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TOKYO: 18 of 23 Flying Fijians selected for Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup Final currently plays club rugby for Fijian Dru. Incredibly, some of the club’s all-time greats are among the five others named for the fight Japan at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium.
Fiji Captain Tevita Ikanivere will lead the national team into another decider in the Pacific Cup of Nations as they look to secure the trophy. Ikanivere is no longer a part Fijian Drua detachment, after moving to Japan Rugby League One Mia Honda Heat outfit.
Elia Canakaivata is one of the all-time greats in Drewry history, but in February it was announced that the latest player had signed for the English side Sale Sharks. Caleb Muntz is another former Drue player in the Flying Fijians’ 23rd cap, now with French side Provence.
Drua shared a graphic on social media that highlights how many crew members are set to suit up in the PNC Finals. Six of the eight forwards, six of the seven defenders and another six players on the bench are all involved Super Rugby Pacific side.
Penny Ravai enjoyed the fights in Queensland Red before moving to Drua ahead of the 2025 season. Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua and Kitione Salawa are the other representatives of Drua in the national team.
Open winger Motikiai Murray is another, with the loose forward looking to build on the man-of-the-match performance against Canada last weekend. Murray scored twice as Fiji beat the Canadians 45-29 in Osaka.
In the backs, Frank Lomani will link up with Drew Old Boy Muntz in the halves. Manasa Mataele, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Virimi Vakatawa, Joji Nasova and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula round out the back-to-back side – all 15 either currently play for Drua or have played in the past.
It’s a similar story on the bench, with potential Flying Fijian debutants Vilikesa Nairau and Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens the only two non-Drua players. 91 percent of the players on the final team spent time with Drew, which highlights how strong that path is.
Fiji have won the last two PNC titles, including the final in Japan two years ago, beating Japan on both occasions. But as captain Ikanivere insisted on Friday after the team’s captain’s run, the Flying Fijians have their sights set on more silverware.
“Our goal is clear, we are here to win,” Ikanivere told reporters after training in Tokyo.
“We prepared, we did everything we could during this week to prepare well.”
Interim Fiji coach Senirusi Seruvakula added: “The game is very important for us… we, like the Japanese team, want to win and also encourage the players we have – they want to show their talents so they can be considered for the upcoming Nations (championship) in November.”
Flying Fijians for PNC 2026 finals
Current Fiji currency:
Ben Ravai
Mesaka Doge
Mesake Vocevoce
The theme of Mayanavanu
Kitione Salawa
Motikiai Murray
Frank Roman
Manasa Matala
Tuidraki of Samusamuvodra
Virimi Wakatawa
Joji Nasova
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
Kavaia Tagivetau
Samuel Tawake
Big Tuwai
Like Cakobau
Sam Wye
Rabita srp
Former Fijian Drua:
Avoid Ikanivere
Elia Canakaivata
Caleb Muntz
Without Drew difference:
Vilikesa Nairau
Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens