24 January, 2026, 3:57 am Central - 24°C Clouds

Habosi makes a return against France after injury

Habosi makes a return against France after injury

By Navitalai Naivalurua
18/08/2023
Photo: Reuters

Former Fijian Drua and current Racing 92 winger Vinaya Habosi has been announced in the starting line-up for the Fiji Water Flying Fijians after Head Coach Simon Raiwalui named a powerful 23-member team for their first Rugby World Cup warm-up match against France this Sunday.

The Bossman missed the last three test matches due to an injury he suffered during his club game with Racing 92, and he last featured for the Flying Fijians against Ireland during the 2022 November tour.

Looking at Fiji's line-up, Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere, and Mesake Doge are in the front row while Isoa Nasilasila returns and partners with Fijian Drua teammate Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta at locks.

Meli Derenalagi will pair with experienced and robust Levani Botia on the flanks and Viliame Mata starts at number 8.

The combination of Frank Lomani and Caleb Muntz at halves continue with captain Semi Radradra partnering with Iosefo Masi in the midfield.

Habosi and Josua Tuisova will provide speed on the wings and Sireli Maqala starts at fullback.

The Flying Fijians will take on France at 7.05am this Sunday.

They will take on England at Twickenham Stadium at 2.15am next Sunday in their last test match before heading back to France for the Rugby World Cup.

The Flying Fijians first RWC pool match will be against Wales at 7am Monday the 11th of September.

Flying Fijians vs France:

Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Meli Derenalagi, Levani Botia, Viliame Mata, Frank Lomani, Caleb Muntz, Vinaya Habosi, Semi Radradra, Iosefo Masi, Josua Tuisova, Sireli Maqala

Reserves: Sam Matavesi, Peni Ravai, Luke Tagi, Temo Mayanavanua, Albert Tuisue, Simone Kuruvoli, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Ilaisa Droasese


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