The Fiji Water Flying Fijians have announced their final 32-member squad for the upcoming July Test matches against Scotland and the Wallabies, which includes four debutants, a strategic move highlighted by head coach Mick Byrne motivated by the young players’ energy and agility. Among the new recruits are Philip Baselala and Kavaia Tagivetaua from the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, along with Sam Wye, a Hawkes Bay player, and Salesi Rayasi, a former Hurricane.
Byrne emphasized the importance of these young talents, noting that they are not burdened by the pressures typically faced by seasoned players. “I think with all young players, you just want energy,” he stated while expressing expectations for them to understand their roles without needing to lead the team. This approach aims to create a nurturing environment where these newcomers feel buoyed by the opportunity to represent their nation.
Past performances by players like Baselala and Rayasi have garnered attention due to their impressive abilities on the field, and Byrne noted how much these players aspire to wear the national jersey. He highlighted the significance of seeing this dream realized, encouraging the young players to view it as an exciting opportunity rather than a pressure-filled task.
The squad is set to convene on June 26, with overseas players joining the training camp on June 27. In their first Test, the Flying Fijians will face the Wallabies on July 6 in Newcastle, followed by a match against Scotland on July 12 at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Building on the recent squad selections, there’s a palpable sense of excitement among fans as the blending of youthful energy with experienced players promises a thrilling series ahead. The focus remains on enhancing the team’s performance while laying a strong foundation for the future of Fijian rugby.
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