Fiji head coach Mick Byrne has issued a clear warning to upcoming opponents Australia and Scotland, promising a fierce challenge after unveiling a powerful 32-man squad for their July test matches. The lineup includes 15 European-based players, highlighting the depth and quality Fiji now possesses on the international stage.
The Flying Fijians will take on the Wallabies in Newcastle on July 6 in what will be Australia’s sole warm-up match ahead of their British & Irish Lions series. Fiji will then return home to host Scotland in Suva the following weekend.
“We’ve named the strongest squad available to us, and that’s really exciting,” Byrne said. “We’re looking forward to putting in a great performance against the Wallabies, then coming home to face Scotland. Both teams are elite tier-one nations, and we know the level we must reach. This squad shows the strength and depth we now have, and we’ll deliver a performance that makes all Fijians proud.”
Among the new faces is former New Zealand sevens star Salesi Rayasi, now playing for RC Vannes in France. Rayasi has switched his international allegiance to Fiji, following in the footsteps of his father Filipe, who earned 13 caps for the national team in the 1990s.
The squad includes 10 France-based players and five from English clubs, along with a strong domestic core of 13 players from the Fijian Drua Super Rugby team.
“We’ve selected based on combinations that give us tactical flexibility while staying true to the Fijian spirit,” Byrne added. “We’re aiming to win, but we also want to win playing our own unique brand of rugby.”
The Australian-born Byrne, who previously coached the Drua, noted that Fiji’s expected inclusion in World Rugby’s upcoming Nations Cup means the team must begin operating like a tier-one nation.
“We now have to step up as an organisation and as players. We are a tier-one country now, and we need to act accordingly,” he said.
Fiji’s 32-Man Squad:
Forwards:
Eroni Mawi, Luke Tagi, Haereiti Hetet, Mesake Doge, Peni Ravai, Tevita Ikanivere, Samuel Mativesi, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Setareki Turagacoke, Viliame Mata, Elia Canakaivata, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Albert Tuisue, Etonia Waqa, Motikai Murray.
Backs:
Simione Kuruvoli, Philip Baselala, Sam Wye, Caleb Muntz, Isaia Armstrong-Ravula, Vilimoni Botitu, Josua Tuisova, Iosefo Masikau Baleiwairiki, Sireli Maqala, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Ponipate Loganimasi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Salesi Rayasi.
