Fiji head coach Mick Byrne has announced a 39-man squad for the Autumn Nations Series, including four uncapped players and several overseas stars.
The uncapped players are Fijian Drua centre Waqa Nalaga, fly-half Kemu Valetini, North Harbour hooker Penaia Cakobau, and Northland back-row Saimoni Uluinakauvadra. Nalaga and Valetini are joined by 22 of their Drua teammates.
In September, a Fiji squad missing many overseas players won the Pacific Nations Cup. For the Autumn Nations Series, Byrne has brought back key players, including Lyon’s Semi Radradra, Racing 92’s Josua Tuisova, and Sale Sharks’ Waisale Nayacalevua, who will co-captain alongside Tevita Ikanivere.
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Several Gallagher Premiership players who were part of the PNC-winning squad return, such as Saracens’ Eroni Mawi, Northampton Saints’ Temo Mayanavanua, and Gloucester’s Albert Tuisue.
Racing 92’s Inia Tabuavou has also been selected. However, Castres centre Adrea Cocagi misses out after receiving his third red card in 12 months.
Fiji’s November campaign will kick off against Scotland, followed by matches against Wales, Spain, and Ireland..
Fiji squad
Full-back: Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula (Drua), Sireli Maqala (Bayonne), Ilaisa Droasese (Drua)
Wings: Vuate Karawalevu (Waratahs), Ponipate Loganimasi (Drua), Jiuta Wainiqolo (Toulon), Josua Tuisova (Racing 92)
Centres: Waisale Nayacalevu (co-captain, Sale Sharks), Semi Radradra (Lyon), Apisalome Vota (Drua), Inia Tabuavou (Racing 92), Vilimone Botitu (Castres Olympique), Waqa Nalaga (Drua)*
Half-backs: Kemu Valetini (Drua)*, Caleb Muntz (Drua), Frank Lomani (Drua), Simiome Kuruvoli (Drua), Peni Matawalu (Drua)
Props: Eroni Mawi (Saracens), Haereiti Hetet (Drua), Livai Natave (Drua), Luke Tagi (Bayonne), Samuela Tawake (Drua), Jone Koroiduadua (Drua), Meli Tuni (Drua)
Hookers: Tevita Ikanivere (co-captain, Drua), Sam Matavesi (Lyon), Mesulame Dolokoto (Drua), Penaia Cakobau (North Harbour)*
Locks: Isoa Nasilasila (Drua), Mesake Vocevoce (Drua), Temo Mayanavanua (Northampton Saints), Leone Rotuisolia (Drua)
Back-row: Kitione Salawa (Drua), Vilive Miramira (Drua), Elia Canakaivata (Drua), Albert Tuisue (Gloucester), Meli Derenalagi (Drua), Saimoni Uluinakauvadra (Northland)*
*uncapped
