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Vodafone Flying Fijians Named for November Tour
The Fiji Rugby Union has today released the names of a strong Vodafone Flying Fijians team for the 2016 Europe Tour in November.
The team consists of both local and overseas based players and sees the inclusion of Olympic Gold Medallists, Josua Tuisova, Leone Nakarawa and Vatemo Ravouvou. Also included in the side are players that missed out on selection for the 2016 Pacific Nations Cup due to their rugby commitments but are now available for the November tour.
Vodafone Flying Fijians Coach, John McKee says that they are very pleased with the selection for a very challenging Test Series.
“I am very pleased that we have been able to announce a very strong team to represent Fiji for the November Test Series especially with the inclusion of local players who have put their hands for national selection. This Test series will be a challenging one and will provide the Vodafone Flying Fijians an opportunity for Fiji to build on their RWC performances against the No. 2 team in the world, England, and against Japan who performed so well in the RWC. Japan will be very motivated under new coach Jamie Joseph.”
He added that their first match against the Barbarians will be ideal match for their build up.
“Playing the Barbarians in the opening match gives us an ideal build up to the Test match challenges against England and Japan. We know the areas we need to improve on in our game and with the training camp in France followed by the preparation for the Barbarians Game we will have time to really focus in on the key areas vitally important for Test Match success along with tweaking our own unique Vodafone Flying Fijians game plan.”
FRU CEO, John O’Connor congratulated the team on their selection and reminded the team and the officials that the tour will be a challenge and ultimately the aim is to try and win all their matches.
“It is important to perform well on this tour as we build up to next year’s test matches against Australia, Scotland, Italy and also the qualification for the 2019 RWC.”
The Southern Hemisphere based players will depart Fiji with team Management on October 28th and will be joined by the Euro based players for a Camp in Blagnac, France in preparation for the Tour matches.
The team will travel to Belfast on weekend Nov 5-6 to prepare for the opening match.
Vodafone Flying Fijians November Tour Matches:
- Barbarians @ Belfast Nov 11th
- England @ Twickenham Nov 19
- Japan @ Vannes FR Nov 26
The Vodafone Flying Fijians selected are:
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.
Players not considered Due to Injury: Tevita Cavubati, Levani Botia, Patrick Osborne, Alifereti Raka.
Friday, 7 October, 2016 (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)
MEDIA RELEASE
Telecom Fiji Warriors Ready for first Match
The Telecom Fiji Warriors have been going through gruelling training sessions to prepare for the 2016 America’s Pacific Challenge which kicks off tomorrow in Uruguay.
Upon arrival into Uruguay, the Senirusi Seruvakula coached side, had a walk through session to get rid of the jet lag.
Throughout the week, the team has had two training sessions daily where they have concentrated on their game pattern, goal line defence and attack and breakdown.
Seruvakula says that he is happy with the preparations so far and that the boys have adapted well.
“The match fitness has improved from the first day we marched into camp and preparations
have been good so far. The team is injury free and they are adapting to the weather after recovering from the long flight from Fiji to Uruguay.”
He added that the USA Selects would be a tough opponent to encounter in their first match.
“We have watched a few games that the USA selects have played and we know that they will be well prepared to win their first game.”
“As there are many new players in the team, our main focus has been to try and familiarize the boys with each other on the field with the game pattern so that they understand more of what we are trying to achieve, which is to win the tournament.”
“This tournament will also expose these players to this level of competition which is a big step coming out of the Skipper Cup and HFC Bank Farebrother competitions.
His message to the fans and families back at home was to continue to support the players in their prayers.
FRU CEO, Mr John O’Connor wished the team well and reminded them that everyone back at home will be cheering for them and for them to come back home champions of the tournament.
The team selected to play USA Selects are:
Joeli Veitayaki, Seremaia Naureure, Mesake Doge, Rupeni Nasiga ©, Mesulame Kunavula, Nemani Nagusa, Vasikali Mudu, Eremasi Radrodro, Henry Seniloli, Alivereti Veitokani, Frederick Hickes, Eroni Vasiteri, Ifereimi Tovilevu, Apete Daveta, Lepani Raiyala
Reserves
Mosese Digo, Iliesa Leca, Kalivati Tawake, Sakiusa Nadruku, Esikia Macu, Sakiusa Gavidi, Ilimeleki Leiloma, Sitiveni Kunaga
Vodafone Fiji 7s Squad Named for Olympics Preparations
Vodafone Fiji 7s Coach Ben Ryan, has named the extended squad that will march into camp to prepare for the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
The team marches into camp at the Uprising Beach Resort in Pacific Harbour on Monday, 13 June and includes both local and overseas based players that have represented Fiji in the 2015/2016 HSBC World 7s Series.
Coach Ben Ryan will in the coming weeks, face the daunting task of selecting the best 13 to represent Fiji in Rio.
The selected players are:
Alivereti Veitokani, Amenoni Nasilasila, Apisai Domolailai, Emosi Mulevoro, Isake Katonibau, Jarryd Haynes, Jasa Veremalua, Josua Tuisova, Josua Vici, Kitione Dawai, Leone Nakarawa, Masivesi Dakuwaqa, Nemani Nagusa, Osea Kolinisau, Pio Tuwai, Samisoni Viriviri, Savenaca Rawaca, Semi Kunatani, Seremaia Tuwai, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Vatemo Ravouvou, Viliame Mata, Waisea Nayacalevu
