Fijian head coach John McKee has announced a 32-man squad ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Japan next month.
The squad will be cut down to 31 before the tournament starts meaning one player from the remaining group will miss out.
Fiji will be captained by veteran forward
Dominiko Waqaniburotu, who is one of five players that will appear at their
third World Cup along with Kini Murimurivalu, Vereniki Goneva, Leone Nakarawa
and Campese Ma’afu.
In total there are 17 players included that
turned out for Fiji during the 2015 edition of the competition.
McKee has called on his players to now step
up their preparations for the tournament.
“I wish the players selected well and remind them of the responsibility they must take on in representing Fiji in a Rugby World Cup. With 35 days until our opening match against the Wallabies, now is the time to step our preparation up in the final phase to ensure we put ourselves in the best position to achieve our performance goals at the World Cup,” he said.
There are a number of players included from
National Rugby Championship side the Fijian Drua, with Frank Lomani, the new
Melbourne Rebels signing the pick of the bunch.
As well as them there are some European-based
players such as Semi Radradra, Ben Volavola and Waisea Nayacalevu, with Sevens
star turned XV’s powerhouse Viliame Mata among them.
McKee is happy with the mix of youth and
experience and believes that the country are in with a chance of qualifying from
Pool D which contains Wales and the Wallabies.
“I am very pleased to announce a group of players to represent Fiji at the World Cup, which I believe has the potential to challenge for a place in the play-offs from Pool D. With selections made, players can focus completely on their preparation for the World Cup and being the best player they can be for the team and for Fiji. This is an exciting time for these men who have been selected for the Flying Fijians heading to the World Cup in Japan. They must not let this opportunity to do something special for Fiji slip by,” he added.
The Fijians now head on a 10-day training camp
before facing Tonga in the Pasifika Challenge II on the 31st of August.
They will then head to Japan on September 6th
ahead of their opening game against the Wallabies on the 21st.
Check Out the Full 32-Man Squad Below.
FORWARDS:
Campese Ma’afu
Eroni Mawi
Peni Ravai
Mesulame Dolokoto
Samuel Matavesi
Ratu Vere Vugakoto
Lee-Roy Atalifo
Manasa Saulo
Kalivati Tawake
Tevita Cavubati
Leone Nakarawa
Api Ratuniyarawa
Tevita Ratuva
Semi Kunatani
Viliame Mata
Mosese Voka
Dominiko Waqaniburotu
Peceli Yato
BACKS:
Frank Lomani
Nikola Matawalu
Henry Seniloli
Levani Botia
Jale Vatubua
Ben Volavola
Vereniki Goneva
Filipo Nakosi
Waisea Nayacalevu
Semi Radradra
Josua Tuisova
Joshua Matavesi
Alivereti Veitokani
Kini Murimurivalu
