Fiji Airways Flying Fijians Head Coach, John McKee has named a very experienced 42‑member squad which will march into camp on the first of next month to prepare for the test matches against the Maori All Blacks, the Pacific Nations Cup and the Rugby World Cup.
He says he is happy that all the players have declared their availability and are injury free heading into the camp.
McKee says they have got a very good balance across the squad of experienced players but also some younger players who have been putting pressure on more senior players.
The team consist of top players like Josua Tuisova and his brother Filipo Nakosi Semi Radradra, Leone Nakarawa, Semi Kunatani, Jale Vatubua, Waisea Nayacalevu, Eroni Sau, Ben Volavola, Alivereti Veitokani and Nikola Matawalu.
France‑based utility forward, Dominiko Waqaniburotu will once again captain the side after a successful outing during the autumn tour test match last year.
McKee says being named in this squad is no guarantee of going to the Rugby World Cup as there is a lot of competition and work to be done across all their camps and the Maori All Blacks test matches and Pacific Nations Cup.
Local players in the squad include Eroni Mawi, Luke Tagi, Joeli Veitayaki, Mesulame Dolokoto, Tuvere Veremalua, Johnny Dyer, Mosese Voka, Frank Lomani and Serupepeli Vularika.
McKee says these players have been in their best form playing for their provincial clubs in Skipper Cup, Fiji Airways Fijian Drua and in the Swire Shipping Fijian Latui team.
Fiji Airways Flying Fijians kick off their campaign against Maori All Blacks on the 13th of July at ANZ Stadium and will then play a return match in Rotorua on the 20th before preparing for the Pacific Nations Cup.
FLYING FIJIANS JULY SQUAD:
Selected for NZ Maori & Pacific Nations Cup.
Props:
Leeroy Atilifo, Campese Ma’afu, Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Manasa Saulo, Luke Tagi, Kalivati Tawake, Joeli Veitayaki
Hookers:
Mesulame Dolokoto, Samuel Matavesi, Tuvere Vugakoto
Locks:
Tevita Cavubati, Leone Nakarawa, Api Ratuniyarawa, Tevita Ratuva, Albert Tuisue
Backrow:
Johnny Dyer, Semi Kunatani, Viliame Mata, Nemani Nagusa, Mosese Voka, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Peceli Yato
Halfbacks:
Frank Lomani, Nikola Matawalu, Henri Senioli, Serupepeli Vularika
Flyhalves:
Ben Volavola, Alivereti Veitokani
Centres:
Levani Botia, Sevanaia Galala, Semi Radradra, Jale Vatubua,
Utility Back:
Josh Matavesi
Wingers:
Vereniki Goneva, Filipo Nakosi, Waisea Nayacalevu, Patrick Osbourne, Eroni Sau, Josua Tuisova
Fullbacks:
Kini Murimurivalu, Seta Tuicuvu
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