Levani Botia and Johnny Dyer are among four players who have been ruled out of the Flying Fijians squad for the November Test matches as the side moves camp to Madrid to prepare for their opening match against Spain on Sunday.
Botia will undergo a knee operation this month and has been replaced by Apisai Naqaliva. Hooker Peni Narisia suffered a calf injury and will be replaced by Zuriel Togiatama while veteran Lock Api Ratuniyarawa has been called in as a replacement for Peceli Yato who suffered a knee injury during his club game for Clermont in French Top 14.
Dyer has also pulled out citing personal reasons and the Flying Fijians Coaching panel will decide whether to get a replacement for him or not.
Twenty-year-old ooker, Henry Spring of Stade Francais Paris Rugby Club has been brought into the squad for the Spain match as part of a development opportunity for one of our rising young talents.
Flying Fijians 28-member extended squad for November Tour
Loose Head Prop
Peni Ravai
Eroni Mawi
Hooker
Samuel Matavesi
Zuriel Togiatama *
Henry Spring *
Tight Head Prop
Luke Tagi
Mesake Doge
Leeroy Atalifo
Locks
Tevita Ratuva
Temo Mayanavanua
Albert Tuisue
Leone Nakarawa
Backrow/Lock
Api Ratuniyarawa
Backrow
Masivesi Dakuwaqa *
Mesulame Kunavula
Bill Mata
Halfback
Frank Lomani
Nikola Matawalu
Flyhalf
Ben Volavola
Centre/Flyhalf
Vilimoni Botitu *
Center
Apisai Naqalevu
Eneriko Buliruarua
Center/Wing
Waisea Nayacalevu
Josua Tuisova
Wing
Eroni Sau
Aminiasi Tuimaba *
Jiuta Wainiqolo *
Wing/Fullback
Seta Tuicuvu
Key: * is for the debutants
Flying Fijians Test Matches:
7th November 2021
Test Match: Flying Fijians V Spain
Venue: Estadio Central UC, Madrid
Kick Off: 2am
15th November 2021
Test Match: Flying Fijians V Walies
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Kick Off: 4.15am
20th November 2021
Test Match: Flying Fijians V Georgia
Venue: TBC
Kick Off: TBC
