Fiji bolstered by Top 14 talent as Josua Tuisova and Semi Radradra among those named in squad
Fijian duo Josua Tuisova and Semi Radradra during a Test at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Fiji head coach Mick Byrne has named a 39-man squad for their upcoming Autumn Nations Series matches that will see them face Scotland, Wales, Spain and Ireland.
There are four uncapped players included in the hugely impressive selection as Waqa Nalaga, Kemu Valetini, Penaia Cakobau and Saimoni Uluinakauvadra all make the cut.
Nalaga and Valetini are two of 22 Fijian Drua players included in the squad that will be co-captained by the veteran centre Waisale Nayacalevu and hooker Tevita Ikanivere.
Wainiqolo in fine form
There is star quality out wide as Josua Tuisova and Jiuta Wainiqolo, who is fresh from a stunning try for Toulon, are named in a strong backline of options for head coach Byrne.
At scrum-half he has Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu and Simiome Kuruvoli to call on while Caleb Muntz and Kemu Valetini are the two fly-halves included in the squad.
Perhaps the most box office talent in the Fiji squad, however, is Semi Radradra, who will be eager to dominate the gainline alongside his fellow barnstorming team-mates.
👏 Jiuta Wainiqolo, take a bow. This is an incredible solo try! #Top14 pic.twitter.com/CSahqOc2QO
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) October 21, 2024
Like Radradra, Tuisova and Wainiqolo, the other players selected who compete in the Top 14 are Sam Matavesi, Inia Tabuavou, Sireli Maqala, Vilimone Botitu and Luke Tagi.
Wales squad: Warren Gatland picks two uncapped players in ‘exciting’ squad
Premiership representation comes through Eroni Mawi (Saracens), Temo Mayanavanua (Northampton Saints), Albert Tuisue (Gloucester Rugby) and Nayacalevu (Sale Sharks).
Fiji will kick off their Autumn Nations Series campaign against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday, November 2 before the meetings against Wales, Spain and Ireland follow.
Fiji squad for Autumn Nations Series
Forwards: Eroni Mawi (Saracens), Haereiti Hetet (Drua), Livai Natave (Drua), Luke Tagi (Bayonne), Samuela Tawake (Drua), Jone Koroiduadua (Drua), Meli Tuni (Drua), Tevita Ikanivere (cc, Drua), Sam Matavesi (Lyon), Mesulame Dolokoto (Drua), Penaia Cakobau (North Harbour), Isoa Nasilasila (Drua), Mesake Vocevoce (Drua), Temo Mayanavanua (Northampton Saints), Leone Rotuisolia (Drua), Kitione Salawa (Drua), Vilive Miramira (Drua), Elia Canakaivata (Drua), Albert Tuisue (Gloucester), Meli Derenalagi (Drua), Saimoni Uluinakauvadra (Northland)
Backs: Kemu Valetini (Drua), Caleb Muntz (Drua), Frank Lomani (Drua), Simiome Kuruvoli (Drua), Peni Matawalu (Drua), Waisale Nayacalevu (cc, Sale Sharks), Semi Radradra (Lyon), Apisalome Vota (Drua), Inia Tabuavou (Racing 92), Vilimone Botitu (Castres Olympique), Waqa Nalaga (Drua), Vuate Karawalevu (Waratahs), Ponipate Loganimasi (Drua), Jiuta Wainiqolo (Toulon), Josua Tuisova (Racing 92), Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula (Drua), Sireli Maqala (Bayonne), Ilaisa Droasese (Drua)
