Acting Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula has named a formidable 50-member extended squad for the FIJI Water Flying Fijians ahead of the upcoming Nations Championship in July, with the final 32-player traveling squad to be confirmed two weeks before the opening match against Wales.
The Flying Fijians will kick off their inaugural Nations Championship campaign against Wales in Cardiff on July 4, before facing England in Liverpool on July 11 and Scotland in Edinburgh on July 18.
The 50-player extended squad features a powerful blend of experienced internationals and exciting emerging talent.
Among the players named are two players who have already played international rugby for other countries. Former France outside back Virimi Vakatawa and ex-England back-row Nathan Hughes headline the squad as potential additions.
Seruvakula said: “We’ve been having regular meetings, myself and the coaching staff, and also the lead strength and conditioning coach, David Silvester, and my medical team.
“We have meetings looking at all the players, their time in their clubs, how many minutes they’ve been playing, and if there are any injuries that need to be identified. All those areas that we look into before we choose the 50.”
The final 32-member squad will be announced two weeks prior to the July 4 clash against Wales. Players from the 50-member extended squad who do not make the final cut will remain on standby as injury replacements.
FIJI Water Flying Fijians extended squad:
Props
Eroni Mawi, Atunaisa Sokobale, Peni Ravai, Livai Natave, Haereiti Hetet, Luke Tagi, Tim Hoyt, Vilikesa Nairau, Mesake Doge
Hookers
Tevita Ikanivere, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Zuriel Togiatama, Sam Matavesi
Locks
Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Albert Tuisue, Temo Mayanavanua, Tevita Ratuva, Joseva Tamani
Flankers
Lekima Tagitagivalu, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Tuwai, Elia Canakaivata, Levani Botia, Kitione Salawa
No. 8
Pita-Gus Sowakula, Peceli Yato and Nathan Hughes
Half-backs
Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli, Sam Wye, Philip Baselala
Fly-halves
Caleb Muntz, Isaia Armstrong-Ravula, Kemu Valetini
Outside Backs
Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selestino Ravutaumada, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Vinaya Habosi
Inside Backs
Josua Tuisova, Filimoni Botitu, Isikeli Rabitu, Virimi Vakatawa, Iosefo Masi, Semi Radradra, Seta Tamanivalu, Sireli Maqala
Fullbacks
Salesi Rayasi, Vuate Karawalevu