Brothers Josua Tuisova and Filipo Nakosi have been named in the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians squad to prepare for the Pacific Test Series incorporating the Maori All Blacks clash and the Pacific Nations Cup.

This is prior to the selection of the squad to the September’s Rugby World Cup.

Tuisova and Nakosi played for Toulon in this year’s Top 14 competition in France.

Head coach John McKee has named a powerful 38-member squad that will march into camp on July 1 for their first mission against the Maori All Blacks on July 13 at the ANZ Stadium, Suva before a return leg in Auckland on July 20.

The wider training squad welcomes a host of new faces including local based- players of flanker Johnny Dyer and tighthead prop Luke Tagi.

Competition will be fierce across all positions with many of the European based players coming off the back of stellar seasons including Viliame Mata the PRO14 European Players Player of the Year and London Irish stars Alivereti Veitokani and Albert Tuisue who helped their club’s achieve promotion into the English Championship.

“It is very pleasing for me to see so many players getting games at their various European clubs,” McKee said.

“Their seasons are now closing down so we hope to see them back into Fiji from next week.”

The incoming squad members will join local squad members of Frank Lomani, Serupepeli Vularika, Eroni Mawi, Mesulame Dolokoto, Joeli Veitayaki, Tuvere Veremalua and forward Mosese Voka who have been training together with the Fiji Rugby Academy since January.

“Certainly there are very good local players who are challenging for positions in the Rugby World Cup team. It is also important time for them as they are currently part of the Swire Shipping Fijian Latui,” he added.

With so many of his players coming into camp in good form, McKee is eager to get stuck into Series preparations.

“Now is the time, with all planning in place, I am really looking forward to getting into camp with the players from July 1. We know we have a lot of work to do between our assembly and traveling to Japan for our first game against Australia in the Rugby World Cup” he said.

McKee said the players are slowly returning into the country as their season in Europe comes to an end and they now prepare to move into camp on July 1.

“Players have been slowly filtering back onto the island. I expect by the second week of June nearly all the players will be back with the exception of any French players who’s teams progress deep into finals.”

McKee said the door is open for more players to be included into the wider squad.

“Players can be included at any time based on them showing outstanding form and fitness level.

“This can include locally based players playing in the Fijian Latui or at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship” he said.

Fiji Rugby Union chief executive John O’Connor has thanked all the sponsors, World Rugby and the Government for supporting the Flying Fijians team for the RWC.
Squad:

LOOSEHEAD PROP- Campese Ma’afu, Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Joeli Veitayaki, Leeroy Atalifo;

HOOKER- Mesu Dolokoto, Sunia Koto, Sam Matavesi, Veremalua Vugakoto, TIGHTHEAD PROP- Manasa Saulo, Luke Tagi, Kalivati Tawake;

SECOND ROW- Tevita Cavubati, Sikeli Nabou, Leone Nakarawa, Api Ratuniyarawa, Albert Tuisue, Tevita Ratuva,

BACK ROW/UTILITY- Johnny Dyer, Semi Kunatani, Temo Mayanavanua, Vili Mata, Nemani Nagusa, Jale Railala, Mosese Voka, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Peceli Yato;

HALFBACK- Frank Lomani, Nikola Mataqalu, Peni Matawalu, Henry Seniloli, Seru Vularika;

INSIDE BACKS- Lepani Botia, Seva Galala, Josh Matavesi, Alivereti Veitokani, Jale Vayubua, Ben Volavola;

OUTSIDE BACKS- Vereniki Goneva, Benito Masilevu, Kini Murimurivalu, Filipo Nakosi, Apisai Naqalevu, Waisea Nayacalevu, Patrick Osborne, Semi Radradra, Eroni Sau, Metui Talebula, Josua Tuisova, Setareki Tuivucu.   Edited by Anasilini Natoga

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