Fiji head coach Vern Cotter has named a strong 31-man squad for their upcoming matches against Scotland, Ireland, and the French Barbarians in Europe next month.
Cotter revealed that the selection for the Flying Fijians’ squad was based on the players’ performance for their clubs as well as during this year’s July international window.
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“We have been watching the Northern Hemisphere players playing and we are quite happy that a lot of them have been getting game time for their respective clubs overseas,” he told the Fiji Rugby Union’s official website.
Semi Radradra back from injury
Sireli Maqala of Bayonne as well the Fijian Drua’s Leone Rotuisolia and Livai Natave are likely to earn their first cap while Semi Radradra of Bristol Bears and Edinburgh duo Viliame Mata and Leeroy Atalifo return from injury to join the Flying Fijians camp.
Also making a return to the squad is experienced full-back Kini Murimurivalu, who has been in fine form for Leicester Tigers.
Players who were not considered for selection due to injury are: Seta Tamanivalu, Meli Derenalagi, Vilive Miramira, and Kitione Salawa while Ben Volavola has been left out because of a lack of game time at club level.
His absence means that Teti Tela and Vilimoni Botitu are expected to share the fly-half duties during the tour.
Cotter is excited by the prospect of playing against strong opposition.
“It’s a great opportunity to play the number one team in the world, Ireland, followed by Scotland who is always hard to beat at home and French Barbarians will be a very tough opponent,” he said.
The New Zealander added that these games are going to be the reference of what’s going to happen when Fiji take on Wales, Australia, and other tier-one nations during their Tests and at the Rugby World Cup in France next year.
“The players need to step up and these games will give us the references we need to work on especially for the Fijian Drua players.
“They will have these experiences going into the Super Rugby Pacific and they will be able to develop their skills and players who play in North will finish this season soon and try hard to earn a spot in July next year.” said Cotter.
Fiji squad:
Forwards: Haereiti Hetet, Eroni Mawi, Livai Natave, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesulame Dolokoto, Sam Matavesi, Manasa Saulo, Leeroy Atalifo, Luke Tagi, Temo Mayanavanua, Isoa Nasilasila, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Leone Ratuisolia, Viliame Mata, Kitione Kamikamica, Albert Tuisue
Backs: Peni Matawalu, Simione Kuruvoli, Frank Lomani, Teti Tela, Sireli Maqala, Vilimoni Botitu, Levani Botia, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Waisea Nayacalevu, Semi Radradra, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Manasa Mataele, Vinaya Habosi, Setareki Tuicuvu, Kini Murimurivalu