(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Flying Fijians Announce Squad for Pacific Nations Cup 2025 – Three New Faces Included
The Flying Fijians have unveiled their 33-man squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup 2025, featuring three potential debutants and the return of a former All Black star.
Head coach Mick Byrne has called up flanker Isoa Tuwai, winger Taniela Rakuro, and outside back Tuidraki Samusamuvodre. All three are representatives of the Fijian Drua, with Rakuro currently playing for Taranaki in New Zealand’s NPC as injury cover for Kini Naholo.
Tuwai has already earned eight Super Rugby caps, while Samusamuvodre began his professional career in the USA with the New England Free Jacks before rejoining the Drua, where he has been a regular for the past four seasons.
The squad also sees the return of Seta Tamanivalu, the former All Black, who last played for Fiji in 2022. Tamanivalu has been in top form for Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo in Japan, winning consecutive League One titles.
Joining them are seasoned campaigners such as No.8 Bill Mata and wing Semi Radradra. However, the team will miss some France-based stars, including Jiuta Wainiqolo, Josua Tuisova, and debutant Salesi Rayasi, who are tied up with pre-season commitments.
Fiji will kick off their PNC campaign against Tonga in Suva on August 30, before travelling to face Samoa on September 6. The tournament’s finals series will be hosted in the USA, with matches in Denver, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah.
Flying Fijians Squad for PNC 2025
Forwards: Eroni Mawi, Haereti Hetet, Mesake Doge, Samu Tawake, Meli Tawake, Tevita Ikanivere, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Zuriel Togiatama, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua, Mesake Vocevoce, Etonia Waqa, Elia Canakaivata, Motikiai Murray, Isoa Tuwai*, Bill Mata, Kitione Salawa
Backs: Philip Baselala, Simione Kuruvoli, Sam Wye, Kemu Valetini, Caleb Muntz, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Inia Tabuavou, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre*, Ponipate Loganimasi, Taniela Rakuro*, Semi Radradra, Isaiah Armstrong Ravula, Seta Tamanivalu
*Potential debutants
