28 Apr 2016

Sport: Flying Fijians extended squad named

12:44 pm on 28 April 2016

Fiji have named an extended 53-man squad for the upcoming June rugby internationals.

Sevens stars Savenaca Rawaca and Saminsoni Viriviri are in the mix while Crusaders winger Jone Macilai has been included in the national squad alongside his Super Rugby teammates Nemani Nadolo and Ben Volavola.

Josh Matavesi, Levani Botia and Sakiusa Matadigo are the only players from last year's Rugby World Cup squad not to be included, while 37 year old midfielder Seremaia Bai has made the cut.

Sevens stars Samisoni Viriviri and Savenaca Rawaca are among 53 names in the extended Flying Fijians squad

Sevens stars Samisoni Viriviri and Savenaca Rawaca are among 53 names in the extended Flying Fijians squad Photo: PHOTOSPORT / World Rugby

Flying Fijians coach John McKee said the wider squad was selected based on form shown across the various professional competitions in Europe and Super Rugby, as well as the performances for the Fiji Warriors in the Pacific Rugby Challenge.

"The June Tests will be a very important and challenging Test Series for us" Mckee said.

Fiji rugby coach John McKee.

Fiji rugby coach John McKee. Photo: AFP

Fiji will play tests against Tonga and Samoa in the Pacific Nations Cup, which double as World Cup qualifiers, as well as a one-off test against Georgia.

The squad will be trimmed to 28 players in mid-May and John McKee said players may be added to this extended squad at any time."

Flying Fijians extended squad:

Leeroy Atalifo

Isei Colati

Mesake Doge

Taniela Koroi

Campese Ma'afu

Peni Ravai

Manasa Saulo

Joeli Veitayaki

Sunia Koto

Jale Sassen

Tuapati Talemaitoga

Vili Veikoso

Tevita Cavuati

Sikeli Nabou

Leone Nakarawa

Api Ratuniyarawa

Savenaca Tabakanalagi

Mataiasi Ucutabua

Naulia Dawai

Johnny Dyer

Akapusi Qera

Eremasi Radrodro

Malakai Ravulo

Nemia Soqeta

Netani Talei

Dominiko Waqaniburotu

Peceli Yato

Nemia Kenatale

Nikola Matawalu

Henry Seniloli

Serupepeli Vularika

Seremaia Bai

Sevanaia Galala

Gabby Lovobalavu

Eroni Vasiteri

Albert Vulivuli

Ben Volavola

Vereniki Goneva

Jone Macilai

Benito Masilevu

Kini Murimurivalu

Nemani Nadolo

Waisea Nayacalevu

Timoci Nagusa

Alifereti Raka

Savenaca Rawaca

John Stewart

Metuisela Talebula

Asaeli Tikoirotuma

Joshua Tuisova

Samisoni Viriviri

Watisoni Votu

Nacani Wakaya