'It's exciting': Fijiana XV squad named for WXV Global Series Challenger

New Fijiana XV head coach Willie Walker has named his WXV Global Series Challenger squad that will travel to Hong Kong China next month.

Installed as head coach shortly before Fiji’s two-Test encounter with the Springbok Women, Walker has opted for consistency heading into fixtures with Spain, Hong Kong China and the Netherlands at Kai Tak Sports Ground.

Scrum-half, Kolora Lomani, continues to captain the side, who are without Adi Salaseini Railumu, Sulita Waisega and Loraini Senivutu after they were ruled out with injury.

Breakout star of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, Manuqalo Komaitai, will join up with the squad in Japan, ahead of the team’s clash with the Sakura Fifteen in Fukuoka.

The back-row forward, who also serves in the British Army, signed for JAECOO Premiership Women’s Rugby club Harlequins after her international exploits.

Earlier in August, South Africa beat the Fijiana in back-to-back matches on home soil. It was the first time that any Springbok team had travelled to the Pacific Islands.

In the first Test, South Africa overwhelmed Fiji in Suva to win 55-12 and dug deep a week later in Lautoka, as a Maria Tshiremba hat-trick overturned a 10-5 half-time deficit.

“I think from what I’ve seen in my limited time here, it’s exciting,” Walker told Fijian press this week.

“This is one of the reasons why I decided to apply for this job, because there’s so much potential in this country. I don’t think we’ve even touched the surface of the potential that is actually available.”

Fijiana XV squad for WXV Global Series Challenger

Forwards: Tiana Robanakadavu, Adi Keri Lawavou, Karalaini Naisewa, Elesi Saukuru, Zipporah Sorokacika, Bitila Tawake, Keleni Marawa, Selai Naliva, Mereoni Nakesa, Carletta Yee, Jade Coates, Naravaki Lutumaibau, Alfreda Fisher, Nunia Daunimoala, Sereana Nasau, Merewairita Neivoha, Manuqalo Kamatai

Backs: Kolora Lomani (c), Evivi Senikarivi, Varaniesese Qoro, Ivamere Rokowati, Josivini Naihamu, Ruth Raketekete, Adi Salote Nailolo, Atelaite Buna, Aqela Raitubu, Adi Vani Buleki, Repeka Tove, Litiana Vueti, Vasemaca Duva