Fiji include ex-France and England duo in wider Nations Championship squad

Acting Flying Fijians head coach Senirusi Seruvakula has named a 50-man extended squad ahead of the upcoming Nations Championship in July, with the final 32-player travelling squad to be confirmed two weeks before the opening match against Wales.

Former France wing, Virimi Vakatawa, who turned 34 on Friday, and ex-England No.8, Nathan Hughes, could make a switch of allegiance after being included in the group.

Over 36 months have elapsed since they were last capped for the pair to be considered by Fiji under World Rugby’s birthright transfer ruling.

Vakatawa scored 10 tries in 32 caps for France, the last of which was against Japan in July 2022, while former Wasps man Hughes, who currently plays for Racing 92, won the last of his 22 England caps in the 2019 Six Nations. Hughes turns 35 in June.

If capped, it would be a reemarkable return to the Test arena for Vakatawa, who was forced to leave French rugby in September 2022 due to a detected cardiac condition deemed risky for high-intensity sports. After being cleared by an independent expert panel, he joined Bristol Bears for the 2023/24 season and has continued to play professional rugby, for Fijian Drua.

The Flying Fijians will kick off their inaugural Nations Championship campaign against Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on July 4, before facing England at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on July 11 and Scotland at Murrayfield on July 18.

Seruvakula said the selection process had been rigorous, involving close consultation with his coaching staff, medical team, and lead strength and conditioning coach David Sylvester.

“We’ve been having regular meetings, myself and the coaching staff, and also the lead Strength and Conditioning Coach, David Silvester, and my medical team,” Seruvakula said.

“We have meetings looking at all the players, their time in their clubs, how many minutes they’ve been playing, and if there are any injuries that need to be identified. All those areas that we look into before we choose the 50.”

Seruvakula confirmed that players will be formally contacted to confirm their availability for the Nations Championship. Those who confirm their availability will be closely monitored before the final squad is announced.

“While this is an extended squad, all players that confirm their availability for July will be monitored before we announce the final 32-man travel squad for the tournament,” Seruvakula added.

Flying Fijians extended squad:

Props: Eroni Mawi, Atunaisa Sokobale, Peni Ravai, Livai Natave, Haereiti Hetet, Luke Tagi, Tim Hoyt, Vilikesa Nairau, Mesake Doge

Hookers: Tevita Ikanivere, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Zuriel Togiatama, Sam Matavesi

Locks: Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Albert Tuisue, Temo Mayanavanua, Tevita Ratuva, Joseva Tamani

Flankers: Lekima Tagitagivalu, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Tuwai, Elia Canakaivata, Levani Botia, Kitione Salawa

No.8: Pita-Gus Sowakula, Peceli Yato and Nathan Hughes

Half-back: Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli, Sam Wye, Philip Baselala

Fly-half: Caleb Muntz, Isaia Armstrong-Ravula, Kemu Valetini

Outside Backs: Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selestino Ravutaumada, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Vinaya Habosi

Inside Backs: Josua Tuisova, Filimoni Botitu, Isikeli Rabitu, Virimi Vakatawa, Iosefo Masi, Semi Radradra, Seta Tamanivalu, Sireli Maqala

Fullback: Salesi Rayasi, Vuate Karawalevu