Matavesi named in Fiji squad for Autumn tour

Northampton Saints’ Sam Matavesi has been named in the Flying Fijians’ 31-player squad ahead of their Autumn Nations Series clashes next month.

The 30-year-old hooker will join up with the Fiji squad ahead of their November matches, as Vern Cotter’s side face Scotland (Saturday 5 November, kick-off: 12pm), Ireland (Saturday 12 November, kick-off: 1pm) and the French Barbarians (Saturday 19 November, kick-off: TBC). 

Cotter said: “It’s a great opportunity to play the number one team in the world, Ireland, followed by Scotland who is always hard to beat at home and French Barbarians will be a very tough opponent.

“The players need to step up and these games will give us the references we need to work on especially for the Fijian Drua players.

“They will have these experiences going into the Super Rugby Pacific and they will be able to develop their skills and players who play in North will finish this season soon and try hard to earn a spot in July next year.”

Fiji Squad for Autumn Nations Series 2022

Loosehead Prop
Haereiti Hetet
Eroni Mawi
Livai Natave

Hooker
Tevita Ikanivere
Mesulame Dolokoto
Sam Matavesi

Tighthead Prop
Manasa Saulo
Leeroy Atalifo
Luke Tagi

Lock
Temo Mayanavanua
Isoa Nasilasila
Apisalome Ratuniyarawa
Leone Ratuisolia

Back Row
Viliame Mata
Kitione Kamikamica
Albert Tuisue

Scrum-half
Peni Matawalu
Simione Kuruvoli
Frank Lomani

Fly half
Teti Tela

Utility Back
Sireli Maqala
Vilimoni Botitu

Centre
Levani Botia
Kalaveti Ravouvou
Waisea Nayacalevu
Semi Radradra

Wing
Jiuta Wainiqolo
Manasa Mataele
Vinaya Habosi

Fullback
Setareki Tuicuvu
Kini Murimurivalu