Loose forward Isoa Tuwai and winger Tuidraki Samusamuvodre have received their first national call-ups as the Flying Fijians named a 33-man squad for the Pacific Nations Cup, a group built around the Fijian Drua’s cohesion and reinforced by proven overseas talent. Head coach Mick Byrne has leaned on familiar combinations up front and in the backline, with captain Semi Radradra leading an attack that blends experience, pace, and emerging playmakers.
The front row is anchored by Drua mainstays Eroni Mawi, Haereti Hetet, Mesake Doge, Tevita Ikanivere, Kavaia Tagivetaua and Motikiai Murray. They are complemented by ball-carrying power from Bill Mata and Kitione Salawa, while the locking and loose-forward stocks include Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua, Mesake Vocevoce, Etonia Waqa and Elia Canakaivata.
Backline depth is a clear strength: halfbacks Philip Baselala and Simione Kuruvoli are joined by Sam Wye, with Kemu Valetini and Caleb Muntz steering options in the 10 jersey alongside the versatile Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula. Out wide and in midfield, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Inia Tabuavou, Taniela Rakuro, Ponipate Loganimasi and veteran Setareki Tamanivalu support the leadership and finishing quality of Radradra, with the newly selected Samusamuvodre adding pace and aerial presence.
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 (c), Isaiah Armstrong Ravula, Setareki Tamanivalu.
Fiji open their campaign against Tonga on the 30th at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, a matchup that traditionally hinges on set-piece accuracy and gain-line dominance. Byrne has consistently highlighted the physical nature of island clashes and the importance of defensive shape against direct running lines—areas where this squad’s Drua-hardened combinations should be an advantage.
What this selection signals
– Continuity and chemistry: A Drua-heavy core provides ready-made cohesion in the scrum, lineout and phase-play connections.
– Competition at 9 and 10: Baselala, Kuruvoli and Wye contest the halfback role, while Valetini, Muntz and Armstrong-Ravula offer varied game-management and kicking profiles at fly-half.
– Power and leadership: Mata’s carrying and Radradra’s authority in midfield give Fiji both go-forward and composure in tight contests.
– New energy on the edges: Samusamuvodre’s inclusion adds another fast, elusive wing option alongside Rakuro and Loganimasi.
Logical outlook
Facing Tonga first is a useful litmus test for Fiji’s set-piece and breakdown detail. If the front row’s cohesion translates into clean ball and territory through disciplined kicking, the backline’s variety—especially with dual playmakers available—can stretch defenses and create mismatches. The blend of seasoned leaders and hungry first-timers often sparks a positive early-tournament surge.
Positive note
Two debutants stepping into a squad rich with experience is a healthy sign of depth and succession. With strong home support in Suva and a balanced roster, Fiji is well placed to build momentum quickly.
Summary
Fiji have named a 33-man, Drua-led squad for the Pacific Nations Cup, headlined by first-time selections Isoa Tuwai and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and captained by Semi Radradra. The group mixes cohesion up front with versatile playmakers and experienced finishers in the backs. The Flying Fijians open against Tonga on August 30 at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
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