Fiji Rugby CEO explains importance of new Latui representative side

Fiji Rugby Union CEO Koli Sewabu has explained how the newly announced Fiji Latui can strengthen pathways and provide valuable opportunities for players, with the team set to play two matches in Europe this month.

The Fiji Rugby Union have unveiled a 37-man Latui squad that will face a Munster Selection side on November 14, before taking on Ireland A the following week. As reported by FBC News, 10 players from Fiji’s Skipper Cup have been included.

Flying Fijians prop Mesake Doge, who was selected in the squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, headlines the inaugural Latui roster. Doge started for the national team at tighthead against England and Scotland during the July Nations Championship phase.

Sewabu hopes the Latui, who have replaced the Fijian Warriors as the new representative side that sits under the Flying Fijians, can present players and coaches with experiences against similar sides around the world.

“An initiative that we believe will play an important part in the development in the future of Fiji Rugby,” Fiji Rugby Union CEO Koli Sewabu said.

“For us, this is much more than just putting another Fijian rugby team on the field, whether that’s in Europe, the UK, or other parts of the world. It’s about giving our players, our coaches and our officials more opportunities, building strong relationships overseas, and making sure Fiji rugby is in a better position to benefit from the opportunities available in the international game.

“We all know what Fiji brings to the rugby world. Over the years our players have earnt respect around the world. We have produced some outstanding rugby talent and that continues today.

“We must also be realistic that the professional game is changing, the rugby landscape is changing very quickly and the demands on our players are increasing, and the competition is getting stronger and tougher every year.

“If we want to keep up, more importantly, if we want to improve, we need to keep finding ways to develop our players, our coaches, and then give them the right exposure. That is where the Fiji Latui comes in.

“We want our national teams to perform consistently at the highest level and to achieve that we need to strengthen our pathways that prepare our players for international rugby. The Latui gives us another opportunity to do that.

“While we have the Fijian Drua playing competitively in Super Rugby Pacific, having a Fijian team to play other nations’ net senior representative team will allow our players to experience a different rugby environment, face new challenges and become more familiar with the standards expected in professional rugby.”

Fiji Latui squad

FORWARDS

Emosi Tumania
Sylvester Vakauliafa
Sesoni Tamani
Ratu Osea Dasalusalu
Joseva Baleiloa
John Muller
Mesake Doge
Samuela Tawake
Kaliova Bulia
Peni Naruma
Petero Mailulu
Watsoni Waqanisabavi
Rt. Meli Turagaca
Isai Lotawa
Francis Peters
Apisalome Kurusaqila
Mosese Tabuakoto
Isoa Koroinawai
Joshua Thompson
Veresa Ramototabua

BACKS

Cameron Kelemeti
Leone Nawai
Iliesa Baravilala
Joeli Baleilevuka
Wame Naitivi
Apete Narogo
Sireli Masiwini
Jope Naseara
Alipate Waidilo
Mosese Naura
Peni Asi Dakuwaqa
Semi Lagivala
Kaminieli Rasaku
Avakuki Niusalelekitoga
Josaia Ralulu
Rupeni Caucaunibuca Jnr
Setareki Tuicuvu