Volavola out as Raiwalui names 18 Drua players in Flying Fijians squad

Flying Fijians head coach Simon Raiwalui has named a 33-strong squad for the Rugby World Cup, with some surprise omissions.

While 18 Fijian Drua playes are included, including club co-captains Meli Derenalagi and Tevita Ikanivere, the biggest loser is flyhalf Ben Volavola, Fiji's number one pivot for the last five years.

Volavola, France-based utility back Vilimone Botitu and Drua loosie Joseva Tamani were all part of the recent Pacific Nations Cup series which Fiji won, following last Saturday's win over Japan in Tokyo.

But all three are missing from the squad list.

"We were selecting on the balance of how we want to play," Raiwalui said.

"The players who did not make it are all still available for selection if there is an injury during the World Cup."

Former All Black Seta Tamanivalu also missed out on selection because he is undergoing rehabilitation.

Raiwalui said although the rehab has been positive it was unfortunate that time was not on Tamanivalu's side.

There is also no place in the squad for big No.8 Peceli Yato, who left the Fijian camp three weeks ago because of internal issues with a member of the coaching team.

But veteran Levani Botia, co-captains Waisea Nayacalevu and Semi Radradra, Josua Tuisova, Albert Tuisue, Peni Ravai, Viliame Mata and Frank Lomani have all been named, being the experienced hands in a squad that is full of young players.

Raiwalui told media at the announcement on Tuesday in Nadi that their focus now shifts to playing France and England pre-World Cup.

He said that although they had played three good warm-up matches, there is still a lot of work to do.

"We've had three games in terms of our preparations, we obviously tried three different combinations, against Tonga, Samoa and Japan," he said.

"We were able to come away with victories but we understand the huge challenge we have. This weekend we are flying to Europe; we have got huge challenges against France and England and into the first (World Cup) game against Wales.

"We've been of the attitude all the way through that we will take it one game at a time and we are looking forward to the challenge next week."

The first group of Flying Fijians will leave Nadi for Paris on Thursday and the second group departs on Saturday.

Flying Fijians squad

Forwards - Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Jone Koroduadua, Tevita Ikanivere, Sam Matavesi, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Luke Tagi, Samu Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Albert Tuisue, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Levani Botia, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi, Viliame Mata.

Backline - Frank Lomani, Simi Kuruvoli, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Teti Tela, Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra, Waisea Nayacalevu, Iosefo Masi, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Vinaya Habosi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Sikeli Maqala, Ilaisa Droasese.