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The Flying Fijians have named a 50-man training squad ahead of this summer’s Nations Championship
Former England and France internationals Nathan Hughes and Virimi Vakatawa have been named in Fiji’s extended squad ahead of this summer’s Nations Championship.
The Flying Fijians take on Wales, England and Scotland this summer as part of the first edition of World Rugby’s new competition. The clash with Wales, taking place at Cardiff City Stadium despite being a home game for Fiji, will begin both side’s campaign on July 4.
Acting head coach Senirusi Seruvakula, who replaced Mick Byrne earlier this year, has named a 50-man extended squad which will be whittled down to a 32-man travelling squad two weeks before the Wales match.
That squad could include former France wing Vakatawa and ex-England No. 8 Hughes – with both in line to switch allegiances after being included in the squad.
Vakatawa, who recently turned 34, won the last of his 32 caps for France in July 2022.
During his Test career with France, he scored 10 tries.
A return to the Test stage would also mark a remarkable turnaround for Vakatawa, after he was forced to leave French rugby in September 2022 due to a cardiac condition.
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After being cleared by an independent expert panel, he joined Bristol Bears in 2023 and has since played for the Fijian Drua.
Remarkably, he could his former side France on French soil later this year if selected, with Fiji facing them in the first of the November Nations Championship fixtures.
As for Hughes, the Racing 92 No. 8 last played for England in 2019 – playing 22 times.
“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,” Seruvakula said.
“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. All those areas that we look into before we choose the 50.”
Seruvakula added: “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.”
Flying Fijians extended squad:
Props: Eroni Mawi, Atunaisa Sokobale, Peni Ravai, Livai Natave, Haereiti Hetet, Luke Tagi, Tim Hoyt, Vilikesa Nairau, Mesake Doge
Hookers: Tevita Ikanivere, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Zuriel Togiatama, Sam Matavesi
Locks: Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Albert Tuisue, Temo Mayanavanua, Tevita Ratuva, Joseva Tamani
Flankers: Lekima Tagitagivalu, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Tuwai, Elia Canakaivata, Levani Botia, Kitione Salawa
No.8: Pita-Gus Sowakula, Peceli Yato and Nathan Hughes
Half-back: Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli, Sam Wye, Philip Baselala
Fly-half: Caleb Muntz, Isaia Armstrong-Ravula, Kemu Valetini
Outside Backs: Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selestino Ravutaumada, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Vinaya Habosi
Inside Backs: Josua Tuisova, Filimoni Botitu, Isikeli Rabitu, Virimi Vakatawa, Iosefo Masi, Semi Radradra, Seta Tamanivalu, Sireli Maqala
Fullback: Salesi Rayasi, Vuate Karawalevu
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