Flying Fijians squad for 2019 Rugby World Cup
Fiji Rugby today named the squad to represent Fiji at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan at a Media Conference at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, Fiji.
Head Coach John McKee said the squad, captained by Dominiko Waqaniburotu, has an opportunity to do something special for Fiji and is challenging the players to step up their intensity and commitment to make a real impact in Japan.
“I wish the players selected well and remind them of the responsibility they must take on in representing Fiji in a RWC,” said McKee.
“With 35 days until our opening match against the Wallabies now is the time to step our preparation up in the final phase to ensure we put ourselves in the best position to achieve our performance goals at RWC.”
The Fijian squad has an exciting balance of youth and experience with 15 players heading to Japan for their debut Rugby World Cup and five players stepping out for their third major tournament.
“I am very pleased to announce a group of players to represent Fiji at RWC 2019 which I believe has the potential to challenge for a place in the Playoffs from Pool D.”
“With selection made, players can focus completely on their preparation for RWC and being the best player they can be for the Team and for Fiji.”
“This is an exciting time for these men who have been selected for the Flying Fijians heading to RWC in Japan. They must not let this opportunity to do something special for Fiji slip by.
McKee added there is only one way to achieve the goals the squad have set, and that is through putting in the effort.
“They must not merely wish for somethig special to happen. They must put in the hard work and commitment to make it happen,” McKee emphasized.
The Flying Fijians have a 10-day camp from today before they fly to New Zealand to play their final test match against Tonga on the 31st of August at Eden Park.
The squad reassembles in Nadi for a week’s camp on the 2nd September where they will be farewelled at a formal dinner at the Sofitel on the 3rd before flying out to Japan on 6th September.
The Flying Fijians Rugby World Cup squad are:
Forwards:
Loose-Head Props
Campese Ma’afu
Eroni Mawi
Peni Ravai
Hooker
Mesulame Dolokoto
Samuel Matavesi
Ratu Vere Vugakoto
Tight-Head Prop
Lee-Roy Atalifo
Manasa Saulo
Kalivati Tawake
Locks
Tevita Cavubati
Leone Nakarawa
Api Ratuniyarawa
Tevita Ratuva
Loose Forwards
Semi Kunatani
Viliame Mata
Mosese Voka
Dominiko Waqaniburotu
Peceli Yato
Backs:
Halfbacks
Frank Lomani
Nikola Matawalu
Henry Seniloli
Inside Backs
Levani Botia
Jale Vatubua
Ben Volavola
Outside Backs
Vereniki Goneva
Filipo Nakosi
Waisea Nayacalevu
Semi Radradra
Josua Tuisova
Utility Backs
Joshua Matavesi
Alivereti Veitokani
Fullback
Kini Murimurivalu
Rugby World Cup 2019 – Flying Fijians Matches
- Fiji vs Australia (4.45PM, 21st September, Sapporo Drome, Sapporo, Japan)
- Fiji vs Uruguay (5.15PM, 25th September, Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium, Iwate Prefecture, Kamaishi City)
- Fiji vs Georgia (5.15PM, 3rd October, Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka Prefecture, Higashiosaka City)
- Fiji vs Wales (9th October, Oita Stadium, Oita Prefecture)