Telecom Fiji Warriors Named for World Rugby Pacific Challenge

Telecom Fiji Warriors Coach, Senirusi Seruvakula has named the team that will represent Fiji at the World Rugby Pacific Challenge which kicks off in Suva next week.

 The team has been in camp for the past few weeks and Seruvakula says that he is happy with their progress so far.

“The team has adjusted well to the training programs and I am pleased with their progress. We have been fortunate to have Allen Muir and Mosese Rauluni assisting us with the front rows and also the defence line.”

Telecom Fiji CEO, Mr Mothilal De Silva, said that they were proud to be associated with a sport that is prominent in Fiji and helps bond the spirit of Fijian brotherhood.

“Rugby is a very prominent sport in Fiji and helps bond the spirit of the Fijian brotherhood. As a communication company we are proud to be associated with such a sport; that not only brings a mood of celebration but also creates unity. We wish the Telecom Fiji Warriors all the very best in the upcoming tournament and we know they will make us and Fiji proud at the upcoming World Rugby Pacific Challenge” he said.

FRU CEO, John O’Connor in his address to the team this morning, congratulated those that were selected and reminded them that they have a huge challenge ahead of them, especially considering what the country has been through in the last two weeks. He also reminded the players that even though the tournament was held here last year, Fiji did not win the tournament, as such the huge task that they have ahead of them.

He also encouraged the players that were not selected, not to be disheartened but to continue to work hard and fight for a place in their provincial teams to be considered for the Telecom Fiji Warriors team that will tour to Uruguay later this year.

Mr O’Connor highlighted that as part of the reforms and changes that will take place in Rugby House, there will be a more transparent and fair selection process. The Telecom Fiji Warriors squad for the future will revolve around performances during the Skipper Cup Tournament.

He added, that to ensure a fair and transparent selection process, he had instructed the Management of the Telecom Fiji Warriors Team and staff of FRU to circulate the selection criteria and the required fitness standards, to the Head Coaches of the Provincial teams and that the Selectors and coaches be at the Skipper Cup Tournament from the pool games to the finals to identify potential players for the team.

Following the conclusion of the Skipper Cup Tournament, the extended squad for the Telecom Fiji Warriors Team will then be announced. O’Connor also highlighted that this was one issue constantly raised by the Unions and the FRU would address it accordingly.

Four countries will compete in the World Rugby Pacific Challenge at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.

The first day of the tournament sees, Japan A up against Tonga A at 3.30pm and the Telecom Fiji Warriors meet Samoa A at 6pm on Tuesday, 8 March 2016.

The Selected Players are:

Peni Ravai, Joeli Veitayaki, Osea Naganilau, Mesake Doge, Asaeli Sorovaki, Jale Sassen, Samu Suguturaga, Mataiasi Ucutabua, Sailosi Dawai, Mesulame Kunavula, Joseva Levula, Timoci Sauvoli, Kelepi Naimasi, Vasikali Mudu, Mosese Voka, Johnny Dyre, Eremasi Radrodro, Henry Seniloli, Serupepeli Vularika, Alivereti Mocelutu, Kitione Ratu, Cyril Reece, Saimoni Tuilaucala, Frederick Hickes, Nemani Raiwalui, Aporosa Duwai, Lepani Raiyala, Nacani Wakaya, Meli Nakarawa, Isaia Nataba.

Tickets are on sale and can be bought from the Fiji Rugby Union.

Ticket prices are:

$15 – Grandstand
$7 – Cement and Grass Embankment
FOC – Children U12 on the Embankment only.

CONTACT FIJI RUGBY UNION MEDIA OFFICER, TALEI MOW ON talei.mow@fijirugby.net or 8903855 FOR ANY QUERIES.