Fiji are RWC ready as they announce 33-Man Sqaud

Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui named his squad Tuesday for next month's Rugby World Cup, but warned his in-form side they would face a big test of their credentials in warm-up matches against France and England.

The high-flying Fijians brushed aside Japan 35-12 in Tokyo at the weekend for a third straight test victory, after seeing off Tonga and Samoa in previous weeks.

The run has seen them move back into World Rugby's top 10 rankings for the first time since 2019.

Waisea Nayacalevu will captain the Flying Fijians at the Rugby World Cup while Jone Koroiduadua is the only uncapped player named in the team.

Nayacalevu, Levani Botia, and Peni Ravai will be going for their third World Cup. Six players will be going for their second World Cup while 24 players will feature for the first time.

Coach Raiwalui congratulated the 33 players who have been selected.

“We have had a good journey for the last five weeks starting from Taveuni. I couldn’t be more proud of the players and the input they had in all our three test matches against Tonga, Samoa and Japan.”

These players have a huge challenge up their sleeves now. The first task is against France and then England before the Rugby World Cup games.

The 33-member squad is as follows {with Age, Club and Test Caps}

Props

Eroni Mawi {27, Saracens, 23}

Peni Ravai {33, Queensland Reds, 39}

Jone Koroiduadua {24, Fijian Drua, 0}

Mesake Doge {30, Fijian Drua, 9}

Luke Tagi {26, Provence Rugby, 7}

Samu Tawake {26, Fijian Drua, 2}

Hookers

Tevita Ikanivere {23, Fijian Drua, 7}

Sam Matavesi {31, Northampton Saints, 24}

Zuriel Togiatama {24, Fijian Drua, 2}

Locks

Isoa Nasilasila {23, Fijian Drua, 5}

Temo Mayanavanua {25, Northampton Saints, 9}

Locks/Second Row

Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta {25, Fijian Drua, 3}

Albert Tuisue {30, Gloucester Rugby, 17}

Lekima Tagitagivalu {27, Section Paloise Bearn Pyrenees, 2}

Loose Forwards

Levani Botia {34, La Rochelle, 23}

Vilive Miramira {24, Fijian Drua, 1}

Meli Derenalagi {24, Fijian Drua, 2}

Viliame Mata {31, Edinburgh, 24}

Halfback

Frank Lomani {27, Fijian Drua, 24}

Peni Matawalu {26, Fijian Drua, 5}

Halfback/Flyhalf

Simione Kuruvoli {24, Fijian Drua, 5}

Flyhalf

Caleb Muntz {23, Fijian Drua, 2}

Flyhalf/Center

Teti Tela {32, Fijian Drua, 5}

Inside/Wing

Josua Tuisova {29, Racing 92, 19}

Inside/Outside/Wing

Semi Radradra {31, Bristol Bears, 13}

Outside/Wing

Waisea Nayacalevu {33, Toulon, 38}

Iosefo Masi {25, Fijian Drua, 1}

Wing/Fullback

Selesitino Ravutaumada {23, Fijian Drua, 3}

Wing

Vinaya Habosi {23, Racing 92, 4}

Jiuta Wainiqolo {24, Toulon, 6}

Wing/Inside/Outside

Kalaveti Ravouvou {25, Fijian Drua, 4}

Fullback/Outside

Sireli Maqala {23, Bayonne, 3}

Ilaisa Droasese {23, Fijian Drua, 2}