Ahead of this year’s Pacific Nations Cup, which is set for later this month, three possible debutants have been named in the Flying Fijians squad, and former All Black Seta Tamanivalu has been called up. Head coach Mick Byrne has called up outside back Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, winger Taneila Rakuro, and flanker Isoa Tuwai. Rakuro, who is now with Taranaki in the NPC as Kini Naholo’s injury cover, is one of the three Fijian Drua representatives.
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Before rejoining the Drua, where he has played for the past four seasons, Samusamuvodre made his MLR debut with the New England Free Jacks. With the Drua, Tuwai has eight Super caps. Experienced players like No. 8 Bill Mata, wing Semi Radradra, and former All Black Seta Tamanivalu, who will play for the first time since 2022, will lead the Fijians’ Pacific Nations Cup side.
The former All Black has won consecutive League One championships while playing for Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo in Japan. However, the Flying Fijians will be without several of their key players from France, such as Jiuta Wainiqolo, who is expected to join Lyon. Josua Tuisova and debutant Salesi Rayasi are both understandably absent due to preseason obligations. The 33-man team will fly to Samoa on September 6 after playing Tonga in round two of the Pacific Nations Cup in Suva on August 30.
All six teams will travel to the United States for this year’s finals series, which will take place in Denver, Colorado, and Salt Lake City, Utah.
Fijians’ flying squad for the 2025 PNC
Forwards
Eroni Mawi
Haereti Hetet
Mesake Doge
Samu Tawake
Meli Tawake
Tevita Ikanivere
Kavaia Tagivetaua
Zuriel Togiatama
Isoa Nasilasila
Temo Mayanavanua
Mesake Vocevoce
Etonia Waqa
Elia Canakaivata
Motikiai Murray
Isoa Tuwai*
Bill Mata
Kitione Salawa
Backs
Philip Baselala
Simione Kuruvoli
Sam Wye
Kemu Valetini
Caleb Muntz
Kalaveti Ravouvou
Inia Tabuavou
Tuidraki Samusamuvodre*
Ponipate Loganimasi
Taniela Rakuro
Semi Radradra
Isaiah Armstrong Ravula
Seta Tamanivalu
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