FLYING Fijians head coach John McKee has included eight local players for the upcoming Pacific Test Series incorporating the Maori All Blacks and Pacific Nations Cup prior to selecting his squad for the Rugby World Cup in Japan later this year.
Local players Eroni Mawi, Luke Tagi, Joeli Veitayaki, Mesulame Dolokoto, Tuvere Veremalua, Johnny Dyer, Mosese Voka, Frank Lomani and Serupepeli Vularika have all made the cut.
McKee said these players have been in their best form playing for their provincial clubs in Skipper Cup, Fiji Airways Fijian Drua and in the Swire Shipping Fijian Latui team.
“In the last two years we have seen improvement of the level of the local players and I think that’s mainly testament to the Fiji Airways Fijian Drua and the new Swire Shipping Fijian Latui squad. I also think our Under-20s and academy programs have gotten stronger,” McKee said.
McKee said he is happy that all the players have declared their availability and are injury free heading into the camp on the 1st of July here in Suva.
Fiji Airways Flying Fijians kick off their campaign against Maori All Blacks on the 13th of July at ANZ Stadium.
They then play a return match in Rotorua on the 20th before preparing for the PNC.
FLYING FIJIANS JULY SQUAD:
Selected for NZ Maori & Pacific Nations Cup.
Props:
Leeroy Atilifo, Campese Ma’afu, Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Manasa Saulo, Luke Tagi, Kalivati Tawake, Joeli Veitayaki
Hookers:
Mesulame Dolokoto, Samuel Matavesi, Tuvere Vugakoto
Locks:
Tevita Cavubati, Leone Nakarawa, Api Ratuniyarawa, Tevita Ratuva, Albert Tuisue
Backrow:
Johnny Dyer, Semi Kunatani, Viliame Mata, Nemani Nagusa, Mosese Voka, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Peceli Yato
Halfbacks:
Frank Lomani, Nikola Matawalu, Henri Senioli, Serupepeli Vularika
Flyhalves:
Ben Volavola, Alivereti Veitokani
Centres:
Levani Botia, Sevanaia Galala, Semi Radradra, Jale Vatubua,
Utility Back
Josh Matavesi
Wingers: Vereniki Goneva, Filipo Nakosi, Waisea Nayacalevu, Patrick Osbourne, Eroni Sau, Josua Tuisova
Fullbacks:
Kini Murimurivalu, Seta Tuicuvu