Fiji Water Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne has named 23 Swire Shipping Fijian Drua players in his 30-member squad to prepare for the 2024 Pacific Nations Championship that will kick off next week.
Byrne has also selected Fijian Drua hooker Tevita Ikanivere to captain the side in the absence of Waisea Nayacalevu who is unavailable due to club commitments.
He has also named 6 new players who will be looking to make their international debut in this series.
The 6 debutants include Kavaia Tagivetaua, Mesake Vocevoce, Apisalome Vota, Epeli Momo, Adrea Cocagi and Vuate Karawalevu.
Byrne says the team will assemble on Friday and will have their first training camp on Saturday.
He says this is an exciting squad with a great mixture of young and also experienced players and most importantly a great young leader in Tevita Ikanivere.
The Flying Fijians 30-member squad include Eroni Mawi, Haereiti Hetet, Livai Natave, Samuela Tawake, Jone Koroiduadua, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesulame Dolokoto, Peni Ravai, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, Albert Tuisue, Meli Derenalagi, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu, Mosese Sorovi, Caleb Muntz, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Inia Tabuavou, Iosefo Masi, Apisalome Vota, Epeli Momo, Adrea Cocagi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Vuate Karawalevu and Ilaisa Droasese.
Fiji is in pool A alongside Samoa and Tonga while Canada, Japan and the USA are in pool B.
Fiji will take on Samoa at 6pm next Friday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva in round 1 of the competition.
