Ex-All Black in Fiji team
THE changes made by World Rugby on its player eligibility rule has worked in favour of former All Black and Crusaders player Setareki Tamanivalu who headlines a Flying Fijians 34-member squad to prepare for the Pacific Nations Cup in Suva and Lautoka next month.
Fiji head coach Vern Cotter yesterday announced his squad which includes 10 debutants and is without star centre Semi Radradra because of injury.
Tamanivalu played five tests for New Zealand in 2016 and 2017 and under previous regulations would not have been allowed to play for another country. But rules which came into force in January allow a player who has played for one country to represent another after a three-year stand-down from international rugby.
The rule change was aimed particularly at players from the Pacific islands who have played mostly for Tier One nations such as New Zealand, Australia or England, and who wish later to represent the nation of their birth or heritage.
Tamanivalu also played 33 Super Rugby matches for the Christchurch-based Crusaders and more recently has played for clubs in France and Japan.
Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor said Tamanivalu’s inclusion would bolster the midfield in the absence of Radradra.
“Semi is on a long-term injury recovery which opened the door
for Seta to join the squad,” he said.
“He will add experience and depth in the midfield especially with the inclusion of two young and exciting players, (Kalaveti) Ravouvou and (Apisalome) Vota. We think his inclusion will help develop these players into worldclass players.”
The squad also features 16 Swire Shipping Fijian Drua players after an exciting first season in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
The team will march into camp in Nadi on June 20 before their first match against Tonga on July 2 at the ANZ Stadium in Laucala Bay, Suva.
Players not considered for selection because of injury and rehabilitation are Radradra, Peceli Yato, Viliame Mata, Meli Derenalagi, Kitione Salawa, Vilive Miramira, Samu Tawake and Peni Ravai.
The World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup will be played over three weekends in July.
Forwards: Haereiti Hetet, Eroni Mawi, Sam Matavesi, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesulame Dolokoto, Luke Tagi, Mesake Doge, Manasa Saulo, Tevita Ratuva, Temo Mayanavanua, Isoa Nasilasila, Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Albert Tuisue, Mesulame Kunavula, Levani Botia, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Rusiate Nasove.
Backs: Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli, Peni Matawalu, Ben Volavola, Teti Tela, Setareki Tamanivalu, Vilimoni Botitu, Apisalome Vota, Waisea Nayacalevu, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Jiuta Wainoqolo, Josua Tuisova, Vinaya Habosi, Manasa Mataele, Setareki Tuicuvu, Ilaisa Droasese.