Scotland's Nations Championship opponents name squad - including former France and England internationals
The Flying Fijians have called up 50 players ahead of July’s matches - which includes a trip to Murrayfield
Fiji have named an extended 50-player squad for their Nations Championship fixtures in July which includes a trip to Murrayfield.
The Flying Fijians also faces Wales a the Principality Stadium and England at the Hill Dickson Stadium, home of Everton Football Club, in Liverpool. They then head to Edinburgh on Saturday 18 for their meeting with Scotland.
Gregor Townsend’s side first face away matches to Argentina and South Africa in the opening rounds of the inaugural international competition. They then return to the competition in November as Japan, Australia and the All Blacks travel to Edinburgh.
Fiji name extended squad including former France winger and ex England forward
There are some notable inclusions in the Fiji squad for the summer matches including former France winger Virimi Vakatawa. The New Zealand born ex Racing 92 and Bristol Bears man signed for Fiji Drura earlier this year having spent most of 2025 training with them.
Vakatawa earned 31 caps for Les Bleus between 2016 and 2022. He scored ten tries, with the last of those coming against Scotland at Murrayfield in the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup.
The 34-year old is eligible to play for Fiji having grown up on the island, making him a Fijian citizen. He is also not the only player in this latest squad to switch international allegiances.
Former England back-rower Nathan Hughes has been called up to represent the country of his birth. The ex-Wasps man, who also played for Bristol Bears and Racing 92 like Vakatawa, earned 22 caps between 2016 and 2019 and his last appearance came against Scotland at Twickenham in the Six Nations.
Speaking on the squad announcement, acting Fiji head coach Senirusi Seruvakula said: “We’ve been having regular meetings, myself and the coaching staff, and also the lead Strength and Conditioning Coach, David Silvester, and my medical team.
“We have meetings looking at all the players, their time in their clubs, how many minutes they’ve been playing, and if there are any injuries that need to be identified.
“While this is an extended squad, all players that confirm their availability for July will be monitored before we announce the final 32-man travel squad for the tournament.”
Here is the extended 50-man Flying Fijians squad named for their July Nations Championship testes:
Forwards: Eroni Mawi, Atunaisa Sokobale, Peni Ravai, Livai Natave, Haereiti Hetet, Luke Tagi, Tim Hoyt, Vilikesa Nairau, Mesake Doge, Tevita Ikanivere, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Zuriel Togiatama, Sam Matavesi, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Albert Tuisue, Temo Mayanavanua, Tevita Ratuva, Joseva Tamani, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Tuwai, Elia Canakaivata, Levani Botia, Kitione Salawa, Pita-Gus Sowakula, Peceli Yato and Nathan Hughes. Backs: Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli, Sam Wye, Philip Baselala, Caleb Muntz, Isaia Armstrong-Ravula, Kemu Valetini, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selestino Ravutaumada, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Vinaya Habosi, Josua Tuisova, Filimoni Botitu, Isikeli Rabitu, Virimi Vakatawa, Iosefo Masi, Semi Radradra, Seta Tamanivalu, Sireli Maqala, Salesi Rayasi, Vuate Karawalevu.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.