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Fiji assistant coach shares update from Japan ahead of PNC title defence
reporting from Osaka
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Flying Fijians assistant coach Seremaia Bai has shared a brief update from camp ahead of the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026, as the defending champions continue preparations for their tournament opener against Canada.
Fiji have arrived in Japan ahead of the PNC, which will be contested by four teams over the next two weekends. The Flying Fijians play Canada in Osaka on Saturday, which is part of a double-header with the Brave Blossoms against the USA Eagles.
Canada are looking to bounce back from a 45-point defeat to Japan last weekend, which was played in front of 18,000 fans in Niigata. The Brave Blossoms were beaten in the 2025 PNC Final and will now look to go one better, hosting the event for the second time in three years.
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The Flying Fijians are searching for a bounce-back win to kick off their title defence, having gone through the inaugural Nations Championship window in July with a 0-3 record. Interim coach Senirusi Seruvakula has named a strong squad, which includes a HSBC SVNS Series star.
Terio Tamani was named in the Men’s SVNS Dream Team of the Year in partnership with HSBC, following a standout campaign with Fiji. The playmaker is one of the seven potential debutants in the 31-man group, which also includes experienced international players.
“The preparation has been good, it’s been good preparation. Good spirit in the team,” Bai said in a video shared by Fiji Rugby.
“It’s been great to be in Japan. The weather and the lovely culture and the people – we always enjoy Japan and we’re looking forward to this weekend. We’ve been hosted wonderfully by the union.
“We thank everyone for making us feel at home.”
Interim boss Seruvakula has selected the likes of Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Peni Ravai and Mesaka Vocevoce in a star-studded contingent of forwards. In the backs, Fiji will again turn to some electrifying playmakers, inside backs and back three players.
Caleb Muntz and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula will challenge for the No. 10 jersey, but so too will Kemu Valetini who has been selected after missing out in July. Valetini offers versatility across the backline, as fans have seen in Super Rugby Pacific with the Fijian Drua.
Frank Lomani headlines the group of scrum-halves, named alongside former Fiji U20 standout Philip Baselala and recent Drua signing Sam Wye. Recent Flying Fijians debutant Virimi Vakatawa and Olympic silver medallist Joji Nasova are among the other players to watch.
Fiji take on Canada at Osaka’s Hanazono Rugby Stadium on Saturday, with the winner progressing to the PNC Final in Tokyo. Both the Final and third-place playoff will be held the following weekend at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium.
Fiji squad for Pacific Nations Cup 2026
Forwards: Livai Natave, Peni Ravai, Meli Tuni, Tevita Ikanivere, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Penaia Cakobau*, Mesake Doge, Samu Tawake, Vililesa Nairau*, Inoke Ravuiwasa*, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Joseva Tamani, Kitione Salawa, Motikiai Murray, Isoa Tuwai*, Elia Canakaivata.
Backs: Frank Lomani, Sam Wye, Philip Baselala, Terio Tamani*, Caleb Muntz, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Kemu Valetini, Joji Nasova, Maleli Nauvasi*, Manasa Mataele, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Virimi Vakatawa, Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens*, Isikeli Rabitu.
*New cap
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