Raiwalui names strong Flying Fijians squad for the PNC

A good mix of experienced and new players have been named in the Fiji Water Flying Fijians squad which include Tevita Ikanivere, Peni Ravai, Peceli Yato, Levani Botia, Viliame Mata, Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu, Ben Volavola, Teti Tela, Iosefo Masi, Vinaya Habosi, Jiuta Wainiqolo and Semi Radradra.

Other players included are Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Albert Tuisue, Josua Tuisova, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Waisea Nayacalevu, Seta Tamanivalu, Sireli Maqala and Vilimoni Botitu.

Eight uncapped players have been named in the 39-member extended Flying Fijians squad that will march into camp this Saturday.

They are Fijian Drua players Zuriel Togiatama, Meli Derenalagi, Vilive Miramira, Caleb Muntz, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada and France-based Lekima Tagitagivalu.

Coach Simon Raiwalui says this is the initial squad will not be staying in a 5-star hotel but staying in the village and reconnecting with the people.

A few prominent names are also missing from the 39-member squad such as Haereiti Hetet and Joseva Tamani who are still recovering from injury and will be managed outside the group by the FRU medical team.

According to Raiwalui, all members not named in the initial training group will remain part of the wider group and be provided training programs.

They will also remain in contention for selection should there be any injuries.

The final 33-member squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France will be named in August.

Fiji will host Tonga at 12pm on the 22nd of July at Churchill Park, Lautoka in their Pacific Nations Cup match, they will then face Samoa in Apia at 12pm on the 29th of July, and the side will then play Japan in Tokyo at 10.15pm on the 5th of August.

In their pre-World Cup matches in August, Fiji will play France at 7.05am on the 20th and meet England at 2.15am on the 27th.

39-member extended squad

Loosehead prop Peni Ravai, Eroni Mawi, Meli Tuni

Hooker Samuela Matavesi, Tevita Ikanivere, Zuriel Togiatama

Tighhead Prop Mesake Doge, Luke Tagi, Samu Tawake

Second-row Isoa Nasilasila, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Temo Mayanavanua

Utility Forwards Albert Tuisue, Peceli Yato, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Levani Botia, Viliame Mata, Vilive Miramira, Kitione Kamikamica

Half-back Frank Lomani, Simioni Kuruvoli, Peni Matawalu

Fly-half Teti Tela, Caleb Muntz, Ben Volavola

Inside Centre Josua Tuisova, Kalaveti Ravouvou,

Outside Centre Waisea Nayacalevu, Iosefo Masi, Seta Tamanivalu

Wingers Vinaya Habosi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese

Utility Semi Radradra, Sireli Maqala, Vilimoni Botitu