The Flying Fijians Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Twenty-three current Fijian Drua squad members have been named in the 45-man extended Flying Fijians squad to prepare for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Flying Fijians head coach Simon Raiwalui named the players in Suva on Thursday evening.
Raiwalui told media at the announcement that with niggling injuries to a few players he will have to wait for the result of the outcome of this weekend's quarter-final clash between the Fijian Drua and the Crusaders before naming the final squad of 38.
"I think it's a great balance of players in the team. We know the different systems they play in, especially the Fijian Drua judging from the results that they have produced this year.
"Making the quarter-finals in their second year only makes my selection of the team a daunting exercise. All those selected from overseas or locally, deserve to be in the Flying Fijians squad," Raiwalui said.
Simon Raiwalui Photo: AFP
The Flying Fijians will play a July test series against Tonga, Samoa and Japan.
They then play in pre-Rugby World Cup warm-up matches against France and England in August.
The 23 Drua players will be joined by 13 players from the French Top 14 competition, five from the English Premiership and one each from French Pro D2, United Rugby Championship, Japan Rugby League One and Super Rugby.
There are 10 uncapped players named amongst the experienced overseas-based Flying Fijians.
The squad will assemble on June 30 and will be based in Taveuni Island for a week.
Raiwalui said having the first week of camp in Taveuni is what he had initially planned when he got the role and believes it is something the whole team will be looking forward to later this month.
"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. 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 Flying Fijians and what is the goal," he said.
The Flying Fijians have a busy schedule ahead of their opening RWC match against Wales on September. Raiwalui has further added he has the right set of players who will be able to deliver results as they progress toward RWC.
"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.
"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," Raiwalui said.
The Flying Fijians meet the Ikale Tahi of Tonga on July 22 in Lautoka, Manu Samoa on July 29 in Apia, and Japan on August 5 in Tokyo, before taking on France and England in two Tests in August.
Flying Fijians 45-member wider squad
Loosehead Prop - Peni Ravai (Queensland Reds), Haereti Hetet (Drua), Eroni Mawi (Saracens), Meli Tuni (Drua);
Hooker - Samuela Matavesi (Northhampton Saints), Tevita Ikanivere (Drua), Zuriel Togiatama (Drua), Mesulame Dolokoto (Drua);
Tighthead Prop - Mesake Doge (Drua), Luke Tagi (Provence Rugby), Samu Tawake (Drua), Jone Koroduadua (Drua);
Second Row - Isoa Nasilasila (Drua), Apisalome Ratuniyarawa (London Irish), Temo Mayanavanua (Lyon);
Utility Forwards - Albert Tuisue (Gloucester), Peceli Yato (Clermont), Lekima Tagitagivalu (Drua), Joseva Tamani (Drua), Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta (Drua);
Backrow - Levani Botia (La Rochelle), Viliame Mata (Edinburgh), Meli Derenalagi (Drua), Vilive Miramira (Drua), Kitione Kamikamica (Drua);
Halfback - Frank Lomani (Drua), Simione Kuruvoli (Drua), Peni Matawalu (Drua);
Fly-half -Teti Tela (Drua), Caleb Muntz (Drua), Ben Volavola (Racing 92);
Inside Centre - Josua Tuisova (Lyon), Kalaveti Ravouvou (Drua), Adrea Cocagi (Drua);
Outside Center - Waisea Nayacalevu (Toulon), Iosefo Masi (Drua), Seta Tamanivalu (Toshiba Brave);
Wingers - Vinaya Habosi (Racing 92), Jiuta Wainiqolo (Toulon), Selestino Ravutaumada (Drua), Ilaisa Drosese (Drua), Setareki Tuicuvu (Brive);
Utility Backs - Semi Radradra (Bristol Bears), Sireli Maqala (Bayonne) and Vilimoni Botitu (Castres).