Full First Nations & Pasifika XV squad named for historic Lions clash

Rugby Australia has unveiled the full First Nations & Pasifika XV squad ahead of next Tuesday’s historic clash with the British & Irish Lions. Coach Toutai Kefu has named a group that is made up of 20 players of Pasifika heritage and seven of First Nations heritage.

95-Test Wallabies veteran Kurtley Beale was among the first five players who had already been confirmed for the match, along with NSW Waratahs flanker Charlie Gamble, former Wallaby Rob Leota, Queensland Reds utility Seru Uru, and ACT Brumbies flyer Andy Muirhead.

Four players from last weekend’s AUNZ XV fixture will also back up in Melbourne, including lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto who was a co-captain for that side. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Pete Samu and Kalani Thomas have also been named in both invitational squads.

Le Roux reflects on 100th Test cap

Le Roux reflects on 100th Test cap

This will be an unforgettable occasion for rugby union. Wallabies great Kefu will coach a side that celebrates and recognises First Nations and Pasifika communities across Australia, the Pacific and around the world.

“It’s incredibly exciting to unveil the players that are set to be involved in this unique team,” Kefu said in a statement.

“There is a nice blend of youth and experience within the group, with countries and territories represented across the Pacific and Indigenous Australia. The players are aware at how big an opportunity this is to perform for their communities and grow the game of rugby.

“We have seen how strong the Lions are in recent weeks. The coaching staff and all the players will be working as hard as possible to prepare for this match and try to pull off something special in Melbourne.”

The First Nations & Pasifika XV squad will assemble in Melbourne on Tuesday. That gives them one week together before taking on the Lions – who would have just played the Wallabies at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium – at Marvel Stadium in Naarm, Melbourne on June 22^nd.

First Nations & Pasifika XV squad

Forwards

George Blake – Prop – Queensland Reds – Cook Islands
Mesake Doge – Prop – Fijian Drua – Fijian
Feao Fotuaika – Prop – ACT Brumbies – Tongan
Lington Ieli – Prop – ACT Brumbies – Fijian
Marley Pearce – Prop – Western Force – M?ori & First Nations
Richie Asiata – Hooker – Queensland Reds – Samoan
Brandon Paenga-Amosa – Hooker – Western Force – Samoan & M?ori
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Lock – Queensland Reds – Samoan
Darcy Swain – Lock – Western Force – Samoan
Mesake Vocevoce – Lock – Fijian Drua – Fijian
Seru Uru – Lock – Queensland Reds – Fijian
Charlie Gamble – Flanker – NSW Waratahs – Tongan
Rob Leota – Flanker – NSW Waratahs – Samoan
Pete Samu – Flanker – NSW Waratahs – Samoan
Tuaina Taii Tualima – Number eight – ACT Brumbies – Samoan

Backs

Issak Fines-Leleiwasa – Scrum half – Western Force – Fijian
Harrison Goddard – Scrum half – ACT Brumbies – First Nations (Darug and Murawari)
Kalani Thomas – Scrum half – Queensland Reds – M?ori
Kurtley Beale – Fly half/full back – Western Force – First Nations (Darug)
Jack Debreczeni – Fly half – ACT Brumbies – Cook Island
David Feliuai – Centre – ACT Brumbies – Samoan
Lalakai Foketi – Centre – NSW Waratahs – Tongan & M?ori
Isaac Henry – Centre – Queensland Reds – First Nations (Yuwibara)
Jarrah McLeod – Centre – ACT Brumbies – First Nations (Yuin)
Andy Muirhead – Outside back – ACT Brumbies – First Nations (Barunggam)
Kye Oates – Outside back – ACT Brumbies – First Nations (Nunukul, Ngughi, Goenpul)
Triston Reilly – Outside back – NSW Waratahs – First Nations (Dunghutti and Wiradjuri)