Fiji names star-studded World Cup squad

John McKee has named a star-studded Flying Fijian roster for the upcoming Rugby World Cup. Included are all of the country’s top professionals with only five locally-based players, though two of those – Mesulame Dolokoto and Frank Lomani – have already been confirmed for top tier clubs post-Japan.

There are 32 players on the list with one further cut to to be made prior to the September 8 deadline. One of three specialist tighthead props will miss out with Lee-Roy Atalifo, Manasa Saulo, and Kali Tawake all named. Peni Ravai is set to cover both sides of the scrum having proven his versatility in the Pacific Nations Cup.

Among the notable absentees are London Irish second or back row Albert Tuisue and Newcastle loose forward Nemani Nagusa. McKee has instead opted for the relatively inexperienced Bordeaux lock Tevita Ratuva. Props Joeli Veitayaki and Luke Tagi miss out, as does locally-based No8 Johnny Dyer.

Patrick Osborne, Eroni Sau, and Setereki Tuicuvu are the odd men out in a loaded outside backs division. Brive midfielder Sevanaia Galala is also among those left in the cold, as is versatile halfback Serupepeli Vularika, who concedes his place to the returning Niko Matawalu.

Fiji will play one further match before departing for Japan. They will face Tonga on August 31 as part of a unique double-header at Eden Park in Auckland. The team has been drawn in Pool D for RWC 2019 along with Australia, Wales, Georgia, and Uruguay. They will face Los Teros on September 25 in Kamaishi.

A detailed squad list can be seen here.

FORWARDS
Campese Ma’afu (Leicester Tigers, UK), Eroni Mawi (Fijian Latui), Peni Ravai (Bordeaux Bègles, FR), Mesulame Dolokoto (Fijian Latui), Sam Matavesi (Cornish Pirates, UK), Veremalua Vugakoto (Fijian Latui), Lee-Roy Atalifo (Jersey Reds, UK), Manasa Saulo (London Irish, UK), Kali Tawake (Biarritz, FR), Tevita Cavubati (Newcastle Falcons, UK), Leone Nakarawa (Racing 92, FR), Api Ratuniyarawa (Northampton Saints, UK), Tevita Ratuva (Bordeaux Bègles, FR), Semi Kunatani (Harlequins, UK), Viliame Mata (Edinburgh, 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), Josh Matavesi (Newcastle Falcons, UK), Ben Volavola (Racing 92, FR), Levani Botia (La Rochelle, FR), Waisea Nayacalevu (Stade Français, FR), Semi Radradra (Bordeaux Bègles, FR), Jale Vatubua (Pau, FR), Vereniki Goneva (Newcastle Falcons, UK), Filipo Nakosi (Toulon, FR), Josua Tuisova (Toulon, FR), Kini Murimurivalu (La Rochelle, FR), Alivereti Veitokani (London Irish, UK)