Recent claims made by senior players Waisea Nayacalevu, Levani Botia, and Semi Radradra against the Fiji Rugby Union have not impacted the selection choices of FIJI Water Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne for the upcoming test match in November.
Nayacalevu, alongside Swire Shipping Fijian Drua hooker Tevita Ikanivere, has been appointed as co-captains for the forthcoming test matches.
Byrne has named a 39-member squad for the team’s test match against Scotland next month, which includes four players who are set to make their international debut. The debutants are Outside Centre Waqa Nalaga, Inside Centre Kemu Valetini, Hooker Ratu Penaia Cakobau, and Blindside Flanker Saimoni Uluinakauvadra.
The squad features players such as Loose Head Prop Eroni Mawi, Haereiti Hetet, Livai Natave, Second Row Lock Isoa Nasilasila, and Mesake Vocevoce. Other notable inclusions are Open Side Flanker Kitione Salawa, Vilive Miramira, Fly Half Caleb Muntz, and Outside Centres Semi Radradra and Apisalome Vota, along with Hookers Samuel Matavesi and Mesulame Dolokoto.
Second Row Lock Temo Mayanavanua, Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, Eight Man Elia Canakaivata, and Albert Tuisue are also part of the squad. Additionally, Left Wing Vuate Karawalevu, Ponipate Loganimasi, Right Wing Jiuta Wainiqolo, and Josua Tuisova are included.
The team also consists of Tight Head Prop Luke Tagi, Samuela Tawakw, Jone Koroiduadua, and Meli Tuni, as well as Blindside Flanker Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Scrum Half Frank Lomani, Simiome Kuruvoli, and Peni Matawalu.
Completing the squad are Inside Centre Inia Tabuavou, Vilimone Botitu, and Fullbacks Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Sireli Maqala, and Ilaisa Droasese.
The Flying Fijians are set to face Scotland on November 3, followed by a match against Wales on November 11, Spain on November 17, and concluding with a test against Ireland on November 24.