Fiji Rugby Union announces revamped 50-man provisional squad for 2011 Rugby World Cup Campaign
Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has announced a revamped 50-man provisional squad for their 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) on Thursday, June 18.
Earlier this month Fiji’s national rugby union team's, also known as the Flying Fijians, head coach Sam Domoni announced a 43-man provisional squad for their 2011 RWC preparations.
Later, Fijian international Isa Nacewa and Jones Qovu withdrew from Fiji’s World Cup campaign due to their personal family commitments. Furthermore, Fijian international Sireli Bobo and Joshua Matavesi also withdrew from Fiji’s World Cup squad citing personal commitments and club preferences as their reasons for omission from the 2011 RWC squad respectively.
The players are replaced by the addition of 10 players in the overall squad. The ten players include four local players which now makes it seventeen native players on the team.
FRU has recently been surrounded by off-field controversies. One such issue is with the New Zealand government, who has categorically denied any actions to remove or relax the travelling sanctions imposed on any player that’s in contact with the Fiji’s Military. New Zealand imposed the travel bans after the Military coupe on the Island.
The four new local players named in the squad on Thursday include Kelemedi Bola, Rupeni Nasiga, Manasa Saulo, and Leone Nakarawa.
The overseas players added into the squad include Asaeli Boko from Sale Sharks, Iliesa Keresoni, Josefa Domolailai, Saracens duo of Kameli Ratuvou and Michael Tagicakibau and Timoci Matanavou.
Timoci Matanavou is the most notable of the players added in the squad. He is signed by the French Top 14 side Toulouse for the next season and will play alongside Vilimoni Delasau and Rupeni Caucau.
Additionally, after the resignation of Keni Dakuidreketi as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), FRU has appointed the former Fijian international Pio Tikoisuva as the acting CEO.
The updated 50-man fly Fijians squad includes,
1. Adriu Delai, 2. Akapusi Qera, 3. Albert Vulivuli, 4. Apisalome Waqatabu, 5. Asaeli Boko, 6. Campese Ma'afu, 7. Deacon Manu, 8. Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 9. Gaby Lovobalavu, 10. Graham Dewes, 11. Ifereimi Rawaqa, 12. Iliesa Keresoni, 13. Ilikena Bolakoro, 14. Jimilai Naikadawa, 15. Josefa Domolailai, 16. Kameli Ratuvou, 17. Kelemedi Bola, 18. Kini Murimurivalu, 19. Leone Nakarawa, 20. Malakai Ravulo, 21. Manasa Saulo, 22. Michael Tagicakibau, 23. Naipolioni Nalaga, 24. Nemia Kenatale, 25. Netani Talei, 26. Nicky Little, 27. Penijamini Makutu, 28. Ratu Wame Lewaravu, 29. Ravai Fatiaki, 30. Rupeni Nasiga, 31. Sakiusa Matadigo, 32. Samu Bola, 33. Seko Kalou, 34. Seremaia Bai, 35. Seru Rabeni, 36. Setefano Somoca, 37. Sireli Naqelevuki, 38. Sisa Koyamaibole, 39. Sunia Koto, 40. Talemaitoga Tuapati, 41. Taniela Rawaqa, 42. Tevita Cavubati, 43. Timoci Matanavou, 44. Timoci Nagusa, 45. Vereniki Goneva, 46. Viliame Veikoso, 47. Vitori Buatava, 48. Waisale Vatuvoka, 49. Waisea Luveniyali, 50. Waisea Naulago
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