Fiji rugby has announced its team for the Pacific Nations Cup next month.
Ten potential debutants have forced their way into the squad; among them, former All Blacks and Crusaders star Seta Tamanivalu, who will become the first Fijian player to join the Flying Fijians following the change in World Rugby eligibility rules in November 2021.
Seta Taminivalu Photo: Photosport
The 34-man-squad includes 16 players from locally owned super rugby franchise Fijian Drua.
Head Coach Vern Cotter said a number of key players are currently unavailable for selection because of injury, including winger Semi Radradra.
Fiji plays it first game on 2nd July against Tonga in Suva.
Fiji hosts the Pacific Nation Cup which is contested by Australia A, Samoa and Tonga.
Flying Fijians Team for 2022 Pacific Nations Cup
Loose Head Props
Haereiti Hetet
Eroni Mawi
Hookers
Sam Matavesi
Tevita Ikanivere
Mesulame Dolokoto
Tight Head Prop
Luke Tagi
Mesake Doge
Manasa Saulo
Lock
Tevita Ratuva
Temo Mayanavanua
Isoa Nasilasila
Ratu Leone Rotusolia
Apisalome Ratuniyarawa
Backrow
Albert Tuisue
Mesulame Kunavula
Levani Botia
Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta
Rusiate Nasove
Halfback
Frank Lomani
Simione Kuruvoli
Peni Matawalu
Flyhalf
Ben Volavola
Teti Tela
Center
Setareki Tamanivalu
Vilimoni Botitu
Apisalome Vota
Waisea Nayacalevu
Kalaveti Ravouvou
Wing
Jiuta Wainiqolo
Josua Tuisova
Vinaya Habosi
Manasa Mataele
Fullback
Setareki Tuicuvu
Ilaisa Droasese
The Pacific Nations Cup will be played over three weekends in July, as follows:
Saturday 2 July, ANZ Stadium, Suva:
- 1:00pm: Australia A vs Samoa
- 3:30pm: Flying Fijians vs Tonga
Saturday 9 July, Churchill Park, Lautoka:
- 12:00pm: Samoa vs Tonga
- 3:30pm: Flying Fijians vs Australia A
Saturday 16 July, Churchill Park, Lautoka:
- 12.00pm: Tonga vs Australia A
- 3:30pm: Flying Fijians vs Samoa