England-born forward named in Fiji's 33-man World Cup squad

Waisea Nayacalevu will captain the Flying Fijians at the Rugby World Cup while Jone Koroiduadua is the only uncapped player named in the team.

Nayacalevu, Levani Botia, and Peni Ravai will be going for their third World Cup. Six players will be going for their second World Cup while 24 players will feature for the first time.

Coach Raiwalui congratulated the 33 players who have been selected.

“We have had a good journey for the last five weeks starting from Taveuni. I couldn’t be more proud of the players and the input they had in all our three test matches against Tonga, Samoa and Japan.”

These players have a huge challenge up their sleeves now. The first task is against France and then England before the Rugby World Cup games.

Cornwall-born Sam Matavesi, who currently plays for Northampton Saints, also makes the squad.

Flying Fijians kick off their campaign against Wales on the 11^th of September at 7am, then face Australia on the 18^th at 3.45am. On the 1^st of October, Flying Fijians meet Georgia at 4.45am and then eight days later meet Portugal at 8am.

The 33-member squad is as follows

Eroni Mawi

Peni Ravai

Jone Koroiduadua

Mesake Doge

Luke Tagi

Samu Tawake

Tevita Ikanivere

Sam Matavesi

Zuriel Togiatama

Isoa Nasilasila

Temo Mayanavanua

Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta

Albert Tuisue

Lekima Tagitagivalu

Levani Botia

Vilive Miramira

Meli Derenalagi

Viliame Mata

Frank Lomani

Peni Matawalu

Halfback/Flyhalf

Simione Kuruvoli

Caleb Muntz

Teti Tela

Josua Tuisova

Semi Radradra

Waisea Nayacalevu

Iosefo Masi

Selesitino Ravutaumada

Vinaya Habosi

Jiuta Wainiqolo

Kalaveti Ravouvou

Sireli Maqala

Ilaisa Droasese