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Two-time Super Rugby winner called into Fiji squad ahead of PNC Final
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Former All Blacks centre Seta Tamanivalu has been called into the Flying Fijians squad ahead of the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026 Final, with Fiji Rugby confirming on Tuesday that Kalaveti Ravouvou had been ruled out due to injury.
Tamanivalu debuted for the Flying Fijians against Tonga in 2022, before also appearing in matches against Australia A in Samoa. The midfielder didn’t play international rugby for another three years after that, though, before returning during the 2025 edition of the PNC.
Fiji continued their charge towards another title with key wins over Tonga, Samoa and Canada, before taking on Japan in the decider. Tamanivalu featured in the first three matches, scoring two tries, but was ruled out of the match against the Brave Blossoms.
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The Flying Fijians claimed silverware with a six-point win over the Brave Blossoms in Utah, and those two sides are preparing to go head-to-head again this weekend in Tokyo. Fiji and Japan both beat North American opposition in a semi-final double-header in Osaka.
Ravouvou was replaced 55 minutes into the 45-29 win over the Canadians, with replacement Tuidraki Samusamuvodre coming on. The No. 12 will take no further part in the competition, as Fiji Rugby confirmed in a social media update.
Tamanivalu brings extensive experience into the Fiji squad, having played club rugby in New Zealand for Taranaki, the Chiefs and won two Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders. In 2018, Tamanivalu joined French club Bordeaux, and later moved to Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo.
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“Update from the FIJI Water Flying Fijians,” the post reads.
“Kalaveti Ravouvou has been ruled out due to injury and will b replaced by Seta Tamanivalu.
“Wishing Ravouvou a smooth and speedy recovery, and all the best to Seta as he joins the squad.”
Fiji couldn’t have started another PNC title defnece much better, with Kitione Salawa scoring the opening try of the match after just 21 seconds. Salawa charged down an attempted clearance before regathering and placing the ball down just inside the right sideline.
Frank Lomani was next to strike, before Canada hit back through backrower Mason Flesch. Fiji would go on to take a commanding 45-17 lead during the second half, before Canada again clawed their way back late.
But the Flying Fijians did enough in the end to book their spot in another PNC decider. They will take on the Brave Blossoms, who raced out to a 28-0 lead after just 16 minutes against the USA, before finishing with a 63-14 triumph.
“We’re thrilled we got the win, got back to our winning ways but there’s still a lot of things, opportunities we didn’t execute on today. Points were left out there. I don’t think it will be good enough come next week,” Fiji captain Tevita Ikanivere told RugbyPass post-game.
“We need to be better at that. I think we need to be more physical at the beginning of the game to stop the opposition from having a crack.”
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