Fiji name strong squad for November tests

John McKee has named an impressive 30-man Fiji squad for the November tests against Scotland, Uruguay, and France. Included are some of the biggest names in European rugby such as Racing lock Leone Nakarawa, Bordeaux midfielder Semi Radradra, and Toulon winger Josua Tuisova.

Eight players have been selected from the Fijian Drua, the elite domestic side who finished at the top of Australia’s National Rugby Championship table with six wins from seven. Among them are promising hooker Veremalua Vugakoto, openside flanker Mosese Voka, and star halfback pair Frank Lomani and Alivereti Veitokani.

There are three uncapped players included. Drua hooker Mesulame Dolokoto, Perpignan wing or center Eroni Sau, and Clermont Auvergne fullback Setareki Tuicuvu.

Among the missing is regular captain Akapusi Qera, who has yet to find a new club since departing Agen in June. The injury list includes Bordeaux prop Peni Ravai, Northampton lock Api Ratuniyarawa, Stade Rochelais midfielder Levani Botia, and France-based outside backs Waisea Nayacalevu, Timoci Nagusa, and Nemani Nadolo.

Fiji will play Uruguay at the neutral venue of Hartpury College on November 17.

FORWARDS
Campese Ma’afu (Leicester Tigers, UK), Eroni Mawi (Fijian Drua), Ropate Rinakama (Northland, NZ), Manasa Saulo (London Irish, UK), Kali Tawake (Biarritz, FR), Joeli Veitayaki (Fijian Drua), Mesulame Dolokoto (Fijian Drua), Sam Matavesi (Cornish Pirates, UK), Veremalua Vugakoto (Fijian Drua), Tevita Cavubati (Newcastle Falcons, UK), Leone Nakarawa (Racing 92, FR), Albert Tuisue (Fijian Drua), Viliame Mata (Edinburgh, UK), Nemani Nagusa (Newcastle Falcons, UK), Mosese Voka (Fijian Drua), Dominiko Waqaniburotu (Brive, FR), Peceli Yato (Clermont Auvergne, FR)

BACKS
Frank Lomani (Fijian Drua), Henry Seniloli (Doncaster Knights, UK), Alivereti Veitokani (Fijian Drua), Ben Volavola (Racing 92, FR), Semi Radradra (Bordeaux Bègles, FR), Eroni Sau (Perpignan, FR), Eroni Vasiteri (Provence, FR), Jale Vatubua (Pau, FR), Vereniki Goneva (Newcastle Falcons, UK), Metuisela Talebula (Bayonne, FR), Josua Tuisova (Toulon, FR), Kini Murimurivalu (La Rochelle, FR), Setareki Tuicuvu (Clermont Auvergne, FR)