Northampton Saints duo Sam Matavesi and Temo Mayanavanua have both been selected for Fiji’s Rugby World Cup squad.
Head coach Simon Raiwalui named his 33-man Flying Fijians squad for next month’s tournament in France this morning.
Matavesi, 31, has 24 caps for his country so far and the hooker is heading to his second Rugby World Cup, while 25-year-old lock Mayanavanua will be looking to add to his nine international caps to date over the coming weeks.
Fiji face France and then England in warm-up clashes this month, before kicking off their World Cup campaign against Wales on September 11. The side then faces Australia (September 18), Georgia (October 1) and Portugal (October 9) in their remaining pool stage matches.
“We have had a good journey for the last five weeks starting from our camp in Taveuni,” said Raiwalui. “I couldn’t be more proud of the players and the input they had in all our three Test matches against Tonga, Samoa and Japan.”
Flying Fijians squad for Rugby World Cup
FORWARDS
Eroni Mawi
Peni Ravai
Jone Koroiduadua
Mesake Doge
Luke Tagi
Samu Tawake
Tevita Ikanivere
Sam Matavesi (Northampton Saints)
Zuriel Togiatama
Isoa Nasilasila
Temo Mayanavanua (Northampton Saints)
Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta
Albert Tuisue
Lekima Tagitagivalu
Levani Botia
Vilive Miramira
Meli Derenalagi
Viliame Mata
BACKS
Frank Lomani
Peni Matawalu
Simione Kuruvoli
Caleb Muntz
Teti Tela
Josua Tuisova
Semi Radradra
Waisea Nayacalevu
Iosefo Masi
Selesitino Ravutaumada
Vinaya Habosi
Jiuta Wainiqolo
Kalaveti Ravouvou
Sireli Maqala
Ilaisa Droasese
