Head coach Mick Byrne has chosen the strongest potential Flying Fijians squad forward of Checks in opposition to the Wallabies and Scotland subsequent month. After asserting a 44-man prolonged squad final week, Fiji have lower their enjoying group right down to 32 forward of the July internationals.
Former Hurricanes winger Salesi Rayasi is among the uncapped gamers on this Fiji squad, together with Hawke’s Bay halfback Sam Wye. There’s loads of expertise and cohesion within the group general, with 13 Fijian Drua gamers chosen for nationwide honours.
Drua stalwarts Tevita Ikanivere, Caleb Muntz and Iosefo Masi are amongst these making the step up from Super Rugby Pacific to the worldwide area. Their inclusion within the nationwide aspect was introduced on Thursday, the identical day the Drua confirmed the trio are leaving the membership.
Fiji will begin their 2025 worldwide season with a blockbuster away to Australia at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium on July 6. That’s the Wallabies’ one and solely Check of the yr earlier than they tackle the British & Irish Lions in a extremely anticipated three match collection.
After that match, the Flying Fijians will return dwelling, the place they’ll host Scotland at Suva’s HFC Financial institution Stadium six days later. In a video launched on Fiji Rugby’s Fb web page, coach Byrne known as on Fiji followers to convey the “noise” in that dwelling Check.
“At this time is an thrilling day for Fiji Rugby. We introduced an excellent squad,” Byrne stated.
“Clearly, it’s as robust as we will choose on the time in order that’s wonderful and we’re actually trying ahead to getting collectively on the finish of June and going over to Australia and placing on a fantastic efficiency in opposition to the Wallabies and Then coming dwelling and enjoying our Check match right here in opposition to Scotland.
“I believe for us, coming dwelling, we don’t play loads of dwelling video games right here in Fiji as a nationwide crew and we all know all over the world, loads of Fijians flip up, communities flip up. We’re actually trying ahead to seeing our homebase followers flip up, to come back watch us in opposition to Scotland.
“Actually trying ahead to the noise and the celebration environment we will create, and make it as uncomfortable off the sector as we will for Scotland on the rugby day. Clearly we’re nice hosts… our folks take care of our friends however on Saturday, the 12th of July, it’s all about Fiji.”
Josua Tuisova, who performs for Parisian aspect Racing 92 in France’s High 14, has additionally been included within the squad, with Byrne having real world-class backs to select from in these fixtures in opposition to the Wallabies and Scotland.
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula will compete with Muntz for the beginning spot at first five-eighth, simply because the pair have accomplished for a few seasons in Tremendous Rugby Pacific. This yr, Armstrong-Ravula began 9 of 13 appearances for the Dura within the No. 10 jersey.
However through the Pacific Nations Cup and Autumn Nations Series final yr, Armstrong-Ravula was largely used as a fullback within the beginning aspect. Byrne had instructed reporters that each playmakers had been “world-class” choices for the Flying Fijians.
Flying Fijians 32-man squad
Forwards
Eroni Mawi
Luke Tagi
Haereiti Hetet
Mesake Doge
Peni Ravai
Tevita Ikanivere
Samuel Matavesi
Kavaia Tagivetaua
Isoa Nasilasila
Mesake Vocevoce
Temo Mayanavanua
Setareki Turagacoke
Viliame Mata
Elia Canakaivata
Lekima Tagitagivalu
Albert Tuisue
Etonia Waqa
Motikai Murray
Backs
Simione Kuruvoli
Philip Baselala
Sam Wye
Caleb Muntz
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
Vilimoni Botitu
Josua Tuisova
Iosefo Balewairiki
Sireli Maqala
Kalaveti Ravouvou
Ponipate Loganimasi
Jiuta Wainiqolo
Selestino Ravutaumada
Salesi Rayasi
