Recent allegations made 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 in November, as stated by FIJI Water Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne. Nayacalevu and Swire Shipping Fijian Drua hooker Tevita Ikanivere have been appointed as co-captains for the matches ahead.
Byrne has announced a 39-member squad for the team’s upcoming test against Scotland 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 features a variety of talented players, such as Loose Head Prop Eroni Mawi, Haereiti Hetet, Livai Natave, Second Row Lock Isoa Nasilasila, and Mesake Vocevoce. Key members also include Open Side Flanker Kitione Salawa, Vilive Miramira, Fly Half Caleb Muntz, Outside Centres Semi Radradra and Apisalome Vota, alongside Hooker Samuel Matavesi and Mesulame Dolokoto.
Further additions are Second Row Lock Temo Mayanavanua, Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, Eight Man Elia Canakaivata, and Albert Tuisue. The squad also comprises Left Wing Vuate Karawalevu, Ponipate Loganimasi, Right Wing Jiuta Wainiqolo, and Josua Tuisova, along with Tight Head Prop Luke Tagi, Samuela Tawakw, Jone Koroiduadua, and Meli Tuni. Blindside Flanker Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Scrum Half Frank Lomani, Simiome Kuruvoli, and Peni Matawalu are included as well.
Completing the squad are Inside Centre Inia Tabuavou, Vilimone Botitu, and Fullbacks Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Sireli Maqala, and Ilaisa Droasese.
The Flying Fijians are scheduled to face Scotland on November 3rd in their opening test. They will follow with matches against Wales on November 11, Spain on November 17, and conclude their series against Ireland on November 24.