mens
international
Ex England Back-rower Nathan Hughes could return to the Test arena in another nation’s colors in the coming weeks, named among four potential debutants in the Flying Fijians squad for November’s Nations Championship.
New Fiji coach Jake White got off to a winning start for the Pacific Island nation, who beat Eddie Jones by six points Japan earlier this month. Ben Volavola kicked two late penalties as the Flying Fijians got a result in the Japan Centennial Test.
As the Flying Fijians now look to build on the winning momentum under White, the coach has selected a formidable squad for matches against France, Ireland, Italy and another against an opponent to be determined in the finals weekend.
Hughes last played for England on 16 March 2019 in a memorable 38-a-side draw with Scotland at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham. The number 8 is now in his second season with the French Top 14 giants Race 92 and started the season with two tries in as many matches.
Peniami Narisia and Marika Parker are the other potential debutants listed in the forwards, while Setareki Bituniyata is the only uncapped back. It’s a team that boasts a wealth of experience around the world, with some familiar faces returning.
Salesi Rayasi and Ponipate Loganimasi return to the mix after missing out on Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup and the Japan Centennial Test. The same can be said for experienced centers Josua Tuisov and Iosefo Masi.
Volavola ended a three-year wait to play Test rugby last weekend, twice Rugby World Cup the representative is retained in the team. Caleb Muntz is back for the first time since PNC, but Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula was not named.
Penny Ravai and Tevita Ikanivere bring a wealth of experience to the front row, while Isoa Nasilasila and Mesake Vocevoce also add invaluable skills. Former All Black Pita-Gus Sowakula is one of the loose forwards, along with Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata and Hughes.
Flying Fijians team for the November Nations Championship
FORWARD
Eroni Mawi
Ben Ravai
Luke Tag
Inoke Ravuiwasa
Avoid Ikanivere
Zuriel Togiatama
Peniami Narisia*
Vilikesa Nairau
Marika Parker*
Isoa Nasilasila
Setareki Turagacoke
Mesake Vocevoce
Pita-Gus Sowakula
Tagatiga Pain Remedies
Nathan Hughes*
Kitione Salawa
Peceli Yato
joseva tamani
Elia Canakaivata
BACKS
Frank Roman
Simione Kuruvoli
Terio Tamani
Caleb Muntz
Vilimoni Botito
Ben Volavola
Setareki Bituniyata*
Vinaya Habosi
Josua Tuisov
Master of Cereals
Joseph Massey
Sickle Rabitu
Call yourself Wainiqolo
Celestino Ravutaumada
Salesi Rayas
Ponipat Loganimasi
*Denotes uncapped player
