Toulon centre Waisea Nayacalevu will captain Fiji at Rugby World Cup 2023 after coach Simon Raiwalui named his 33-player squad for the tournament in France.
Nayacalevu is one of nine players with previous Rugby World Cup experience, while there is also room for uncapped prop Jone Koroiduadua.
We will update this article when each Pool C squad is announced.
FIJI
Captain Nayacalevu, La Rochelle star Levani Botia and Queensland Reds prop Peni Ravai have been selected for a third Rugby World Cup, while a further six players will be going to their second.
That means that 24 members of the 33-player squad will get their first taste of the showpiece tournament in France next month.
Uncapped Fijian Drua prop Koroiduadua is one of those, and unless he is selected in his country’s remaining warm-up matches against France and England, he could make his test debut at RWC 2023.
Fiji kicked off their RWC 2023 preparations with a 36-20 defeat of Tonga in Lautoka last month and backed that up with victories against Samoa and Japan on the road.
Coach Raiwalui said: “We have had a good journey for the last five weeks, starting from Taveuni. 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.”
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, Simi Kuruvoli, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Teti Tela, Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra, Waisea Nayacalevu, Iosefo Masi, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Vinaya Habosi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Sireli Maqala, Ilaisa Droasese.
Be the first to comment