Former England backrower in line for international comeback with Fiji

Former England backrower Nathan Hughes could return to the Test arena in a different nation’s colours in the coming weeks, named among the four potential debutants in the Flying Fijians squad for the November Nations Championship.

New Fiji coach Jake White is off to a winning start with the Pacific Island nation, who claimed a six-point win against Eddie Jones’ Japan earlier this month. Ben Volavola kicked two late penalties as the Flying Fijians came away with the result in the Japan Centennial Test.

As the Flying Fijians now look to gather some winning momentum under White, the coach has selected a formidable squad for matches against France, Ireland, Italy and another against a to-be-determined opponent in the Finals Weekend.

Hughes last played for England on March 16, 2019, in an unforgettable 38-all draw with Scotland at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium. The No. 8 is now into his second season with French Top 14 giants Racing 92 and started the season with two tries in as many matches.

Peniami Narisia and Marika Parker are the other potential debutants listed in the forwards, while Setareki Bituniyata is the only uncapped back. It’s a squad that boasts a wealth of experience across the board, with some familiar faces returning.

Salesi Rayasi and Ponipate Loganimasi are back in the mix after missing the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup and the Japan Centennial Test. The same can be said for experienced centres Josua Tuisova and Iosefo Masi.

Volavola ended a three-year wait to play Test rugby last weekend, and the two-time Rugby World Cup representative has been retained in the squad. Caleb Muntz is back for the first time since the PNC, but Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula has not been named.

Peni Ravai and Tevita Ikanivere bring a wealth of experience to the front row, while Isoa Nasilasila and Mesake Vocevoce also add invaluable skill sets. Former All Black Pita-Gus Sowakula is one of the loose forward options, along with Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata and Hughes.

Flying Fijians squad for November Nations Championship

FORWARDS

Eroni Mawi
Peni Ravai
Luke Tagi
Inoke Ravuiwasa
Tevita Ikanivere
Zuriel Togiatama
Peniami Narisia*
Vilikesa Nairau
Marika Parker*
Isoa Nasilasila
Setareki Turagacoke
Mesake Vocevoce
Pita-Gus Sowakula
Lekima Tagitagivalu
Nathan Hughes*
Kitione Salawa
Peceli Yato
Joseva Tamani
Elia Canakaivata

BACKS

Frank Lomani
Simione Kuruvoli
Terio Tamani
Caleb Muntz
Vilimoni Botitu
Ben Volavola
Setareki Bituniyata*
Vinaya Habosi
Josua Tuisova
Sireli Maqala
Iosefo Masi
Isikeli Rabitu
Jiuta Wainiqolo
Selestino Ravutaumada
Salesi Rayasi
Ponipate Loganimasi

*Denotes an uncapped player