Northampton Saints duo Frank Lomani and Sam Matavesi have been named in the Flying Fijian's squad ahead of the side's Autumn tour next month.
Fiji's November tour sees the side lock horns with Spain, Wales and Georgia across Europe and stand-in head coach Gareth Baber has named a 28-man squad ahead of the tour kicking-off in Madrid on Sunday 7 November.
After making his debut in Black, Green and Gold last month, 25-year-old Lomani will head into the Autumn campaign looking to add to his 17 international caps to date, while hooker Matavesi also goes in search of his 18th appearance in a Fiji shirt.
Baber, who steps into the lead role as Fiji's current head coach Vern Cotter will not travel to Europe due to travel and quarantine restrictions, is thrilled to be handed the opportunity to coach the side.
“Working with the Flying Fijians is a fantastic challenge in a very unique situation,” said Baber.
“With the logistical difficulties for Vern Cotter and his staff preventing their travel it falls to me to combine this unbelievable playing talent and expertise of the support staff into a winning formula in such a short space of time.
“But what an honor it is and I am fully aware of the expectation for performance for the three games and the opportunity this creates for all concerned.
And Fiji Rugby General High Performance Manager Simon Raiwalui added: “It’s a smaller squad than normal, normally we would travel with 32 players but due to shortage in positions we have got a group of 28 players who will have cover in majority of the areas.
“It’s a strong and exciting squad and we looking forward to the challenge.”
Flying Fijians 28-man squad
LOOSE HEAD PROP
Peni Ravai
Eroni Mawi
HOOKER
Samuel Matavesi
Peniami Narisia
TIGHT HEAD PROP
Luke Tagi
Mesake Doge
Leeroy Atalifo
LOCKS
Tevita Ratuva
Temo Mayanavanua
Albert Tuisue
Leone Nakarawa
BACK ROW/LOCK
Peceli Yato
Johnny Dyer
BACK ROW
Masivesi Dakuwaqa *
Mesulame Kunavula
Bill Mata
SCRUM-HALF
Frank Lomani
Nikola Matawalu
FLY HALF
Ben Volavola
CENTRE
Vilimoni Botitu *
Levani Botia
Eneriko Buliruarua
WING
Waisea Nayacalevu
Josua Tuisova
Eroni Sau
Aminiasi Tuimaba *
Jiuta Wainiqolo *
FULL BACK
Seta Tuicuvu
*denotes uncapped players
Flying Fijians Test Matches
Spain vs Flying Fijians
Sunday 7th November 2021
Estadio Central UC, Madrid
Kick-off: 4pm (local time)
Wales vs Flying Fijians
Sunday 14th November 2021
Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 3.15pm
Flying Fijians vs Georgia
Saturday 20 November, 2021
Estadio El Deleite, Aranjuez
Kick-off: 4pm (local time)
