Fiji squad: Ex-England international makes Test return as Jake White names four uncapped players for Nations Championship
Nathan Hughes (right) is one of four uncapped men in Jake White's (left) Fiji squad
Former England international Nathan Hughes will make a return to the Test arena in November, after being drafted into Fiji’s extended squad for the Nations Championship.
Racing 92 man Hughes won 22 caps for England between 2016 and 2019, with the last of those coming in the dramatic 38-38 draw with Scotland in the 2019 Six Nations, but is now one of four uncapped men included in White’s 35-man group.
Fiji come into November’s Nations Championship block off the back of a 34-28 win over Japan last weekend, and face France, Ireland and Italy in the upcoming Tests as they seek to climb off the bottom of the Southern Hemisphere pool.
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Nathan Hughes among four uncapped players in Fiji squad for Nations Championship
Alongside Hughes, White could give Peniami Narisia, Marika Parker and Setareki Bituniyata their first Test caps for Fiji this month after they were drafted into the squad.
Elsewhere, the new head coach has recalled a number of headline names, with them back available for international duty.
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Up front, Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Zuriel Togiatama, Setareki Turagacoke and Elia Canakaivata all return to the mix, while Caleb Muntz, Vilimoni Botitu, Josua Tuisova, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selestino Ravutaumada and Salesi Rayasi are included in the backs division.
Elsewhere, Ben Volavola retains his place in the group, after ending his three-year wait for a Test cap in the aforementioned win over Japan.
Fiji Nations Championship squad in full
Forwards: Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Luke Tagi, Inoke Ravuiwasa, Tevita Ikanivere, Zuriel Togiatama, Peniami Narisia, Vilikesa Nairau, Marika Parker, Isoa Nasilasila, Setareki Turagacoke, Mesake Vocevoce, Pita-Gus Sowakula, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Nathan Hughes, Kitione Salawa, Peceli Yato, Joseva Tamani, Elia Canakaivata
Backs: Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli, Terio Tamani, Caleb Muntz, Vilimoni Botitu, Ben Volavola, Setareki Bituniyata, Vinaya Habosi, Josua Tuisova, Sireli Maqala, Iosefo Masi, Isikeli Rabitu, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selestino Ravutaumada, Salesi Rayasi, Ponipate Loganimasi
