The Flying Fijians have announced a 30-man squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup, with Druah Hooker and Tevita Ikanivere named as captains.
The team features 23 players from Druah, Fijian, bringing continuity to the national team after forming a union during the Super Rugby Pacific season.
The six debutants are 21-year-old hooker Kabaia Tagibettaua, lock Mesake Bocevoce, centre Apishalome Botha, winger Epeli Momoh, French midfielder Adrea Kokaji and former rugby league player and Waratahs prospect Bouate Karawalevu.
A number of Fiji’s French stars with club commitments, including captain Waisea Nayacalevu, are unavailable. A handful of Premiership players have been named, including Saracens’ Eroni Mawi and Gloucester’s Albert Tuisue.
The team will reconvene in camp for the first time on Friday ahead of their home opener against Samoa at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva next week.
In the new Pacific Nations Cup, Fiji is in Group A with Samoa and Tonga, while Japan, Canada and the United States are in Group B.
Flying Physics Team of 30:
Aaron Mahwi (Saracens), Hareithi Hete (2nd), Levi Natave (2nd), Samuela Tawake (2nd), John Koroidua (2nd), Kabaia Tagibetaua, Tevita Ikanibere (2nd), Mesulame Dolokoto (2nd), Penny Rabai (Queensland Reds) ), Isoa Nasilasila (Drua), Mesake Vocevoce (Drua), Temo Mayanavanua (Northampton Saints), Ratu Leone Rotuisolia (Drua), Albert Tuisue (Gloucester), Meli Derenalagi (Drua), Kitione Salawa (Drua), Elia Canakaivata (Drua), Momo (Drua), Adrea Cocagi (Castres), Selestino Ravutaumada (Drua), Vuate Karawalevu (NSW Waratahs) and Ilaisa Droasese(Drua).
