Former Ireland captain Rory Best has been announced as an assistant coach for Fiji’s upcoming Autumn Internationals.
Best has never coached with an international side before, but he has acted as a high performance skills coach with Major League Rugby side Seattle Seawolves, while he has also acted as a mentor for Ulster on occasion before.
Fiji announced their playing squad and coaching staff for their test matches against Spain, Wales and Georgia next month, and explained that only players and coaches based in the northern hemisphere have been included.
The team assembles on the 31st of this month to start their preparations, they then face Spain on the 6th of November in Madrid.
The Flying Fijians will travel to Wales and will face the Dragons on the 14th of November before wrapping up the Northern Hemisphere tour against Georgia six days later. The venue and time is yet to be confirmed.
Flying Fijians 28-member squad:
Loose Head Prop
Peni Ravai
Eroni Mawi
Hooker
Samuel Matavesi
Peniami Narisia
Tight Head Prop
Luke Tagi
Mesake Doge
Leeroy Atalifo
Locks
Tevita Ratuva
Temo Mayanavanua
Albert Tuisue
Leone Nakarawa
Backrow/Lock
Peceli Yato
Johnny Dyer
Backrow
Masivesi Dakuwaqa *
Mesulame Kunavula
Bill Mata
Halfback
Frank Lomani
Nikola Matawalu
Flyhalf
Ben Volavola
Centre/Flyhalf
Vilimoni Botitu *
Center
Levani Botia
Eneriko Buliruarua
Center/Wing
Waisea Nayacalevu
Josua Tuisova
Wing
Eroni Sau
Aminiasi Tuimaba *
Jiuta Wainiqolo *
Wing/Fullback
Seta Tuicuvu
Key: * is for the debutants
Flying Fijians Test Matches:
7th November 2021
Test Match: Flying Fijians V Spain
Venue: Estadio Central UC, Madrid
Kick Off: 2am
15th November 2021
Test Match: Flying Fijians V Wales
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Kick Off: 4.15am
20th November 2021
Test Match: Flying Fijians V Georgia
Venue: TBC
Kick Off: TBC
EDITORS PICKS:
- Eddie Jones confirms replacement for injured Anthony Watson
- 5 pairs of rugby players who have personal rivalries
- CONFIRMED: South Africa squad for Autumn Nations Series
- Rob Baxter’s 4 Worst Exeter Chiefs Signings Of All Time
- 5 star rugby players who will miss the Autumn Nations Series
“Would knock ****ing s**t outta ya!” – Joe Marler picks his dream front-row
England and Harlequins prop Joe Marler has selected his dream all-time front-row when picking his rugby dream team for Joe.co.uk.
LOOSEHEAD-PROP: Tony Woodcock (New Zealand)
- Major teams Blues, Highlanders, North Harbour, New Zealand
- Position Prop
- Caps 118
Marler said: “I think he was a farmer. He epitomised those earthy, no-nonsense values on the rugby field, getting on with the job. The player I looked up to most early in my career.”
