Young Pau centre Jale Vatubua has forced his way into the Vodafone Flying Fijians squad for the June-July Test matches.

Vatubua has been the first choice centre for his club in the France Top 14 competition where he played alongside former All Blacks star outside centre Conrad Smith.

Flying Fijians head coach, John McKee, believes that he has named a very strong squad to represent Fiji across the June and July Test series. This will include Tests against Australia, Italy and Scotland and the 2019 Rugby World Cup qualifying test matches against Tonga and Samoa.

The Flying Fijians will face Australia in Melbourne on June 10 then fly back home for their matches against Italy and Scotland on June 17 and 24. They will face Tonga and Samoa in the RWC qualifying matches on July 8 and 15.

McKee indicated that he has to ensure that the players available have been playing top level rugby and are physically ready to play in the five test matches.

“I’m pleased to be able to name a strong squad.  This series of matches provide us with a challenging test series and will allow us to see where we are on the world stage.  Each opposition will bring special challenges and I’m sure with good preparation and hard work this group will come together as a very strong team to represent Fiji with pride.”

McKee added that he expects all players named in the squad to come to camp fit and ready to work hard.

“There will be strong competition within the squad to make selection for the Test match teams.”

Many players are in top form and McKee says that they will need to be consistent and show this form when they march into camp.

“I was fortunate to watch most of our players playing across the various competitions during my recent visits to Europe, New Zealand and Australia and I’m pleased that the players named are in top form for their various clubs.”

He said that 28 players would travel to Melbourne for the Australia Test, while those that are involved in the France T14 and other European finals are expected to join camp in Suva for the Italy and Scotland test matches.

Flying Fijians squad: Campese Ma’afu, Peni Ravai, Joeli Veitayaki, Manasa Saulo, Leeroy Atalifo, Kalivati Tawake, Sunia Koto, Jale Sassen, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Leone Nakarawa, Tevita Cavubati, Api Ratuniyarawa, Sikeli Nabou, Naulia Dawai, Viliame Mata, Nemani Nagusa, Akapusi Qera, Mosese Voka, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Peceli Yato, Nikola Matawalu, Serupepeli Vularika, Henry Seniloli, Ben Volavola, Levani Botia, Jale Vatubua, Eroni Vasiteri, Albert Vulivuli, Vereniki Goneva, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Josua Tuisova, Nemani Nadolo, Patrick Osborne, Timoci Nagusa, Metuisela Talebula, Kini Murimurivalu

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