Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui has named his 33-man squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
The squad features a blend of experience and youth, with Semi Radradra and Josua Tuisova both returning after missing the 2019 World Cup. There are also first call-ups for Caleb Muntz and Teti Tela.
Muntz and Tela are both products of the Fijian Drua, who made their Super Rugby debut this season. They are two of the most exciting young players in Fijian rugby and will be looking to make their mark on the World Cup stage.
The squad is as follows:
Forwards:
- Eroni Mawi (Saracens)
- Peni Ravai (Queensland Reds)
- Jone Koroiduadua (Fijian Drua)
- Mesake Doge (Dragons)
- Luke Tagi (Provence Rugby)
- Samu Tawake (Fijian Drua)
- Tevita Ikanivere (Fijian Drua)
- Sam Matavesi (Northampton Saints)
- Zuriel Togiatama (Fijian Drua)
- Isoa Nasilasila (Fijian Drua)
- Temo Mayanavanua (Lyon)
- Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta (Fijian Drua)
- Albert Tuisue (Gloucester)
- Lekima Tagitagivalu (Pau)
- Levani Botia (Stade Rochelais)
- Vilive Miramira (Fijian Drua)
- Meli Derenalagi (Fijian Drua)
- Viliame Mata (Fijian Drua)
Backs:
- Frank Lomani (Fijian Drua)
- Simione Kuruvoli (Fijian Drua)
- Caleb Muntz (Fijian Drua)
- Teti Tela (Fijian Drua)
- Josua Tuisova (Bristol Bears)
- Semi Radradra (Bristol Bears)
- Waisea Nayacalevu (Montpellier)
- Iosefo Masi (Fijian Drua)
- Selesitino Ravutaumada (Fijian Drua)
- Vinaya Habosi (Fijian Drua)
- Jiuta Wainiqolo (Toulon)
- Ilaisa Droasese (Fijian Drua)
- Selestino Ravutaumada (Fijian Drua)
Fiji are drawn in Pool C alongside Wales, Australia, Georgia and Portugal.
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They will begin their campaign against Wales in Bordeaux on September 10, 2023.
Raiwalui said: “We are excited to announce our squad for the Rugby World Cup. It is a talented group of players who have worked hard to earn their selection.
“We have a challenging pool but we are confident in our ability to compete and win. We are looking forward to the tournament and giving it our best.”
Fiji are one of the most exciting teams in world rugby and are always a threat to upset the odds. They will be looking to make their mark on the World Cup stage in 2023.
Here are some of the key takeaways from the squad announcement:
- The most notable absentee is Ben Volavola, who has been Fiji’s starting fly-half since 2015. Volavola has been ruled out of the World Cup due to injury.
- Semi Radradra and Josua Tuisova are two of the most dangerous players in world rugby and their return to the squad is a major boost for Fiji.
- There are a number of first-time call-ups in the squad, including Caleb Muntz, Teti Tela, and Selesitino Ravutaumada. These players will be looking to make their mark on the World Cup stage.
Overall, Fiji have a strong squad for the Rugby World Cup. They will be one of the favorites to win the tournament, but they will need to be at their best to overcome the challenges of the pool stage.
See more: Meet the Players Who Will Be Competing for Rugby World Cup Glory in France
