Two MLR signings in Fiji squad for Autumn Nations Cup

Vern Cotter has named a 32-man Fiji squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Cup. Included in his first selection as Head Coach are two players signed for Major League Rugby teams in 2021 – Rugby United New York prop Samu Tawake and Dallas Jackals flyhalf Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.

Tawake debuted for the Flying Fijians against the Barbarians in November but has yet to make his first full test appearance. Samusamuvodre captained the Fiji Warriors in this year’s Pacific Challenge. This is his first call to a senior Fiji squad.

There are 14 players from last year’s Rugby World Cup squad. Among them are Glasgow Warriors lock Leone Nakarawa, Melbourne Rebels scrumhalf Frank Lomani, and Bristol Bears center Semi Radradra. Also notable is a return for Leicester Tigers winger Nemani Nadolo, who announced his ‘retirement’ from test rugby prior to the tournament in Japan under mysterious circumstances.

A host of new names are set to win their first caps including France-based loose forwards Kitione Kamikamica and Lekima Tagitagivalu. Their presence covers for notable absentees such as injured stars Semi Kunatani, Peceli Yato, and Viliame Mata.

Fiji are to play France, Italy, and Scotland on successive weekends beginning on November 15 with a fourth match against an opponent to be determined based on pool rankings. The team has also arranged a warm-up test against Portugal to take place on November 6.

FORWARDS
Haereiti Hetet (Bay of Plenty, NZ), Eroni Mawi (Saracens, UK), Peni Ravai (Clermont Auvergne, FR), Mesulame Dolokoto (Glasgow Warriors, UK), Tevita Ikanivere (Suva / Fijian Latui), Sam Matavesi (Northampton Saints, UK), Mesake Doge (Brive, FR), Jone Koroiduadua (Nadroga / Fijian Latui), Samu Tawake (Rugby United New York, US), Temo Mayanavanua (Northland, NZ), Chris Minimbi (Naitasiri / Fijian Latui), Leone Nakarawa (Glasgow Warriors, UK), Tevita Ratuva (Scarlets, UK), Johnny Dyer (Biarritz, FR), Kitione Kamikamica (Brive, FR), Mesulame Kunavula (Edniburgh, UK), Manueli Ratuniyarawa (Nadroga), Lekima Tagitagivalu (Pau, FR), Albert Tuisue (London Irish, UK)

BACKS
Simione Kuruvoli (Tailevu / Fijian Latui), Frank Lomani (Melbourne Rebels, AU), Peni Matawalu (Suva / Fijian Drua), Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (Dallas Jackals, US), Ben Volavola (Perpignan, FR), Levani Botia (La Rochelle, FR), Semi Radradra (Bristol Bears, UK), Jale Vatubua (Pau, FR), Nemani Nadolo (Leicester Tigers, UK), Waisea Nayacalevu (Stade Français, FR), Josua Tuisova (Lyon, FR), Kini Murimurivalu (Leicester Tigers, UK), Serupepeli Vularika (Suva / Fijian Latui)