Fiji names extended squad for NRC

The Fiji Rugby Union has released the names of the extended squad for the team that will represent Fiji at the 2017 National Rugby Championship known as the NRC.

The squad includes the top local players and some Flying Fijians players including Joeli Veitayaki, Kalivati Tawake, Mosese Ducivaki and former Under 20 Alivereti Rabukawaqa.

The other notable names are flanker Mosese Voka, halfback Frank Lomani, Serupepeli Vularika, Alivereti Veitokani, Eroni Vasiteri and John Stewart.

The NRC is Australia's national professional rugby union football competition and is administered by the Australian Rugby Union (ARU). 

It is the highest tier of competition below the transnational Super Rugby Tournament. 

The competition will span over eleven weeks from 2 September to 11 November, 2017 and this year Fiji will make their debut at the tournament.

Fiji will play their first match against the Brisbane City on September 2nd in Australia.

The Selected Players are:

Loose Head Prop – Joeli Veitayaki, Eroni Mawi, Osea Naganilau, Sanaila Nahuto.

Hooker – Jale Sassen, Samu Suguturaga, Semi Keli, Ratu Naisa Naruma, Mosese Gavidi.

Tight Head Prop – Kalivati Tawake, Mosese Ducivaki, Mesake Doge, Alivereti Rabukawaqa, Samuela Newa.

Left Lock – Sailosi Dawai, Jale Railala, Peni Naulago, Masi Vosa, Samu Saqiwa, Savenaca Ravato.

Right Lock ‑ Tevita Ratuva, Apisai Tauyavuca, Joji Nareki, Mataiasi Ucutabua, Timoci Temo.

Blind Flanker – Mosese Voka, Penijamini Kamaitotoya.

Open Flanker – Vasikali Mudu, Veniona Vuki, Filimoni Seru.

Number 8 – Jiuta Takubu, Jitoko Usumaki, Sakiusa Nadruku.

Half Back – Frank Lomani, Sakiusa Gavidi, Seru Cavuilati, Serupepeli Vularika.

First Five – Jone Manu, Alivereti Veitokani, Peceli Nacebe, Mosese Tikoduadua.

Second Five – Eroni Vasiteri, Cyril Reece, Iferemi Tovilevu.

Center – John Stewart, Eroni Sau, Nemani Taleimaitoga, Josateki Turuva.

Wing – Apete Daveta, Pateresio Buto, Meli Rusa, Aporosa Tabulawaki, Venasio Kunabuli.

Full Back – Meli Nakarawa, Apisalome Waqatabu, Netava Koroisau, Viliame Maiono.