Fiji name squad for Pacific Nations Cup

Fiji have named a powerful 42-man squad to prepare for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup. It’s a full strength side that contains all of their top players from Europe, including international stars Leone Nakarawa, Viliame Mata, and Semi Radradra.

John McKee has trimmed his original 50-man extended World Cup list. Missing out are veteran hooker Sunia Koto, second rows Temo Mayanavanua and Sikeli Nabou, flanker Jale Railala, scrumhalf Peni Matawalu, midfielder Apisai Naqalevu, and outside backs Benito Masilevu and Metuisela Talebula.

The coach has also confirmed his captain. Brive flanker Dominiko Waqaniburotu will lead the side and is expect to feature in an imposing loose forward trio alongside Mata, Pro 14 Player of the Year, and Clermont powerhouse Peceli Yato. Partnering Nakarawa in the second row will be one of English-based trio Tevita Cavubati, Api Ratuniyarawa, or Albert Tuisue.

It’s the backs that are traditionally Fiji’s strength and this group does not disappoint. Ben Volavola is favored to start at flyhalf with an array of attacking options across the three quarter line. Levani Botia, Vereniki Goneva, and Josua Tuisova are big name talents that will feature for the side.

This year’s PNC sees the return of the North American sides to the competition. Fiji will play Canada in the second round, along with Japan and Samoa. Suva will host four matches in the tournament with Lautoka acting as a neutral venue for Tonga and Canada.

A detailed squad list can be seen here.

FORWARDS
Campese Ma’afu (Leicester Tigers, UK), Eroni Mawi (Fijian Latui), Peni Ravai (Bordeaux Bègles, FR), Joeli Veitayaki (Fijian Latui), Mesulame Dolokoto (Fijian Latui), Sam Matavesi (Cornish Pirates, UK), Veremalua Vugakoto (Fijian Latui), Lee-Roy Atalifo (Jersey Reds, UK), Manasa Saulo (London Irish, UK), Luke Tagi (Fijian Latui), Kali Tawake (Biarritz, FR), Tevita Cavubati (Newcastle Falcons, UK), Leone Nakarawa (Racing 92, FR), Api Ratuniyarawa (Northampton Saints, UK), Tevita Ratuva (Bordeaux Bègles, FR), Albert Tuisue (London Irish, UK), Johnny Dyer (Fijian Latui), Semi Kunatani (Harlequins, UK), Viliame Mata (Edinburgh, UK), Nemani Nagusa (Newcastle Falcons, UK), Mosese Voka (Fijian Latui), Dominiko Waqaniburotu (capt., Brive, FR), Peceli Yato (Clermont Auvergne, FR)

BACKS
Frank Lomani (Fijian Latui), Niko Matawalu (Glasgow Warriors, UK), Henry Seniloli (Doncaster Knights, UK), Serupepeli Vularika (Fijian Latui), Alivereti Veitokani (London Irish, UK), Ben Volavola (Racing 92, FR), Levani Botia (La Rochelle, FR), Sevanaia Galala (Brive, FR), Josh Matavesi (Newcastle Falcons, UK), Waisea Nayacalevu (Stade Français, FR), Semi Radradra (Bordeaux Bègles, FR), Jale Vatubua (Pau, FR), Vereniki Goneva (Newcastle Falcons, UK), Filipo Nakosi (Toulon, FR), Patrick Osborne (Highlanders, NZ), Eroni Sau (Perpignan, FR), Josua Tuisova (Toulon, FR), Kini Murimurivalu (La Rochelle, FR), Setareki Tuicuvu (Clermont Auvergne, FR)