Drua Stars Dominate Flying Fijians PNC Squad

Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has named a mixture of experienced and young players for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup (PNC). 

The selection of the 28-member squad revealed Byrne’s build-up plan towards the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia. 

The squad has 21 players from the Fijian Drua and seven are from overseas-based players. 

The 66-year-old coach has roped in veterans Semi Radradra and Seta Tamanivalu to guide the backline while in the forwards he has retained No.8 Viliame Mata. 

The Fiji Water sponsored Flying Fijians kick-off their PNC against Tonga on August 30 at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Then the Flying Fijians travel to Rotorua in New Zealand to face Manu Samoa on September 6. They’ll either face Japan, USA Eagles or Canada in the play-offs. 

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday Byrne said the squad named is tasked to defend the PNC title. 

“The team will do some solid work in the first week of training and work our way towards the first game,” he said. 

Byrne reiterated the need for the team to do well in the PNC to improve on their World Rugby rankings. 

“Our focus is to prepare well and play our best rugby as we aim to be in a good pool for the 2027 World Cup. 

“Having learned from the past World Cups, this PNC competitions give us the opportunity to position ourselves for a better pool for the World Cup.” 

Byrne has included three new players in the squad. They are Isoa Tuwai, Kemu Valetini and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre. 

“These three are great players; they have grown in the Super Rugby programme and they have progressed. 

“When opportunity comes along, we give young players a chance to prove themselves,” he said. 

Byrne has also commended the Fijian Drua franchise of developing our young players. 

“I am excited to have them in the programme. 

“In this tournament, you need young and experienced players and that is what we have,” he said. 

Mata’s Bristol Bears team-mate Kalaveti Ravouvou is also named in the side. 

“Having the experience of Bill to guide our young forwards is one to watch. We have a talented backrow pack but we need guidance and that’s where they come in,” Byrne added. 

He said they expect a tough physical encounter with their Pacific counterparts. 

“Samoa, Tonga and Japan are always tough. 

“We know what to expect but we will be ready for it,” he said. 

Outstanding performers from the Wallabies and Scotland Test matches Salesi Rayasi and Jiuta Wainiqolo, are back with their clubs. 

“They performed beyond our expectations because they are world class players. The onus is now on these selected players to compete on the standard they have set,” Byrne added. 

The team will report to camp this Saturday. 

Flying Fijians squad 

Forwards- Eroni Mawi (Saracens), Haereiti Hetet (Drua), Mesake Doge (Drua), Meli Tuni (Drua), Tevita Ikanivere (Honda Heat), Kavaia Tagivetaua (Drua), Zuriel Tongiatama (Drua), Isoa Nasilasila (Drua), Temo Mayanavanua (Drua), Mesake Vocevoce (Drua), Etonia Waqa (Drua), Elia Canakaivata (Drua), Motikiai Murray (Drua), Isoa Tuwai (Drua), Bill Mata (Bristol Bears), Kitione Salawa (Drua). 

Backs-Philip Baselala (Drua), Simione Kuruvoli (Drua), Sam Wye (Hawkes Bay), Kemu Valetini (Drua), Caleb Muntz (Provence), Kalaveti Ravouvou (Bristol), Inia Tabuavou (Drua), Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (Drua), Ponipate Loganimasi (Drua), Taniela Rakuro (Drua), Semi Radradra (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula (Drua), Seta Tamanivalu (Toshiba Brave Lupus).