Fiji names preliminary World Cup squad

Fiji has named their preliminary World Cup squad, with 38 players included for a training camp that will run from August 12 to August 31, the day when their final team of 31 will be announced. All 31 players from the victorious Pacific Nations Cup squad are present, with seven added to fill out the roster.

Glasgow Warriors loosehead prop Jerry Yanuyanutawa has a last chance to impress selectors after being left out of the PNC, and he is joined by Tailevu hooker Jale Sassen and former North Harbour Rays tighthead Leeroy Atalifo. Suva lock Savenaca Tabakanalagi returns after impressing on Fiji Warriors tour to South America, with former skipper Netani Talei also back in the picture in the back row.

Veteran midfielder Seremaia Baï is one of two backs added, the other being giant Crusaders winger Nemani Nadolo, who returns to fitness after missing the PNC with damaged ribs. Nadolo has been used as a centre almost exclusively in recent times for Fiji, but looks set to be employed on the wing, with both Levani Botia and Gaby Lovobalavu impressing in the no12 jersey.

Fiji are in Pool A of the World Cup, along with Australia, England, Uruguay, and Wales. Their only remaining warm-up fixture for the World Cup is on September 6, when they face Canada at The Stoop, the home grounds of Aviva Premiership club Harlequins.

FORWARDS
Lee-Roy Atalifo (Suva), Isei Colati (Nevers), Taniela Koroi (Wellington), Campese Ma’afu (Nottingham), Peni Ravai (Nadroga), Manasa Saulo (Timisoara), Joeli Veitayaki (Naitasiri), Jerry Yanuyanutawa (Glasgow), Sunia Koto (Narbonne), Jale Sassen (Tailevu), Tale Tuapati (Stade Français), Vili Veikoso (Rotherham), Tevita Cavubati (Ospreys), Leone Nakarawa (Glasgow), Api Ratuniyarawa (Agen), Nemia Soqeta (Biarritz), Savenaca Tabakanalagi (Suva), Masi Matadigo (Lyon), Akapusi Qera (capt., Montpellier), Malakai Ravulo (Steaua Bucuresti), Netani Talei (Harlequins), Dominiko Waqaniburotu (Brive), Peceli Yato (Clermont)

BACKS
Nemia Kenatale (Steaua Bucuresti), Nikola Matawalu (Glasgow), Henry Seniloli (Benetton Treviso), Seremaia Baï (Leicester), Ben Volavola (Waratahs), Josh Matavesi (Ospreys), Levani Botia (La Rochelle), Gaby Lovobalavu (Bayonne), Vereniki Goneva (Leicester), Waisea Nayacalevu (Stade Français), Nemani Nadolo (Crusaders), Napolioni Nalaga (Clermont), Asaeli Tikoirotuma (Harlequins), Metuisela Talebula (Bordeaux), Kini Murimurivalu (La Rochelle)