Vodafone Flying Fijians Named for November Tour

The Fiji Rugby Union has today released the names of a strong Vodafone Flying Fijians team for the 2016 Europe Tour in November.

The team consists of both local and overseas based players and sees the inclusion of Olympic Gold Medallists, Josua Tuisova, Leone Nakarawa and Vatemo Ravouvou. Also included in the side are players that missed out on selection for the 2016 Pacific Nations Cup due to their rugby commitments but are now available for the November tour.

Vodafone Flying Fijians Coach, John McKee says that they are very pleased with the selection for a very challenging Test Series.

“I am very pleased that we have been able to announce a very strong team to represent Fiji for the November Test Series especially with the inclusion of local players who have put their hands for national selection. This Test series will be a challenging one and will provide the Vodafone Flying Fijians an opportunity for Fiji to build on their RWC performances against the No. 2 team in the world, England, and against Japan who performed so well in the RWC. Japan will be very motivated under new coach Jamie Joseph.”

He added that their first match against the Barbarians will be ideal match for their build up.

“Playing the Barbarians in the opening match gives us an ideal build up to the Test match challenges against England and Japan. We know the areas we need to improve on in our game and with the training camp in France followed by the preparation for the Barbarians Game we will have time to really focus in on the key areas vitally important for Test Match success along with tweaking our own unique Vodafone Flying Fijians game plan.”

FRU CEO, John O’Connor congratulated the team on their selection and reminded the team and the officials that the tour will be a challenge and ultimately the aim is to try and win all their matches.

“It is important to perform well on this tour as we build up to next year’s test matches against Australia, Scotland, Italy and also the qualification for the 2019 RWC.”

The Southern Hemisphere based players will depart Fiji with team Management on October 28^th and will be joined by the Euro based players for a Camp in Blagnac, France in preparation for the Tour matches.

The team will travel to Belfast on weekend Nov 5-6 to prepare for the opening match.

Vodafone Flying Fijians November Tour Matches:

• Barbarians @ Belfast Nov 11th
• England @ Twickenham Nov 19
• Japan @ Vannes FR Nov 26

The Vodafone Flying Fijians selected are:

Campese Ma’afu, Peni Ravai, Joeli Veitayaki, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Jale Sassen, Sunia Koto, Manasa Saulo, Leeroy Atalifo, Mesake Doge, Leone Nakarawa, Api Ratuniyarawa, Nemia Soqeta, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Naulia Dawai, Mosese Voka, Akapusi Qera ©, Eremasi Radrodro, Nikola Matawalu, Serupepeli Vularika, Nemia Kenatale, Ben Volavola, Vatemo Ravouvou, Albert Vulivuli, Waisea Nayacalevu, Vereniki Goneva, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Nemani Nadolo, Josua Tuisova, Kini Murimurivalu

Players on Standby: Savenaca Tabakanalagi, Malakai Ravulo, Henry Seniloli, Seremaia Burotu, Benito Masilevu, Metuisela Talebula, Peceli Yato. 

Players not considered Due to Injury: Tevita Cavubati, Levani Botia, Patrick Osborne, Alifereti Raka.