Loose forward Isoa Tuwai and winger Tuidraki Samusamuvodre have earned maiden national call-ups as the Flying Fijians name a 33-man squad for the Pacific Nations Cup, with head coach Mick Byrne backing a Swire Shipping Fijian Drua-heavy core and complementing it with proven overseas experience. Captain Semi Radradra leads a backline brimming with pace and playmaking options.
The forward group leans on established Drua combinations up front, with Eroni Mawi, Haereti Hetet, Mesake Doge, Tevita Ikanivere, Kavaia Tagivetaua and Motikiai Murray providing set-piece stability and carry presence, while the inclusion of Bill Mata and Kitione Salawa adds power and leadership in the loose.
Backline depth is equally strong. Alongside Radradra, the squad features livewire halfbacks Philip Baselala and Simione Kuruvoli, fly-half options Kemu Valetini, Caleb Muntz and Isaiah Armstrong Ravula, and strike runners Kalaveti Ravouvou and Taniela Rakuro, with veteran Setareki Tamanivalu adding experience. Debutant Samusamuvodre brings pace and aerial ability on the edge.
Full squad
Forwards: Eroni Mawi, Haereti Hetet, Mesake Doge, Samu Tawake, Meli Tawake, Tevita Ikanivere, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Zuriel Togiatama, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua, Mesake Vocevoce, Etonia Waqa, Elia Canakaivata, Motikiai Murray, Isoa Tuwai, Bill Mata, Kitione Salawa.
Backs: Philip Baselala, Simione Kuruvoli, Sam Wye, Kemu Valetini, Caleb Muntz, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Inia Tabuavou, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Ponipate Loganimasi, Taniela Rakuro, Semi Radradra, Isaiah Armstrong Ravula, Setareki Tamanivalu.
Fiji open their campaign against Tonga on the 30th of this month at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
What this selection signals
– Continuity and chemistry: A Drua-led pack provides ready-made cohesion in scrum, lineout and phase connections.
– Healthy competition at 9 and 10: Baselala, Kuruvoli and Wye vie at halfback; Valetini, Muntz and Armstrong Ravula offer different game-management and kicking profiles at fly-half.
– Power and leadership: Mata’s go-forward and Radradra’s authority in midfield should steady Fiji in tight contests.
– New energy out wide: Samusamuvodre’s inclusion adds another fast, elusive wing option alongside Rakuro and Loganimasi.
Logical outlook
A first-up meeting with Tonga typically hinges on set-piece accuracy, gain-line dominance and disciplined defense against direct running. If Fiji’s front-row cohesion delivers clean ball and territory, their dual-playmaker options and experienced midfield can create mismatches and finish chances. The balance of seasoned leaders and hungry debutants often sparks early-tournament momentum—especially with home support in Suva.
Positive note
Handing debuts to Tuwai and Samusamuvodre within a settled, experienced group is a strong sign of depth and succession planning. The blend of Drua-hardened combinations and overseas class gives Fiji a platform to build quickly.
Summary
Fiji have named a 33-man, Drua-led squad for the Pacific Nations Cup, highlighted by first caps for Isoa Tuwai and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and captained by Semi Radradra. The Flying Fijians face Tonga on the 30th at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Leave a comment