Tevita Ikanivere has been appointed as the captain of the Fiji Water Flying Fijians, taking over the leadership role from Waisea Nayacalevu for the upcoming test series in July and the Pacific Nations Cup. This squad notably features a blend of talent, drawing heavily from the Fijian Drua setup, with 13 players selected from the Super Rugby Pacific franchise.
The 23-member squad includes Philip Baselala, a halfback from the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, and is bolstered by a significant international presence, comprising ten players currently based in France with clubs such as Racing 92, Lyon, Castres, and Pau. Further adding to the depth, five players from England are included, representing renowned teams like Saracens, Bristol, and Northampton. Additionally, the squad features Sam Wye from New Zealand, alongside three others with commendable experience in Super Rugby or overseas academies.
Head coach Mick Byrne recognized the tough selection process while expressing admiration for the caliber of athletes who narrowly missed out on selection. Byrne emphasized the need for tactical adaptability and a commitment to showcasing the “trademark Fijian spirit” in their gameplay, stating, “We want to win – but more importantly, we want to win playing our brand of rugby.”
The Flying Fijians are set to face off against the Wallabies on July 6 in Newcastle, Australia, followed by a highly anticipated match against Scotland on July 12, 2025, to be held at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
This optimistic outlook sets the stage for a competitive series where the Flying Fijians aim to blend their traditional style with contemporary rugby strategies, potentially leading to a remarkable display on the international stage. Fans are expectant as the team prepares to leave a lasting impact through their outstanding abilities and teamwork.
Leave a comment