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