Northampton Saints forward duo Sam Matavesi and Api Ratuniyarawa have been named in the Flying Fijians 34-man squad ahead of this summer’s Pacific Nations Cup.
Fiji coach Vern Cotter named his squad on Monday, with the side preparing to take on Tonga, Samoa and Australia A in July. The squad, which boasts a total of 321 international caps, will convene after the conclusion of the Gallagher Premiership season and sees hooker Matavesi and lock Ratuniyarawa in line to add to their 18 and 36 respective caps to date.
Head coach Cotter said: “It’s very exciting and a real honour for us to present the first Flying Fijians squad of 2022.
“We have selected a squad from the best available players playing in the world’s top competitions, and I’m buoyed by the depth in Fiji Rugby at the moment. The PNC series is extremely important for us. We’re playing at home for the first time in a long time, and we want to do well.
“We also have our eyes on the bigger picture, and the PNC is an excellent opportunity for our players to put their hands up for selection for November’s Northern Tour where we play Scotland, Ireland and the French Barbarians. This is exactly the type of challenge we need in preparation for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.”
Flying Fijian squad for 2022 Pacific Nations Cup
Loosehead Prop
Haereiti Hetet
Eroni Mawi
Hooker
Sam Matavesi
Tevita Ikanivere
Mesulame Dolokoto
Tight Head Prop
Luke Tagi
Mesake Doge
Manasa Saulo
Lock
Tevita Ratuva
Temo Mayanavanua
Isoa Nasilasila
Ratu Leone Rotusolia
Apisalome Ratuniyarawa
Back Row
Albert Tuisue
Mesulame Kunavula
Levani Botia
Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta
Rusiate Nasove
Scrum-half
Frank Lomani
Simione Kuruvoli
Peni Matawalu
Fly half
Ben Volavola
Teti Tela
Centre
Setareki Tamanivalu
Vilimoni Botitu
Apisalome Vota
Waisea Nayacalevu
Kalaveti Ravouvou
Wing
Jiuta Wainiqolo
Josua Tuisova
Vinaya Habosi
Manasa Mataele
Fullback
Setareki Tuicuvu
Ilaisa Droasese
The Pacific Nations Cup will be played over three weekends in July, as follows:
Saturday 2 July, ANZ Stadium, Suva:
- 1:00pm: Australia A vs Samoa
- 3:30pm: Flying Fijians vs Tonga
Saturday 9 July, Churchill Park, Lautoka:
- 12:00pm: Samoa vs Tonga
- 3:30pm: Flying Fijians vs Australia A
Saturday 16 July, Churchill Park, Lautoka:
- 12.00pm: Tonga vs Australia A
- 3:30pm: Flying Fijians vs Samoa
