different systems they play in, especially the Drua judging from the results that they have produced this year,” said head coach Raiwalui.
“Making the quarter-finals in their second year only makes my selection of the team a daunting exercise. All those selected from overseas or local, deserve to be in the Flying Fijians squad.”
In the loose trio, big names Peceli Yato, Viliame Mata and Albert Tuisue have all been picked, as well as the outstanding Levani Botia, who is listed as a back-rower.
Among the backs are Kalaveti Ravouvou, Semi Radradra and Waisea Nayacalevu while Josua Tuisova is selected at centre after his exploits for Lyon in that position.
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Our @FIJIWater Flying Fijians 45-member wider squad.
Read more: https://t.co/E6hQXNHdeZ#duavataveilomanirakavi pic.twitter.com/5UdpYmiNKQ
— Fiji Rugby Union (@fijirugby) June 8, 2023
“We are going to Taveuni which is going to be a unique experience, no five-star hotel, no luxuries, live amongst the people and connect with them,” Raiwalui added.
“We obviously will be there for a mission but part of it is reconnecting with who we are as Fijians and why we are the Fiji Water Flying Fijians and what is the goal.
“The ultimate goal is the Rugby World Cup. We got Tonga first here at home and they are a well-experienced team as they got some new players this year.
“Then we move on to Samoa and Japan. Those matches are in our region. We have a week off and then we will fly to Europe to play France and England which are great matches to play leading into the World Cup.”
Fiji’s 45-man training squad:
Forwards: Peni Ravai, Haereti Hetet, Eroni Mawi, Meli Tuni, Sam Matavesi, Tevita Ikanivere, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesulame Dolokoto, Mesake Doge, Luke Tagi, Samu Tawake, Jone Koroiduadua, Isoa Nasilasila, Api Ratuniyarawa, Temo Mayanavanua, Albert Tuisue, Peceli Yato, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Joseva Tamani, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Levani Botia, Viliame Mata, Meli Derenalagi, Vilive Miramira, Kitione Kamikamica
Backs: Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli, Peni Matawalu, Teti Tela, Caleb Muntz, Ben Volavola, Josua Tuisova, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Adrea Cocagi, Waisea Nayacalevu, Iosefo Masi, Seta Tamanivalu, Vinaya Habosi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Drosese, Setareki Tuicuvu, Semi Radradra, Sireli Maqala, Vilimoni Botitu
Fiji fixtures:
Mid-year Test series
Saturday, July 22 – Fiji v Tonga (Churchill Park, Lautoka)
Saturday, July 29 – Samoa v Fiji (Apia Park, Apia)
Saturday, August 5 – Japan v Fiji (Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo)
World Cup warm-up matches:
Saturday, August 19 – France v Fiji (Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes)
Saturday, August 26 – England v Fiji (Twickenham, London)
