White names three uncapped players for Nations Championship

Flying Fijians head coach Jake White has named three uncapped players in his 35-member squad for November’s Nations Championship.

The trio are Marika Parker, Racing 92 No. 8 Nathan Hughes and Pro D2 Player of the Season Setareki Bituniyata.

Parker is a tighthead prop who plays for Taranaki in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship (NPC).

Hughes, 35, has earned 22 caps for England before switching allegiance to Fiji.

Bituniyata is a former national sevens representative who was impressive for Provence in last season’s Pro D2 competition.

Meanwhile, hooker Peniami Narisia returns to the side after five years. He plays for Top 14 club Clermont.

Narisia made his Fiji debut against the All Blacks on July 10, 2021, at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand. Fiji lost, 23-57.

Racing 92’s Vinaya Habosi also returns to the squad after he last featured for Fiji at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

Fiji will face France in their opening match on November 8 at 8.10am Fiji time. They will then play Ireland on November 15 and Italy on November 22.

Fixtures:

November 8: 8:10am: France v Fiji

November 15: 8:10am: Ireland v Fiji

November 22: 4:40am: Italy v Fiji

Flying Fijians squad:

Forwards: 1. Eroni Mawi, 2. Peni Ravai, 3. Luke Tagi, 4. Inoke Ravuiwasa, 5. Tevita Ikanivere, 6. Zuriel Togiatama, 7. Peniami Narisia, 8. Vilikesа Nairau, 9. Marika Parker*, 10. Isoa Nasilasila, 11. Setareki Turagacoke, 12. Mesake Vocevoce, 13. Pita-Gus Sowakula, 14. Lekima Tagitagivalu, 15. Nathan Hughes*, 16. Kitione Salawa, 17. Peceli Yato, 18. Joseva Tamani, 19. Elia Canakaivata

Backs: 20. Frank Lomani, 21. Simione Kuruvoli, 22. Terio Tamani, 23. Caleb Muntz, 24. Vilimoni Botitu, 25. Ben Volavola, 26. Setareki Bituniyata*, 27. Vinaya Habosi, 28. Josua Tuisova, 29. Sireli Maqala, 30. Iosefo Masi, 31. Isikeli Rabitu, 32. Jiuta Wainiqolo, 33. Selesitino Ravutaumada, 34. Salesi Rayasi, 35. Ponipate Loganimasi.