Tabuavou is among the 13 overseas-based players and 20 Fijian Drua reps in the squad.
Flying Fijians (left-right) Temo Mayanavanua, Samu Tawake, Teti Tela, Selestino Ravutaumada, Waisea Nayacalevu (captain),
Sam Matavesi, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Semi Radradra, Peni Ravai and Luke Tagi after the 17-12 win over Georgia in Stade de
Bordeaux, France, on October 1, 2023. Photo: World Rugby
Wily Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has started work by building depth in the centre positions as they gear towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Byrne yesterday named 21-year-old Inia Tabuavou in the Flying Fijians’ 33-member squad for the upcoming Test matches.
Tabuavou, a former Natabua High School student in Lautoka is dubbed ‘The Fijian Terminator’ and plays for Racing 92 in the French Top 14 competition.
“He (Tabuavou) is a good young player, a good strong running player,” Byrne said.
Racing 92 centre Inia Tabuavou has been named in the Flying Fijians extended squad.
“They have been playing him a little bit at 13. I think he can also move on in 12. He’s got good distribution skills. He’s a tough runner. I’m looking forward to working with him and getting him connected with Wise (Nayacalevu) and having an opportunity to learn from some of those more experienced players.”
Tabuavou is among the 13 overseas-based players and 20 Fijian Drua reps in the squad.
Getting a recall to national duties is fiery Clermont backrower Peceli Yato.
Making their international debuts are Drua flanker Elia Canakaivata, first-five-eighth Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, lanky lock Mesake Vocevoce, Kitione Salawa and Meli Tuni. Also making a comeback from injury is first- five eighth Caleb Muntz.
Dropped
Byrne also confirmed that La Rochelle star flanker Levani Botia, Josua Tuisova, Vinaya Habosi have not been included due to injuries and personal leave for family respectively.
“After the World Cup, they have gone straight into club competition. They’re just reconnecting with their young families in this window and then we can get them back on board after this campaign,” he said.
“They’ve fully committed to the Flying Fijians, they’re massively disappointed but we’ve chatted about it. For us, it is families that are important and comes first. These decisions will respect that.”
Also, not making the squad is Drua captain Meli Derenalagi, prop Emosi Tuqiri and lock Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta,
Fitness level
He added that the Flying Fijians need to set the intensity high on their fitness level. Byrne said that fitness needs to be across the board.
“They are creating great game speeds, world-class that was very impressive. So it’s more across the board as a team. We need to be competing on that stage. That’s our target.”
Byrne reiterated that it is crucial to build a team that has a high fitness in the park.
“Once we do that, we can showcase our talents. A lot of that is going to come down to our ability to play 80 strong minutes of fast physical rugby.”
Byrne added that the squad would meet in London on June 29.
The Flying Fijians will face the Barbarians on June 22 in Twickenham, England. They will then play Georgia on July 5 before they take on the All Blacks on July 20 in San Diego, USA.
Flying Fijians squad:
Eroni Mawi, Sam Matavesi, Luke Tagi, Peni Ravai, Meli Tuni, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua, Kitione Salawa, Viliame Mata, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Leone Rotuisolia, Albert Tuisue, Elia Canakaivata, Peceli Yato, Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Simione Kuruvoli, Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Vilimoni Botitu, Waisea Nayacalevu (C), Semi Radraradra, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese, Iosefo Masi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Sireli Maqala, Jiuta Wainiqolo, and Inia Tabuavou.
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