Nine local players, a host of new caps and the return of Nemani Nadolo headline the Flying Fijians rugby squad to compete in next month's Autumn Nations Cup.
Nadroga prop Jone Koroiduadua, Naitasiri lock Chris Minimbi and Nadroga flanker Manueli Ratuniyarawa earned their first international call-ups after impressing during the Skipper Cup domestic competition, while Tailevu halfback Simione Kuruvoli and Naitasiri first five Tuidraki Samusamuvodre are the new faces in the backline.
Flying Fijians squad for Autumn Nations Cup
— Fiji Rugby Union (@fijirugby) October 12, 2020
Super Excited to kick off some International test matches for our Flying Fijians
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Fellow locals Tevita Ikanivere, Samuela Tawake and Peni Matawalu made their international debuts against the Barbarians last year and head coach Vern Cotter has been impressed by the home-grown talent on show.
"These players have the ability, with guidance from senior players, to become great Flying Fijians. We certainly be demanding a lot from them with guidance by the senior ones in the squad," he said.
Mesulame Kunavula, Temo Mayanavanua, Veremalua Vugakoto, Peni Matawalu and Joeli Veitayaki celebrate Fiji's Killik Cup win over the Barbarians. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
France based back-rowers Kitione Kamikamica and Lekima Tagitagivalu are also poised to make their test debut next month, alongside New Zealand based Bay of Plenty prop Haereiti Hetet and Northland lock Mayanavanua, who also featured in the Killik Cup win over the Barbarians.
Bay of Plenty prop Haereiti Hetet has been named in the Flying Fijians squad. Photo: Bay of Plenty Steamers 2020
"Haereiti is an unknown player but his father isn't, he's the son of Joeli Veitayaki, somebody who is very well known," noted Cotter, who has been keeping a close watch on Fijian players in the Mitre 10 Cup competition from his home in New Zealand.
"Haereiti has really impressed us with his performance as he can play both sides, left and right, and he is very excited about this opportunity."
There's a recall for tighthead prop Mesake Doge, who played his only test back in 2016, while Leicester Tigers winger Nemani Nadolo has been coaxed out of international retirement by his former club coach.
"I know him well because he was at Montpellier and we have a strong relationship plus he has done well at Leicester Tigers in Premiership Rugby," he said.
"He has assured me that he is playing well and he really wants to play, we feel he's motivated and Nadolo motivated is a monster."
Glasgow Warriors lock Leone Nakarawa, Melbourne Rebels halfback Frank Lomani, Bristol Bears wrecking-ball Semi Radradra and Lyon flyer Josua Tuisova are among just 14 players in the 32-strong squad who featured in Fiji's 2019 Rugby World Cup squad, with star loose forwards Semi Kunatani, Peceli Yato and Viliame Mata all absent.
Nemani Nadolo in action for Leicester Tigers against London Irish. Photo: AFP
With so many new faces, Cotter said it was important to have some seasoned heads in each position who can guide the team when needed.
"We won't be going far away from relying on Leone Nakarawa to help these young players in coping up with international rugby pressures so his arm around those players plus guidance from other experienced players will be very important."
New Fiji rugby coach, Vern Cotter Photo: Photosport
The locally-based players are intending to leave for Europe next weekend although FRU Chief Executive John O'Connor said they are still trying to confirm visas and flights, with Covid-19 making it especially challenging to navigate flight availability and border closures.
"We are also dealing with the clubs on the release of our players and there could be changes to the squad if the situation requires so."
All going well the group will assemble in Europe on 25 October, with a new captain to be decided during training camp.
Fijian lock Temo Mayanavanua playing for Northland in the Mitre 10 Cup. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Flying Fijians will face Portugal in their opening test of the year on 6 November before taking on France (15 November), Italy (21st) and Scotland (28th) in the Autumn Nations Cup.
Fiji touring squad:
Forwards: Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Haereiti Hetet, Mesulame Dolokoto, Sam Matavesi, Tevita Ikanivere, Samuela Tawake, Mesake Doge, Jone Koroiduadua, Tevita Ratuva, Leone Nakarawa, Temo Mayanavanua, Chris Minimbi, Mesulame Kunavula, Kitione Kamikamica, Johnny Dyer, Albert Tuisue, Manueli Ratuniyarawa, Lekima Tagitagivalu.
Backs: Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu, Simione Kuruvoli, Ben Volavola, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Semi Radradra, Lepani Botia, Serupepeli Vularika, Jale Vatubua, Waisea Nayacalevu, Nemani Nadolo, Josua Tuisova, Kini Murimurivalu.
