Pacific

Fijiana confident of World Cup success as 32-strong squad named

08:24 am on 22 September 2022

The squad and officials at the Holiday Inn, Suva Photo: FRU

The head coach of the Fijiana 15s has named a 32-member squad for the Rugby World Cup which begins in New Zealand next month.

Senirusi Seruvakula announced the squad at the Holiday Inn in Suva on Wednesday evening.

The squad includes 15 players from the Super W Championship-winning Fijiana Drua side.

They form the core of a 23-strong group of local players who are part of the travelling squad.

This also features six overseas-based players and six Fijiana 7s players from the team that won Olympic bronze in Tokyo last year.

Eight cap veteran Sereima Leweniqila will captain the side.

Asinate Serevi, the daughter of sevens legend Waisale Serevi, is also included having switched from the United States under new eligibility rules.

Seruvakula says it was a difficult selection process which involved many conversations with other coaches and thorough reviews of all past matches.

Fiji is the lowest ranked side at the tournament, but recent progress in their game will give Fijiana some hope for success.

This is the first time they've played at a World Cup having qualifed by beating Samoa 41-13 at the 2019 Oceania Championship.

The Fijiana 15s travel to New Zealand on Sunday.

Backs

Lavena Cavuru (Fijiana Sevens)

Raijieli Daveua

Ilisapeci Delaiwau (Wing)

Sesenieli Donu (Fijiana Sevens)

Raijieli Laqeretabua (Fijiana Drua/Centre)

Kolora Lomani (Fijiana Drua/Fly-half)

Melaia Matanatabu (Fijiana Drua/Centre)

Rusila Nagasau (Fijiana Sevens)

Vitalina Naikore (Fijiana Drua/Wing)

Ana Maria Naimasi (Fijiana Sevens)

Alowesi Nakoci (Fijiana Sevens)

Roela Radiniyavuni (Fijiana Drua/Full-back)

Timaima Ravisa (Fijiana Drua/Full-back)

Merewalesi Rokouono (Fijiana Drua/Fly-half)

Ana Maria Roqica (Scrum-half)

Akasnisi Sokoiwasa (Wing)

Talei Wilson (Wing)

Forwards

Ema Adivitaloga (Fijiana Drua/Back-row)

Sereima Leweniqila (Fijiana Drua/Back-row)

Vika Matarugu (Fijiana Drua/Hooker)

Karalaini Naisewa (Fijiana Drua/Back-row)

Merevesi Ofakimalino (Fijiana Drua/Lock)

Siteri Rasolea (Prop)

Akosita Ravato (Fijiana Drua/Back-row)

Joma Rubuti (Fijiana Drua/Prop)

Jiowana Sauto (Fijiana Drua/Hooker)

Asinate Serevi (Lock)

Bitila Tawake (Fijiana Drua/Hooker)

Bulou Vasuturaga (Prop)

Iris Verebalavu (Prop)

Mereoni Vonosere

Sulita Waisega (Lock)

Fiji Women's Rugby World Cup Pool C Fixtures

All kick-offs are in New Zealand time

Sat 8 Oct, Fiji v England, 16.45, Eden Park, Auckland

Sun 16 Oct, Fiji v South Africa, 17.45, Waitakere Stadium, Auckland

Sat 22 Oct, France v Fiji, 19.15, Northland Events Centre, Whangarei

Photo: FRU