A good learning curve for Fijian Warriors

17 players from the Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors were selected in the 24-member Pacific Island Combine side for a three day camp in Suva from Sunday.

The team also consists of six Tongan and a Samoan player.

Head Coach Willie Rickards said “It’s an initiative and investment from World Rugby into Pacific Island Rugby.

“The purpose is to grow and develop players and coaches plus develop the Pacific Island program.

It’s a wonderful program to be involved in.”

He added “Our goal was to select 24 players from the tournament excluding Japan.”

“Unfortunately we were able to select only one Samoan player who holds a New Zealand passport and due to COVID-19 the flights around Samoa have changed” said Rickards.

Rickards said they had an exciting training program whereby the players will be tested on various areas.

He said “Sunday was very much an assessment day where it was gathering information on them.

“Monday was about core skill assessment, game understanding and individual work on.”

“On Tuesday we focused on skills in under pressure and specific games.

It’s all about putting everything together and playing some actual game on today” said Rickards.

Pacific Combine Squad List

Loosehead Props

Immanuel Naciva – Fiji

Meli Tuni – Fiji

Tighthead Props

Joseva Nasaroa – Fiji

Hooker

Lino Vasuinadi – Fiji

Ikamanu Bruce – Tonga

Lock

Isoa Nasilasila – Fiji

Chris Minimbi – Fiji

Backrow

Anasa Qaranivalu – Fiji

Petelo Pouhila – Tonga

AJ Lemalu – Samoa

Vilive Miramira – Fiji

Scrumhalf

Simione Kuruvoli – Fiji

Siaosi Nai – Tonga

Fly-half

Tuidraki Samusamuvodre – Fiji

Patelesio Oneone – Fiji

Centre

Feke Leonaitasi – Tonga

Jonetani Vasuakatua – Fiji

Filimoni Savou – Fiji

Wings

Epeli Momo – Fiji

Jiuta Wainiqolo – Fiji

Lote Fakatou – Tonga

Fullback

Josateki Degei – Fiji

Taniela Soqonaqwasaloa – Fiji

OseA Waqa – Fiji