The Fijian Drua's strong Super Rugby Pacific season has been reflected in the Fiji national squad, accounting for 18 of the 39-man squad,
Head coach Simon Raiwalui named the squad ahead of their first Test of 2023 against Tonga on July 22, reduced from a wider 45-player training squad a fortnight ago.
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"We had to wait until all club commitments were finished before finalizing the squad. There were a few injury concerns and this has been reflected in the selection of the squad," Raiwalui said.
“Prop Haereiti Hetet and utility forward Joseva Tamani are still recovering for injury and will be managed from outside the group by our medical staff.
" All members not named in the initial training group will remain part of the wider group and be provided training programs, they will remain in contention for selection should there be any injuries.”
There are eight uncapped players, seven of which come from the Drua, who made the Super Rugby finals for the first time in 2023.
Centre Iosefo Masi headlines the new inclusions after his breakout season on his return from rugby league, joined by Drua captain Meli Derenalagi and Selestino Ravutaumada.
This is the highest number of Drua players named for a Flying Fijians campaign, which is a fantastic achievement for our entire Club," Drua CEO Mark Evans said.
"One of the many reasons for the formation of the Drua was to be a bridge to the national team.
"To be able to supply a steady stream of talent to the Flying Fijians is very pleasing indeed.
"There is no higher honour for a Fijian player than to don that famous white and black Flying Fijians jersey.
"We are extremely proud of all our players who have made the squad.
“We are consistently achieving key milestones; we’ve made a Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final in just our second year, and now have provided over 15 squad members to the Flying Fijians two years in a row."
Loosehead Prop
Peni Ravai
Eroni Mawi
Meli Tuni*
Hooker
Samuela Matavesi
Tevita Ikanivere
Zuriel Togiatama*
Tighthead Prop
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 Centre
Waisea Nayacalevu
Iosefo Masi*
Seta Tamanivalu
Wingers
Vinaya Habosi
Jiuta Wainiqolo
Selestino Ravutaumada*
Ilaisa Drosese
Utility
Semi Radradra
Sireli Maqala
Vilimoni Botitu
Key: * Uncapped Players
Saturday 22nd July, Churchill Park, Lautoka:
12pm: Fiji Water Flying Fijians VS Tonga
Saturday 29th July, Apia Park, Apia:
12pm: Samoa VS Fiji Water Flying Fijians
Saturday 5th August, Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo
10.15pm: Japan VS Fiji Water Flying Fijians
Sunday 20th August, Stade de la Beaujoire, France:
7:05am: France VS Fiji Water Flying Fijians
Sunday 27th August, Twickenham Stadium, England
2:15am: England VS Fiji Water Flying Fijians
