Flying Fijians

Seven changes for Fiji whose midfield combo is one not to be missed

Simon Raiwalui has now rung the alterations for their final Summer Nations Series match ahead of next month’s finals campaign which begins with their September 10 meeting with Wales in Bordeaux.

Three changes are in the backline with Ilaisa Droasese in for Sireli Maqala at full-back, Selesitino Ravutaumada on the right wing for Jiuta Wainiqolo and skipper Waisea Nayacalevu named at outside centre for Iosefo Masi.

Flying Fijians to work on mistakes

This comes after analysing their first warm-up match against France yesterday morning.

Fans were treated to an impressive performance by the French team as our national team suffered a 34-17 defeat.

Despite everything that went wrong, according to Raiwalui, the team’s on-field interaction was generally good.

Fijian Dragon slayers reunite

What makes their unexpected meet up special is the fact they were just an hour away from Nantes where they slayed the Welsh Dragons in their final pool match 26 years ago.

FBC Sports reports France based Jone Daunivucu shared some light moments with Serermaia Bai, Bill Gadolo and Graham Dewes who scored the winning try against Wales.

Dewes and Bai are assistant coaches for our Flying Fijians while Gadolo is the team manager.

Flying Fijians named for 2023 Rugby World Cup

The surprise inclusion is prop Jone Koroiduadua.

Ben Volavola has missed out along with Vilimoni Botitu, Seta Tamanivalu, Joseva Tamani and Meli Tuni.

     

Flying Fijians Kick off World Cup Journey with Exclusive Visit to FIJI Water Plant

Building on FIJI Water’s sponsorship of the FIJI Water Flying Fijians ahead of the upcoming Rugby World Cup, the company recently welcomed the national rugby team to its bottling plant for an exclusive tour and employee meet-and-greet.

In addition, the company provided free tickets to every one of its FIJI Water employees and paused operations so they could all attend the first test match against Tonga at Churchill Park in Lautoka with family and friends.

The match drew more than 600 employees to the stadium where FIJI Water banners were on display all around the pitch.

Yato leaves Flying Fijians camp

Coach Simon Raiwalui has confirmed that Yato removed himself from the camp earlier this week.

The Nadroga man trained with the team at the Sigatoka Sand Dunes last weekend and was part of their training session on Monday.

Raiwalui said Yato left the squad on his own accord.

‘He had great preparation and in the past weeks he was an outstanding leadership, leading the boys from and unfortunately there was a situation and he chose to leave the camp and I respect that.’

Flying Fijians names four debutants for Tonga clash

Caleb Muntz, Selestino Ravutaumada, Lekima Tagitagivalu and Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta have been included in Coach Simon Raiwalui’s matchday squad.

Out of the four, Cirikidaveta will come off the bench.

Veteran center Waisea Nayacalevu will captain the side and is expected to lead them at the Rugby World Cup as well.

Our front row includes Peni Ravai,Sam Matavesi and Mesake Doge.

Isoa Nasilasila and Temo Mayanavanua are the locks, Levani Botia as openside flanker with Tagitagivalu at blindside and Albert Tuisue packing down at number eight.

Flying Fijians Coach Simon Raiwalui impressed with Ikale Tonga

Raiwalui said it’s no secret that teams like Tonga and Samoa have solid forward packs and a fiery back line.

Responding to media in a zoom session yesterday the Flying Fijians coach reiterates they are preparing well for their opposition.

“They had a good week at the sand dunes it was a very comfortable session and we’ve working on a couple of things including our fitness.”

Raiwalui added they are anticipating a physical battle upfront, trusting that his players understand what they have to do.

Former Flying Fijians Graham Dewes excited for coaching opportunity

Dewes who scored the winning try against Wales in Nantes in 2007 never thought he’d have a coaching role for Fiji at this year’s World Cup.

His coaching journey started in 2007 with a former Flying Fijians fly-half.

The scrum coach said he looks forward to the new challenge.

“No, never my coaching journey started with a small conversation with Seremaia Bai back in 2007 when we finish, we wanted to learn how to coach so we could come back to Fiji and coach kids, the last few months have quite an exciting journey for me.”

Winger Vinaya Habosi back in Flying Fijians camp

Habosi left for France after spending two days with the team in Taveuni two weeks ago for a medical review.

However, he is still recovering from an injury and will miss the game this weekend.

This means there’re now 40 players in camp after Joseva Tamani joined the team last week.

Head coach Simon Raiwalui said all other players are available for selection for their Punjas Pacific Battle with Tonga on Saturday.

With the team set to be named on Thursday, excitement is building among supporters as the Fiji squad prepares for its first international match.