Former Hurricanes winger Salesi Rayasi has taken one other important step in direction of Take a look at honours with the Flying Fijians, named within the staff’s ultimate 32-man squad forward of their upcoming matches towards the Wallabies and Scotland in July.
Rayasi performed for the All Blacks Sevens on what’s now referred to as the HSBC SVNS Collection, and proved to be a dependable possibility on the wing for the Hurricanes as effectively. The Wellington-born flyer made greater than 50 appearances for the Canes earlier than taking over a chance offshore.
It was introduced 11 months in the past, virtually to the day, that Rayasi had signed a two-year contract with Top 14 facet Vannes. Rayasi began 20 matches for the membership through the 2024/25 season, ending the marketing campaign with a double away to Bayonne.
When the Flying Fijians announced their 44-man extended squad last week, Rayasi’s inclusion captured headlines. Rayasi was one of the uncalled players named in that initial squad, with many eager to see how the winger would fare in the Test arena.
Hawke’s Bay halfback Sam Wye was another uncapped prospect named, and both Wye and Rayasi have made the final squad. Fiji Rugby unveiled the Flying Fijians squad on Wednesday, with the group boasting a mix of experience and new talent.
In the forwards, Tevita Ikanivere headlines an 18-man group which also includes Peni Ravai, Mesake Vocevoce, Elia Canakaivata, Etonia Waqa and Mesake Doge. Ikanivere captained the Flying Fijians to Pacific Nations Cup glory in 2024.
As for the backs, both Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula and Caleb Muntz have been named. Drua rookie Isikeli Rabitu did not make the final squad to play Australia and Scotland, despite having been named in the initial 44-man group last week.
“This extended squad has been selected following thorough discussions and deliberations by the coaching staff and management team,” a statement on Fiji Rugby’s socials reads, which they released after the extended squad was named.
“As is always the case with international selections, the process was challenging due to the depth and quality of talent available globally.
“Consequently, some high-performing players have unfortunately missed out.”
Former NRL star Semi Radradra was also named in the extended squad but has not been named in the final group for these two Tests.
Fiji will play two matches this July, the first being against Australia at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium on July 6th. This will be the Wallabies’ final hit out ahead of their highly anticipated three-Test series against the British & Irish Lions.
After that, the Flying Fijians will return home, where they’ll take on Scotland at Suva’s HFC Stadium on July 12.
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
