Fiji, Samoa and Tonga name squads for new World Rugby tournaments

Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga have revealed their match-day 23 squads for the upcoming weekend's new World Rugby competitions. The Flying Fijians are set to compete in the Nations Championship, while Manu Samoa and Tonga will participate in the Nations Cup.

Fiji's first match in the Nations Championship pits them against Wales. This competition marks Fiji's entry into a Tier One tournament outside the Rugby World Cup, featuring established teams like England, Italy, France, Scotland, Wales, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, alongside Japan.

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Every player selected has earned their place based on outstanding club form.

Meanwhile, Manu Samoa will face Hong Kong China, and Tonga is scheduled to play Zimbabwe in the Nations Cup. This tournament is designed to include teams from Asia and the Americas, broadening the scope of international rugby.

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Hoyt has been showing good times with his numbers during his game time in France provided him with that opportunity.

Fiji's head coach, Senirusi Seruvakula, has named a strong squad for their match against Wales, blending Super Rugby, Europe-based, and Japan-based players. Key figures include captain Tevita Ikanivere and veteran Semi Radradra. Ten Fiji Drua players are included, led by co-captains Frank Lomani and Temo Mayanavanua. The return of France-based loosie Peceli Yato, who missed the 2023 Rugby World Cup, is also a notable inclusion.

Seruvakula emphasized the team's blend of power and pace, signaling clear intent against Wales, who recently played the Barbarians. He stressed that selections are based on outstanding club form, highlighting prop Tim Hoyt's opportunity. The combination of Lomani and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula at halfback and flyhalf, respectively, is expected to control Fiji's game, supported by the midfield pairing of Josua Tuisova and Radradra, and speedy wingers Jiuta Wainiqolo and Selestino Ravutaumada. Salesi Rayasi will play fullback.

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The focus is on having a good start against Wales and getting a win to kick start their 2026 Nations Championship campaign.

Seruvakula stated the team's focus is on a strong start against Wales to kick off their Nations Championship campaign. In Cardiff, Wales' head coach Steve Tandy assured that there is "no hangover" from a recent match fee dispute that briefly threatened the team's participation. The issue was resolved shortly before the match.

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There is no hangover from the match fees dispute that blew up on the eve of Wales' Nations Championship opener against Fiji.