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Ex All black people center Seta Tamanivalu has been called up to the Flying Fijians squad ahead of Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup Final 2026, with Fiji Rugby confirms on Tuesday that Kalaveti Ravouvou has been ruled out through injury.
Tamanivalu made his Flying Fijians debut against Tonga 2022, before also appearing in games against Australia And in Samoa. However, the midfielder did not play international rugby for another three years after that, before returning during the 2025 edition of the PNC.
Fiji continued their run towards another title with crucial wins over Tonga, Samoa and Canada, before taking over Japan in deciding. Tamanivalu featured in the first three matches, scoring two tries, but was ruled out of the match against Brave Blossoms.
The Flying Fijians claimed the silverware with a six-point win over the Brave Blossoms in Utah, and the two sides are set to clash again this weekend in Tokyo. Both Fiji and Japan defeated North American opposition in the semifinal doubleheader in Osaka.
Ravouvou was replaced in the 55th minute of the 45-29 win over the Canadians when Tuidraki Samusamuvodre came on. The number 12 will no longer take part in the competition, as confirmed by Fiji Rugby in a social media update.
Tamanivalu brings a lot of experience to the Fiji team, having played club rugby New Zealand for Taranaki, the Bosses and won two Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders. In 2018, Tamanivalu joined French club Bordeaux and later moved to Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo.
“Update from FIJI Water Flying Fijians,” the post read.
“Kalaveti Ravouvou is ruled out due to injury and will be replaced by Seta Tamanivalu.
“I wish Ravouvou a quick and easy recovery, and all the best to Seth as he joins the team.”
Fiji couldn’t have got off to a much better start to another PNC title defence, with Kitione Salawa scoring the first try of the match after just 21 seconds. Salawa tried to clear the ball before regrouping and bringing the ball down inside the right touchline.
Frank Lomani was previously the next to strike Canada he returned the favor with Mason Flesch. Fiji went on to lead 45-17 during the second half, before Canada again made a late comeback.
But the Flying Fijians eventually did enough to book their place in another PNC decider. They will take on the Brave Blossoms, who jumped out to a 28-0 lead after just 16 minutes against the USA before finishing with a 63-14 triumph.
“We’re delighted to get the win, we’re back to winning ways, but there’s still a lot of things, chances we didn’t take today. The points were dropped. I don’t think it’s going to be good enough next week,” Fiji captain Tevita Ikanivere said. RugbyPass after the game.
“We have to be better at that. I think we have to be more physical at the beginning of the game to prevent the opponent from getting a shot.”
