Fiji Warriors ready for Pacific Challenge

Fiji have named their group to participate in the upcoming Americas Pacific Challenge. Former test loose forward Senirusi Seruvakula will coach the side that includes nine capped players. Former Plymouth Albion and Aix-en-Provence lock Rupeni Nasiga, a veteran of the 2011 World Cup, will captain the team with 7s and XVs international Nemani Nagusa an able deputy. Nagusa is set to form an imposing loose forward trio with Pacific Nations Cup reps Eremasi Radrodro and Mosese Voka.

Also included from the 2016 PNC are young prop Mesake Doge, halfbacks Henry Seniloli and Serupepeli Vularika, and former Agen centre Eroni Vasiteri. Seniloli, who spent the 2014/15 Guinness Pro 12 season with Benetton Treviso in Italy, is the only member of the team who traveled to the 2015 World Cup. Versatile front row Kalivati Tawake was part of the successful Fiji Army squad that conquered the British Army to win the 2015 International Defense Force Competition.

Two players are included from the team that finished 3rd at the World Rugby u20 Trophy in Namibia. Utility back Frank Lomani and team captain Filimoni Savou. The latter is the youngest player in the squad at 19 and is one of the most highly sought-after talents in Fiji having already spent time in academy sides of Saracens and Toulon.

An opening fixture against the USA on Saturday, October 8, will be followed by an all-Pacific Island contest with Samoa. Wrapping up their tournament is a highly anticipated match against tournament co-favorites Argentina. Streaming details have yet to be confirmed by World Rugby.

FORWARDS
Robert Delai (Nadi), Mesake Doge (Naitasiri), Mosese Ducivaki (Naitasiri), Osea Naganilau (Suva), Kalivati Tawake (Army), Joeli Veitayaki (Naitasiri), Seremaia Naureure (Naitasiri), Jale Sassen (Suva), Sailosi Dawai (Nadroga), Esikia Macu (Naitasiri), Rupeni Nasiga (Nadroga), Mesulame Kunavula (Nadroga), Vasikali Mudu (Nadroga), Nemani Nagusa (Nadroga), Eremasi Radrodro (Nadroga), Mosese Voka (Suva)

BACKS
Frank Lomani (Savusavu), Henry Seniloli (Tailevu), Serupepeli Vularika (Suva), Alivereti Veitokani (Nadroga), Sitiveni Kunaga (Suva), Filimoni Savou (Suva), Eroni Vasiteri (Nadroga), Fred Hickes (Nadi), Apete Daveta (Nadroga), Lepani Raiyala (Vatukoula)

FIXTURES (all times local Montevideo)
Oct 8 – 14:15 – vs USA Selects
Oct 12 – 12:00 – vs Samoa ‘A’
Oct 16 – 16:30 – vs Argentina XV