Fiji’s Jiuta Wainiqolo (L) runs the ball towards the try line during the rugby Test match between Fiji and Scotland at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on July 12, 2025.
Photo: AFP / Josua Buredua
Fiji and Tonga have named their national squads for international matches scheduled for July.
While there are a number of big names in both squads, including those who have impressed for the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific, there are others who have missed out because of injuries, family commitments or taking up new contracts.
At least two Moana Pasifika players – prop Feleti Taufo’ou and powerhouse number eight Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa – are believed to be unavailable because of New Zealand Rugby’s interest in them.
Fijian heritage player and former England number eight Nathan Hughes has missed out on final selection in the 32-men squad for the Nations Championship, although he was named in the initial 50-men squad.
Moana Pasifika is also without captain and France based Ben Tameifuna, who is injured, plus other experienced hands like former All Blacks Malakai Fekitoa and Charles Piutau.
Fiji will meet Wales on 4 July, England on 11 July and Scotland on 18 July.
Tonga’s Ikale Tahi are in the Pacific/America pool at the new World Rugby Nations Cup in July and November, alongside Samoa, Canada, USA, Chile and Uruguay.
They are scheduled to play against Pool B team Zimbabwe in their opening game on Sunday, 5 July.
Seruvakula happy
Interim Flying Fijians head coach Senirusi Seruvakula told reporters in Suva he is happy with the squad named.
He has picked a balance squad of experienced internationals and players who have been consistent for their clubs in the respective competitions across the globe.
“I have chosen a team of players that have experience and are playing some of the best rugby in their current clubs,” he told The Fiji Times.
“This is a tough campaign, but I am confident this group has the talent, the heart, and the discipline to represent Fiji with pride.”
The former Fiji Warriors, Fijian Drua and Fijiana coach said he is excited about taking the team to the first-ever Nations Championship.
“It’s a Tier 1 competition to go into, so I’m really excited to fly on the 24th and meet the players and start our campaign.”
Seruvakula and his coaching staff, which includes former Moana Pasifika head coach Aaron Mauger, have been keeping close tab on players’ performances across the different competitions they are playing in, and having regular communication with players.
Ten Fijian Drua players have made it into the 32-men squad, with former Drua captain Tevita Ikanivere, who plays in Japan now, named to lead the Flying Fijians.
Drua co-captains Frank Lomani and Temo Mayanavanua are joined by eight other players, including halfback Simione Kuruvoli and flyhalf Isaiah Washington-Ravula.
Notable inclusions include veterans Levani Botia, Peceli Yato, Tevita Ratuva, Josua Tuisova and Jiuta Wainiqolo, who play their rugby in France.
Japan-based Semi Radradra is also in the squad, along with top wingers Selestino Ravutaumada, Kalaveti Ravouvou and Vinaya Habosi, while former Hurricanes Salesi Rayasi is one of two specialist fullbacks alongside Vuate Karawalevu.
Flying Fijians: (Props) Eroni Mawi, Atunaisa Sokobale, Peni Ravai, Luke Tagi, Tim Hoyt; (Hookers) Tevita Ikanivere, Sam Matavesi, Zuriel Togiatama; (Locks) Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Tevita Ratuva; (Loosemen) Lekima Tagitagivalu, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Levani Botia, Pita-Gus Sowakula, Peceli Yato; (Halfbacks) Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli, Sam Wye; (Flyhalf) Caleb Muntz, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula; (Midfield) Josua Tuisova, Filimoni Botitu, Selestino Ravutaumada, Semi Radradra; (Outside backs) Jiuta Wainiqolo, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Vinaya Habosi, Salesi Rayasi; Vuate Karawalevu
Mixed squad
‘Ikale Tahi head coach Tevita Tuifua will miss some of his experienced players when they compete in the new Nations Cup series.
The list includes big prop Tameifuna, who has been impressive with Bordeaux in France, Vaea Fifita, Fekitoa, Piutau and Ngani Laumape.
But he has named a number of Moana Pasifika players in the squad.
That list includes the tested combination of veteran halfback Augustine Pulu, fullback William Havili and flyhalf Patrick Pellegrini.
Others include forwards Atu Moli, Paula Latu, Veikoso Poloniati, Semisi Paea and Jimmy Tupou.
Tuifua says a number of players are unavailable because of injury, club and family commitments but would be available for the November internationals.
“We have named a strong squad with players that are available,” he said.
“It will be a good opportunity to test these players and see how they go, off course with the 2027 Rugby World Cup being our main focus.
“The competition in July and November are crucial for us to use to test ourselves and hopefully we will be able to build some team cohesion and understanding.”
Former Wallaby Adam Coleman, veteran Sonatane Takulua, Auckland Blues Pita Ahki, England based Solomone Kata and Fine Inise, plus Hurricanes Taniela Filimone are all named in the squad as well.
The ‘Ikale Tahi will meet Zimbabwe on 5 July, Spain on 12 July and Portugal on 19 July in their pool matches.
‘Ikale Tahi: (Props) Phil Kite, Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Aru Moli, Fatongia Paea, Paula Latu; (Hookers) Sekope Lopeti-Moli, Sam Moli, Jay Fonokalafi; (Locks) Adam Coleman, Leva Fitita, Veikoso Poloniati, Semisi Paea; (Backrow) Lotu Inisi, Samu Tuitupou Junior, Jimmy Tupou, Otunuku Pauta; (Halfbacks) Sonatane Takulua, Augustine Pulu, Siaosi Nginingini; (Flyhalves) Patrick Pellegrini, William Havili; (Centres) Solomone Kata, Pita Ahki, Fetuli Paea, Fine Inisi; (Outside backs) Otumaka Mausia, Taniela Filimone, Anzelo Tuitavuki, Telusa Veaniu
