Tomorrow, the FIJI Water Flying Fijians will begin a new chapter in their rugby history when they take on Wales in their opening Nations Championship match, marking the team's first appearance in the inaugural competition.
The tournament features Fiji and Japan alongside the Six Nations teams — England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales — as well as southern hemisphere heavyweights Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
It also marks Fiji's first Tier One competition outside the Rugby World Cup.
Head coach Senirusi Seruvakula has named a strong 23-man squad featuring a blend of Fiji Drua players and Europe-based professionals.
Captain Tevita Ikanivere will lead the side from hooker, while veteran back Semi Radradra joins him as the only players based in Japan selected in the match-day squad.
Ten Fiji Drua players have been included, led by the club's 2026 co-captains, halfback Frank Lomani and lock Temo Mayanavanua.
France-based loose forward Peceli Yato returns to the national side after missing the 2023 Rugby World Cup and is expected to make an impact from the bench.
Seruvakula said he has selected a side that combines power with pace and stressed that every player earned their place through consistent performances at club level.
He highlighted prop Tim Hoyt's inclusion after Luke Tagi was ruled unavailable.
The experienced combination of Lomani and fly-half Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula will direct Fiji's attack, while midfield pairing Josua Tuisova and Semi Radradra are expected to play key roles in both attack and defence.
Jiuta Wainiqolo and Selestino Ravutaumada provide speed on the wings, with Salesi Rayasi named at full-back.
Seruvakula said earlier this week that Fiji's focus is on making a winning start to its Nations Championship campaign.
Meanwhile, Wales head into the fixture after resolving a match-fee dispute between the Welsh Rugby Union and the Welsh Rugby Players' Association earlier this week.
Head coach Steve Tandy said the issue had not disrupted the team's preparations.
Following last week's 33-31 victory over the Barbarians at Twickenham, Tandy has made six changes to his side, including moving Louis Rees-Zammit back to his preferred wing position.
Flying Fijians: Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere (captain), Tim Hoyt, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua, Pita-Gus Sowakula, Kiti Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra, Selestino Ravutaumada, Salesi Rayasi.
Bench: Zuriel Togiatama, Livai Natave, Peni Ravai, Mesake Vocevoce, Peceli Yato, Simi Kuruvoli, Filimoni Botitu and Kalaveti Ravouvou.
The Flying Fijians play Wales at 1.10am tomorrow.
In other games, the All Blacks will face France at 7.10pm today, Japan will meet Italy at 8.40 tonight, the Wallabies take on Ireland at 10.40 tonight, the Springboks play England at 3.40am tomorrow, while Argentina will meet Scotland at 7.10am.
Source: RNZ
