Fiji name super-stacked Nations Championship squad but high-profile duo miss out

Levani Botia and Semi Radradra are in line to make a long-awaited return to test rugby after being named in the Flying Fijians’ 32-man squad for the upcoming inaugural Nations Championship.

There is also a place for veteran hooker Sam Matavesi, who is included despite playing fourth-tier rugby in England with Cornish club Camborne in the season just gone.

However, former England No.8 Nathan Hughes and ex-France international Virimi Vakatawa, who were included in the wider 50-man squad, haven’t survived the cut.

Fiji will face Wales, England and Scotland in three Tests across the United Kingdom – Cardiff, Liverpool and Edinburgh – in July.

“I have chosen a team of players that have experience and are playing some of the best rugby in their current clubs,” said acting Fiji head coach Senirusi Seruvakula.

“This is a tough campaign, but I am confident this group has the talent, the heart, and the discipline to represent Fiji with pride.”

Botia, who plays for La Rochelle, hasn’t featured for Fiji since the 30-24 loss to England in the quarter-finals of RWC 2023, while Japan-based Radradra has been absent since the 24-19 win over Wales in November 2024.

The pair will add plenty of x-factor to a squad not lacking in talent, or years. Botia is 37 years of age, while Radradra is 33.

Ten Fijian Drua players have made it into the 32-men squad, with former Drua captain Tevita Ikanivere, who plays with Radradra in Japan now, named to lead the Flying Fijians.

Flying Fijians: (Props) Eroni Mawi, Atunaisa Sokobale, Peni Ravai, Luke Tagi, Tim Hoyt; (Hookers) Tevita Ikanivere, Sam Matavesi, Zuriel Togiatama; (Locks) Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Tevita Ratuva; (Loosemen) Lekima Tagitagivalu, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Levani Botia, Pita-Gus Sowakula, Peceli Yato; (Halfbacks) Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli, Sam Wye; (Flyhalf) Caleb Muntz, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula; (Midfield) Josua Tuisova, Filimoni Botitu, Selestino Ravutaumada, Semi Radradra; (Outside backs) Jiuta Wainiqolo, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Vinaya Habosi, Salesi Rayasi; Vuate Karawalevu.