USA-based Scion Rugby Club player Asinate Serevi and GPS Rugby Club utility Anna Nasalo are expected to strengthen the forward pack while Canberra-based Brumbies player Talei Wilson and rugby league convert Luisa Yaranamua from West Habour Rugby club will provide more firepower in the back for the Fijiana 15s side in their upcoming test matches.
Rooster Chicken Fijiana 15’s Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula has named an exciting 32-member extended squad preparing for the test matches against Japan on the 1st of May and Wallaroos a week after on Saturday the 7th.
Seruvakula has named four new overseas-based players in his squad as they now move their focus to build the combination for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand later in the year.
Seruvakula said “These players were always on my radar and I have always been in contact with them throughout the season.”
Asinate is the daughter of Fijian 7s legend Waisele Serevi and while Anna Nasalo was part of the Fijiana 7s side in 2018.
He added “They are not new to the system but still need to prove themselves if they want a spot in the team to the World Cup.”
Luisa and Talei Wilson have been doing well for their clubs and could add more firepower to our exciting back-line.
Seruvakula has retained his core players from the Fijiana Drua who will play a vital role in the test matches.
Out of these players, only 11 have played test level for Fijiana over the past few years against Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea and Hong Kong.
Seruvakula said “The two test matches are a boost to their preparation for Rugby World Cup as we will be able to blend the right mixture and get to build a better combination.”
“We were back on the field from Monday and have worked out our set pieces and areas that need improvement ahead of the match against Japan.
Test games are different to the matches we played in the Super W and we will give our best short in trying to maintain an improved performance against the two tough opponents” said Seruvakula.
Rooster Chicken Fijiana 15’s takes on Japan at 5pm FJT at Robina Stadium in Gold Coast on Sunday and then face Wallaroos on the following Saturday.
FRU is pleased to announce that Rooster Chicken has extended its support towards women’s rugby and has come on board to sponsor the Fijiana 15’s for the historic two-test match against Japan and Wallaroos in Australia.
FRU Chief Executive John O’Connor said they would like to extend their gratitude to the management and staff of Rooster Chicken for their continuous belief in women’s rugby.
“We would like to say a big Vinaka Vakalevu to Rooster Chicken for their support in assisting the Fijiana Drua to win the Super W Championship title last weekend in Melbourne and then accepting our offer to assist the Fijiana 15’s during the two important test matches.”
With the announcement of the sponsorship, we request all media to refer to Fijiana 15s as “Rooster Chicken Fijiana 15’s” said O’Connor.
Squad Summary
Total Test Caps: 40
Uncapped players: 21
Most capped: Rusila Tamoi {7 caps}
Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua Extended Squad
Forwards
- Joma Rubuti
- Vika Matarugu
- Karalaini Naisewa
- Jade Coates
- Doreen Narokete
- Sereima Leweniqila
- Ema Adivitaloga
- Bitila Tawake
- Keleni Marawa
- Mereoni Vonosese
- Jiowana Sauto
- Akosita Ravato
- Merevesi Ofakimalino
- Sera Ravatudei
- Adi Unaisi Biau
- Anna Nasalo
- Asinate Serevi
- Ema Masi
Backs
19.Rusila Tamoi
20.Merewalesi Rokouono
21.Vitalina Naikore
22.Vani Arei
23.Kolora Lomani
24.Roela Radiniyavuni
25.Rejieli Uluinayau
26.Timaima Ravisa
27.Raijieli Laqeretabua
28.Temalesi Sigarara
29.Luisa Yaranamua
30.Talei Wilson
31Younis Bese
32.Teresia Tinanivalu
Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua Test Match Record
14-04-2006 Fijiana 15-27 Samoa
18-04-2006 Fijiana 52-5 Tonga
05-11-2016 Fijiana 37-10 PNG
09-12-2016 Fijiana 7-45 Hong Kong
13-12-2016 Fijiana 0-55 Japan
16-11-2018 Fijiana 53-8 Tonga
20-11-2018 Fijiana 96-0 PNG
24-11-2018 Fijiana 43-12 Samoa
24-05-2019 Fiji 10-29 Hong Kong
01-06-2019 Fiji 12-15 Samoa
22-11-2019 Fijiana 26-7 Samoa
30-11-2019 Fijiana 41-13 Samoa
