Virimi Vakatawa has forced his way back into the FIJI Water Flying Fijians’ plans, with acting head coach Senirusi Seruvakula naming the former France international and Fijian Drua centre in a 50‑member extended squad unveiled on Tuesday ahead of July’s Nations Championship campaign. The group is a trimmed version of an earlier 60‑player pool, with the final 32‑player travelling squad to be confirmed two weeks before Fiji’s opening Test against Wales in Cardiff on July 4.
Fiji will use the three‑match northern tour — Wales (Cardiff) on July 4, England (Liverpool) on July 11 and Scotland (Edinburgh) on July 18 — as a key barometer against northern hemisphere heavyweights. Seruvakula said the selection was deliberate and evidence‑based, driven by regular meetings between himself, the coaching staff, lead Strength and Conditioning coach David Silvester and the medical team to scrutinise club minutes, fitness and any injury concerns before finalising the 50‑man list.
“We’ve been having regular meetings, myself and the coaching staff, and also the lead Strength and Conditioning Coach, David Silvester, and my medical team,” Seruvakula said. “We have meetings looking at all the players, their time in their clubs, how many minutes they’ve been playing, and if there are any injuries that need to be identified. All those areas that we look into before we choose the 50.” The squad will assemble in the United Kingdom one week before the Wales match to complete preparations.
The extended squad blends experience and emerging talent across all positions. Front‑row options include Eroni Mawi, Atunaisa Sokobale, Peni Ravai, Livai Natave, Haereiti Hetet, Luke Tagi, Tim Hoyt, Vilikesa Nairau and Mesake Doge, while the hooker contingent features Tevita Ikanivere, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Zuriel Togiatama and Sam Matavesi. The engine room sees Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Albert Tuisue, Temo Mayanavanua, Tevita Ratuva and Joseva Tamani named at lock.
The loose forwards list is headed by the likes of Lekima Tagitagivalu, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Tuwai, Elia Canakaivata, Levani Botia and Kitione Salawa, with No.8 options Pita‑Gus Sowakula, Peceli Yato and Nathan Hughes. Halfback pairings include Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli, Sam Wye and Philip Baselala, while fly‑half cover comes from Caleb Muntz, Isaia Armstrong‑Ravula and Kemu Valetini.
In the back three and centres, Seruvakula has named Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selestino Ravutaumada, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Vinaya Habosi and fullback contenders Salesi Rayasi and Vuate Karawalevu. The midfield and wing stocks are bolstered by established internationals Josua Tuisova, Filimoni Botitu, Isikeli Rabitu, Virimi Vakatawa, Iosefo Masi, Semi Radradra, Seta Tamanivalu and Sireli Maqala.
Seruvakula stressed the depth of the pool creates intense competition for places in the travelling party, signalling that form, fitness and tactical fit will determine the final 32. The coaching team’s analytical approach — tracking club minutes and medical clearances — aims to ensure those selected are primed for three high‑intensity Tests in quick succession.
With the assembly date set for one week before kickoff in Cardiff and the final squad announcement due roughly around June 20, attention now turns to how Seruvakula will balance veteran presence and youth when shaping the matchday XVs. Vakatawa’s inclusion is the headline of this selection update, but the broader mix suggests Fiji will head north with a hand full of potent attacking weapons and a bench bolstered by physical forwards.