“Flying Fijians Name Star-Studded Squad for Pacific Nations Cup, Featuring 23 Drua Players and Six Debutants”
The Flying Fijians have announced a 30-man squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup, with Drua hooker Tevita Ikanivere named as captain.
The squad includes 23 players from the Fijian Drua, providing continuity from the Super Rugby Pacific season.
Six players are set to debut: 21-year-old hooker Kavaia Tagivetaua, lock Mesake Vocevoce, center Apisalome Vota, winger Epeli Momo, France-based midfielder Adrea Cocagi, and former rugby league and Waratahs prospect Vuate Karawalevu.
Several of Fiji’s France-based stars, including captain Waisea Nayacalevu, are unavailable due to club commitments. However, Premiership players like Eroni Mawi of Saracens and Albert Tuisue of Gloucester have been included.
The team will gather for the first time on Friday to begin their camp, ahead of their home opener against Samoa next Friday at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
In the new Pacific Nations Cup format, Fiji is in Pool A with Samoa and Tonga, while Pool B consists of Japan, Canada, and the USA.
The Flying Fijians 30-member squad includes:
Eroni Mawi (Saracens), Haereiti Hetet (Drua), Livai Natave (Drua), Samuela Tawake (Drua), Jone Koroiduadua (Drua), Kavaia Tagivetaua, Tevita Ikanivere (Drua), Mesulame Dolokoto (Drua), Peni Ravai (Queensland Reds), Isoa Nasilasila (Drua), Mesake Vocevoce (Drua), Temo Mayanavanua (Northampton Saints), Ratu Leone Rotuisolia (Drua), Albert Tuisue (Gloucester), Meli Derenalagi (Drua), Kitione Salawa (Drua), Elia Canakaivata (Drua), Frank Lomani (Drua), Peni Matawalu (Drua), Mosese Sorovi (Drua), Caleb Muntz (Drua), Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula (Drua), Inia Tabuavou, Iosefo Masi (Drua), Apisalome Vota (Drua), Epeli Momo (Drua), Adrea Cocagi (Castres), Selestino Ravutaumada (Drua), Vuate Karawalevu (NSW Waratahs), and Ilaisa Droasese (Drua).