Waisea Nayacalevu to captain strong Fiji squad at Rugby World Cup

Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui has announced a strong 33-man squad for Rugby World Cup 2023, which starts in France next month, with Toulon utility back Waisea Nayacalevu named as captain.

Nayacalevu and veteran front-row Peni Ravai are the most experienced players in the squad, with 38 and 39 Test appearances for the Flying Fijians, respectively, while Fijian Drua prop Jone Koroiduadua is the only uncapped player in the group.

Exciting backline

Apart from Nayacalevu, there is plenty of firepower in the backline, with excitement machines like Semi Radradra, Josua Tuisova, Kalaveti Ravouvou and Frank Lomani all included in the squad.

Levani Botia, Nayacalevu and Ravai will be participating in their third World Cup, while six players are set to feature at the global showpiece for the second time, and 24 players will be there for the first time.

Fly-half Ben Volavola and centres Vilimoni Botitu and Seta Tamanivalu are some of the big-name omissions from the squad.

Raiwalui congratulated the players who have been selected to represent their country at the prestigious event.

“We have had a good journey for the last five weeks starting from Taveuni,” he told the Fiji Rugby Union’s official website.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the players and the input they had in all our three test matches against Tonga, Samoa and Japan.”

The Flying Fijians have huge challenges in their build-up to the World Cup as they take on the host nation France and then England in warm-up matches for the tournament.

Fiji have been drawn in Pool C at the World Cup and kick off their campaign against Wales on September 11 before facing Australia seven days later. Their final two pool matches will be against Georgia and Portugal on October 1 and October 9, respectively.

Fiji’s Rugby World Cup squad

Forwards: Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Doge, Luke Tagi, Samu Tawake, Tevita Ikanivere, Sam Matavesi, Zuriel Togiatama, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Albert Tuisue, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Levani Botia, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi, Viliame Mata

Backs: Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu, Simione Kuruvoli, Caleb Muntz, Teti Tela, Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra, Waisea Nayacalevu (c), Iosefo Masi, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Vinaya Habosi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Sireli Maqala, Ilaisa Droasese

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