Frank Lomani & other local players leave for Autumn Nations Cup

Some local-based Flying Fijians including team officials left today for the Autumn Nations Cup in Europe.

They are Melbourne Rebels halfback Frank Lomani, Namosi’s Peni Matawalu, Naitasiri number 8 Chris Minimbi and Naitasiri flyhalf Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.

These players will join other team members in France on Thursday.

Players such as Rusiate Nasove, Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Samuela Tawake, Manueli Ratuniyarawa, Simione Kuruvoli, and Serupepeli Vularika are already in Europe as are part of the Barbarians squad.

Nasove is not playing in the Autumn Nations Cup.

There are nine local players in the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians team for the Autumn Nations Cup.

Fiji is expected to also play Portugal in a warm-up match on 6th November.

Fiji's first match in the Autumn Nations Cup is against France on Sunday 15th November.

Fiji will then meet Italy on 21st November before travelling to Murrayfield to play Scotland in the final round on the 28th of November.

Flying Fijians Team for Autumn Nations Cup

Loosehead Prop: Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Haereiti Hetet.

Hooker:  Mesulame Dolokoto, Sam Matavesi, Tevita Ikanivere.

Tighthead Prop: Samuela Tawake, Mesake Doge, Jone Koroiduadua.

Second Row: Tevita Ratuva, Leone Nakarawa, Temo Mayanavanua, Chris Minimbi.

Back Row/Utility: Mesulame Kunavula, Kitione Kamikamica, Johnny Dyer, Albert Tuisue, Manueli Ratuniyarawa, Lekima Tagitagivalu.

Halfback: Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu, Simione Kuruvoli.

Flyhalf: Ben Volavola, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.

Center: Lepani Botia, Serupepeli Vularika, Jale Vatubua, Waisea Nayacalevu.

Winger: Nemani Nadolo, Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra.

Fullback: Kini Murimurivalu