Ex-All Black switches international allegiance after Richie Mo’unga update revealed
Pita Gus Sowakula is named in Fiji's squad for the Autumn Nations Series.
Fiji have included former All Blacks back-rower Pita Gus Sowakula in their squad for the 2025 Autumn Nations Series, with a Worcester Warriors player also named.
The squad will embark on a three-Test tour of the northern hemisphere, where they will face England on November 9, France on November 16 and Spain on November 22.
Sowakula, who has not featured for New Zealand since 2022, earned two caps for the All Blacks but would then be snubbed and has since become available for the Fijians.
Three new faces
He’s one of three new faces in Fiji‘s squad for the upcoming tour, with props Tim Hoyt and Atunaisa Sokobale included in head coach Mick Byrne’s impressive selection.
Hoyt plies his trade Worcester Warriors while Sokobale is a Castres player.
Also picked in the touring squad is Josua Tuisova, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Viliame Mata, Eroni Mawi, Caleb Muntz and Mesake Doge.
Byrne’s 32-player selection will travel to the northern hemisphere in good spirits after defeating Japan in the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup final in Salt Lake City last month.
Mo’unga update
While news of Sowakula is a boost for Fiji, one All Black who will not be changing countries is Richie Mo’unga after he recently signed with New Zealand Rugby (NZR).
Mo’unga inked an 18-month deal which will see him return from Japan midway through 2026 and compete for an All Blacks place ahead of the World Cup in Australia.
The mercurial fly-half, who left New Zealand following the 2023 global tournament after signing a three-year contract in Japan, is poised to head back home next year.
However, it has since emerged that he turned down an approach from Tonga for his services, with Mo’unga set to have been eligible for the side for 2026’s year-end Tests.
“Yes, Tonga asked about Richie’s movements, but so did every other club in the world,” the Japan Rugby League One star’s agent, Cameron McIntyre, told RugbyJP.com.
“Richie is committed to playing for the ABs in the Rugby World Cup as his re-signing with NZR shows.”
Fiji squad for Autumn Nations Series
Haereti Hetet, Mesake Doge, Eroni Mawi, Samuela Tawake, Tim Hoyt, Tevita Ikanivere, Zuriel Togiatama, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanvanua, Setareki Turagacoke, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Elia Canakaivata, Viliame Mata, Pita Gus Sowakula, Simione Kuruvoli, Philip Baselala, Sam Wye, Caleb Muntz, Isaiah Armstong Ravula, Josua Tuisova, Vilimoni Botitu, Sireli Maqala, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Ponipate Loganimasi, Salesi Rayasi, Motikiai Murray, Iosefo Masi, Atunaisa Sokobale
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