14 Oct 2016

Sport: Three gold medallists named in Flying Fijians squad

10:57 am on 14 October 2016

Three Olympic gold medallists have been named in the Flying Fijians rugby squad to tour Europe next month.

Leone Nakarawa is an established member of the 15-a-side setup and has been joined by new caps Josua Tuisova and Vatemo Ravouvou, who were also a part of Fiji sevens success in Rio.

Olympic gold medallists Leone Nakarawa, Josua Tuisova and Vatemo Ravouvou have been named in the Flying Fijians team.

Olympic gold medallists Leone Nakarawa, Josua Tuisova and Vatemo Ravouvou have been named in the Flying Fijians team. Photo: AFP

Akapusi Qera reassumes the captaincy and is one of seven players who last featured at the 2015 World Cup, alongside Nemani Nadolo, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Manasa Saulo, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Nikola Matawalu and Asaeli Tikoirotuma.

Centre Albert Vulivuli has been recalled, having last represented Fiji five years ago, while prop Joeli Veitayaki is the other new cap in the team.

18 players have been retained from the squad that won the Pacific Nations Cup in June, while Tevita Cavubati, Levani Botia, Patrick Osborne and Alifereti Raka were not considered due to injury.

Fiji captain Akapusi Qera.

Fiji captain Akapusi Qera. Photo: AFP

The Flying Fijians open their tour against the Barbarians in Belfast before tests against England at Twickenham and Japan at Vannes in France.

Fiji squad:

Campese Ma'afu, Peni Ravai, Joeli Veitayaki, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Jale Sassen, Sunia Koto, Manasa Saulo, Leeroy Atalifo, Mesake Doge, Leone Nakarawa, Api Ratuniyarawa, Nemia Soqeta, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Naulia Dawai, Mosese Voka, Akapusi Qera ©, Eremasi Radrodro, Nikola Matawalu, Serupepeli Vularika, Nemia Kenatale, Ben Volavola, Vatemo Ravouvou, Albert Vulivuli, Waisea Nayacalevu, Vereniki Goneva, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Nemani Nadolo, Josua Tuisova, Kini Murimurivalu

Players on Standby:

Savenaca Tabakanalagi, Malakai Ravulo, Henry Seniloli, Seremaia Burotu, Benito Masilevu, Metuisela Talebula, Peceli Yato