Seruvakula to coach Fijian Warriors as the traveling squad to Samoa named

Flying Fijians assistant coach, Senirusi Seruvakula will guide the Fijian Warriors as they begin to prepare for the World Rugby Pacific Challenge which will be held in Samoa next month.

Seruvakula who coached the Fijiana Drua to their inaugural Super W Championship win, led the Fijiana 15’s to the Rugby World Cup and now has been handed the task of mentoring the Fijian Warriors.

He was the coach of the Fiji Warriors which went undefeated for 5 years from 2015 to 2019. Seruvakula will be assisted by former Flying Fijians and Fiji 7s rep Sireli Naqelevuki.

The duo has put together a strong 28-member squad which will travel to Samoa at the end of the month.

Seruvakula thanked Fiji Rugby for giving him the responsibility of coaching the Fijian Warriors again.

He added that they have selected the best available players to represent the Warriors who are set to face Junior Japan, Manuma Samoa and Tonga A.

We have selected the majority of the players who have been in the High-Performance system and have performed up to the expectation during the provincial games last season.

8 players from the traveling 28-member squad have played for the Fijian Warriors last year while the majority of the players represented the Fijian Under-20.

Atani Aisake, Joseva Nasaroa, Ebernezer Navula, Ilikimi Torosi, Taitusi Lulusinu, Paul Dolokoto, Jonathan Sovasova, and Jack Volavola have played from the Warriors.

Seruvakula has named two over 23-year-old players, hooker Joseva Nasaroa and fly half Enele Malele.

Malele will also captain the side during the tour to Samoa.

Seruvakula said “Majority of the players selected are experienced as they have played on the world stage and they understand the responsibility it comes with playing for the Warriors in the Pacific Challenge.”

“We have shifted our preparation gear and have been focused on the job ahead. These players have been in camp since Monday and we have been hitting the hard yards to achieve our goals.

While we will aim to win the World Rugby Pacific Challenge again, it’s also ideal to give these players the much-needed game time and also cap them so they have a pathway to work towards becoming a Flying Fijian” said Seruvakula.

FRU Acting CEO Sale Sorovaki said “It’s great to have this competition back after a lapse of 3 years as this is the key pathway for our age-grade players.

He said “This pathway has been a key stepping stone for young and upcoming players as they look forward to being involved with our elite teams such as Fijian Drua, Fijian 7s, and Flying Fijians”.

Sorovaki also thanked Samoa Rugby for hosting the competition and World Rugby for giving the green light to kickstart start Pacific Challenge.

The World Rugby PRC kicks off on Wednesday the 3rd of May, 2023.

Ideal

 

Fijian Warriors Squad WRPC:

Loosehead Prop

John Muller
Emosi Natubailagi
Simi Bulai

Hooker

Seremaia Komailevuka
Patemo Nuku
Nedly Grant

Tighthead Prop

Viliame Nairau
Joseva Nasaroa
Aisake Atani

Locks

Saula Qiolevu
Semi Tokitani
Isoa Tuwai

Loose Forwards

Motikai Murray
Judah Saumaisue
Ilikimi Torosi
Ebernezer Tuidraki

Halfback

Taitisu Lulusinu
Jonathan Sovasova

Flyhalf

Enele Malele
Ponipate Tuberi

Inside Center

Maika Kamikamica
Ropate Rinakama

Outside Center

Tevita Bukaniyava
Sireli Masiwini

Utility {Wings/Fullback}

Paul Dolokoto
Jack Volavola
Sikeli Basiyalo
Sireli Masi

 

World Rugby Pacific Challenge Fixtures:

Match Day 1: Wednesday, 3^rd May

Junior Japan v Fiji Warriors

Manuma Samoa v Tonga A

 

MATCH-DAY 2: Monday, 8^th May

Tonga A v Junior Japan

Manuma Samoa v Fiji Warriors

 

MATCH-DAY 3: Saturday, 13th May

Fiji Warriors v Tonga A

Manuma Samoa v Junior Japan