Iosefo Masi has been called up to the initial Fiji squad Photo: Fijian Drua Media
A total of 18 Fijian Drua players have been selected in the 39-member Flying Fijians rugby union squad to prepare for the 2023 Pacific Nations Cup series in July and early August.
Head coach Simon Raiwalui named the squad at a media conference at Rugby House in Suva on Tuesday.
And he also announced the recruitment of former Flying Fijian assistant coach Joji Rinakama and specialist trainer Nacanieli Cawanibuka as part of the management team, leading up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Rinakama was part of the management team that took the Flying Fijians to the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups.
Cawanibuka had worked previously with the Flying Fijians before he joined the Fijian men's 7s team that won Olympic gold medals in 2016 and 2021. He joined the Fijian Drua in 2022 and this year as their trainer.
Players in the mix
While key Fijian Drua players, prop Haereiti Hetet and utility forward Joseva Tamani are still recovering from injuries sustained during the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific competition, Raiwalui has gone with the bulk of Drua players.
Those Drua players who have made the call-up include first time Flying Fijians inclusions Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Meli Tuni, Vilive Miramira, Caleb Muntz, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada and captain Meli Derenalagi.
Others who had been called up in 2022 are Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Doge, Samuela Tawake, Zuriel Togiatama, Isoa Nasilasila, Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli, Peni Matawalu, Teti Tela, Kalaveti Ravouvou and Ilaisa Droasese.
Photo: Fiji Rugby Union
The Flying Fijians' final squad to compete at the 2023 Rugby World Cup will be named after Fiji's game against Japan on August 5.
Raiwalui said at the media conference the door is still open for final selection in the 33-member squad to France.
"The final squad, the majority will come from that group but there's the opportunity for others to push and that's the nature of rugby, you have injuries, you have things that happen so we've said to all players, 'be prepared and be ready'," he told media.
He is also keeping an eye out for junior Fiji players currently competing at the U-20 World Cup in South Africa.
Island camp
The Flying Fijians are camping on Taveuni Island, close to Vanua Levu, from Saturday and will be visiting communities as part of their campaign to link with fans.
Raiwalui said taking the players to the island was good so they can focus on the work they need to do.
Fiji meets the Ikale Tahi of Tonga in Lautoka on July 22 before taking on Manu Samoa in Apia on July 29.
They then travel to Tokyo to meet Japan on August 5 and their final 33-member squad is scheduled to be announced on August 8.
The World Cup squad will have two Test matches to use as their final warm-ups, meeting France on August 20 and England the following weekend in Twickenham.
Fiji is pooled with Australia, Georgia, Portugal and Wales in Pool A at the World Cup.
They meet Wales in Bordeaux on September 11 in their opening World Cup pool match.
Flying Fijians 39-member squad
Loosehead Props: Peni Ravai, Eroni Mawi, Meli Tuni, Hookers: Samuela Matavesi , Tevita Ikanivere, Zuriel Togiatama, Tighthead Props: Mesake Doge, Luke Tagi,
Samu Tawake, Second Row: Isoa Nasilasila, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Temo Mayanavanua, Utility Forwards: Albert Tuisue, Peceli Yato, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Backrow: Levani Botia, Viliame Mata, Meli Derenalagi, Vilive Miramira, Kitione Kamikamica, Halfback: Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli, Peni Matawalu, Fly-half: Teti Tela, Caleb Muntz, Ben Volavola, Inside Centre: Josua Tuisova, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Outside Center: Waisea Nayacalevu, Iosefo Masi, Seta Tamanivalu, Wingers: Vinaya Habosi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Drosese, Utility: Semi Radradra, Sireli Maqala, Vilimoni Botitu.