mens
international
Fiji Rugby Union chief executive Koli Sewabu has explained how the newly announced Fiji Latui can strengthen pathways and provide valuable opportunities for players, with the team set to play two matches in Europe this month.
The Fiji Rugby Union has unveiled a 37-man Latui squad to face the Munster Selection page on November 14, before download Ireland And next week. As reported FBC News10 players from Fiji’s Skipper Cup are included.
Flying Fijians prop Mesaka Doge, who has been selected in the 2023 squad. Rugby World Cup in France, headlines Latui’s inaugural lineup. Doge started for the national team firmly against England and Scotland during July Nations Championship phase.
Sewabu hopes the Latui, who have replaced the Fijian Warriors as the new representative side sitting under the Flying Fijians, will be able to field players and coaches with experience against similar teams around the world.
“It’s an initiative that we believe will play an important role in the development of Fiji rugby in the future,” Fiji Rugby Union CEO Koli Sewabu said.
“For us, this is about much more than putting another Fijian rugby team on the field, whether it’s in Europe, the UK or other parts of the world. It’s about giving our players, our coaches and our officials more opportunities, building strong relationships overseas and ensuring that Fijian rugby is better placed to take advantage of the opportunities that exist in the international game.
“We all know what Fiji brings to the world of rugby. Over the years our players have earned respect around the world. We have produced some outstanding rugby talent and that continues today.”
“We have to be realistic that the professional game is changing, the rugby landscape is changing very quickly and the demands on our players are increasing, and the competition is getting stronger and stronger every year.
“If we want to keep up, more importantly, if we want to improve, we have to continue to find ways to develop our players, our coaches, and then give them the right exposure. That’s where Fiji Latui comes in.
“We want our national teams to consistently perform at the highest level and to achieve that we need to strengthen the pathways that prepare our players for international rugby. Latui gives us another opportunity to do that.”
“While we have Fijian Drua playing competitively in Super Rugby Pacific, having a Fijian team playing net senior representative teams from other nations, will allow our players to experience a different rugby environment, face new challenges and become more familiar with the standards expected in professional rugby.”
Fiji Latui national team
FORWARD
Tumanian Emotions
Sylvester Vakaulifa
Sesoni Tamani
To Ratu Osea Dasalusal
Joseph Baleiloa
John Muller
Mesaka Doge
Samuel Tawake
Kaliova Bulia
Penny Naruma
Peter Mailulu
Watson’s Waqanisabavi
Rt. Mary Lord
Isai Lotawa
Francis Peters
Absalom Cyrus
Moses Tabuakoto
Isoa Koroinawai
Joshua Thompson
Veres Ramototabu
BACKS
Cameron Clement
Leone Nawai
Iliesa Baravilala
Joel Baleilevuka
Naitivi Wama
Apete Narogo
Lilac Masiwini
Nasear’s jacket
He found Waidilo
Moses Naura
Penny Asi Dakuwaq
Semi Lagiwala
Kaminieli My Feelings
The New York Times
Josiah Ralulu
Rupeni Caucaunibuca Jnr
Setareki Tuicuvu
