Head coach Mick Byrne's squad boasts a mix of overseas-based talent for a tour that begins in Edinburgh with a Test match against Scotland on Saturday 2nd November, before heading to Cardiff to face Wales the following Saturday. On Saturday 23rd November, Fiji will close out their campaign when they take on Ireland in Dublin. Every game of the Autumn Nations Series will be shown live on TNT Sports.
Wales have been wary of the Fijians since famously being knocked out by them at the 2007 World Cup, and there have had several enthralling meetings between the two sides since, including at last year's World Cup. Fiji are yet to beat Wales on Welsh soil, however. Fiji's last win over Scotland came at home in Suva in 2017, while they are seeking an elusive win over Ireland.
The squad boasts world-class talent with experienced stars such as Waisale Nayacalevu (Sale Sharks), Semi Radradra (Lyon), and Josua Tuisova (Racing 92). The entire front row from that World Cup clash with Wales - Saracens' Eroni Mawi, Lyon's Sam Matavesi, and Bayonne's Luke Tagi - are set to feature, along with lock Isoa Nasilasila and Gloucester’s Albert Tuisue. Co-captain Tevita Ikanivere and Northampton Saints second-rower Temo Mayanavanua also return.
A major part of this squad is drawn from the Fijian Drua, with 24 players competing in Super Rugby Pacific. These Drua players were instrumental in Fiji’s unbeaten campaign that saw them retain the Pacific Nations Cup earlier this year. Although none of the overseas players featured in that tournament, their return for the Autumn Nations Series adds significant depth to head coach Byrne’s options. Fiji will also face Spain in a match outside of their Autumn Nations Series campaign.
Six Olympic Sevens gold medalists, including Radradra, Tuisova, and Vilimone Botitu, are included, as well as Paris 2024 silver medallist Ponipate Loganimasi, who made his debut in the Pacific Nations Cup final against Japan, scoring twice. Four uncapped players - centre Waqa Nalaga, fly-half Kemu Valetini, hooker Penaia Cakobau, and back-rower Saimoni Uluinakauvadra - are also part of the squad, with Valetini’s inclusion particularly notable as his brother, Rob Valetini, plays for Australia and could face Wales later in the series.
Fiji's Autumn Nations Series squad:
Fullbacks: Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula (Drua), Sireli Maqala (Bayonne), Ilaisa Droasese (Drua)
Wings: Vuate Karawalevu (Waratahs), Ponipate Loganimasi (Drua), Jiuta Wainiqolo (Toulon), Josua Tuisova (Racing 92)
Centres: Waisale Nayacalevu (co-captain, Sale Sharks), Semi Radradra (Lyon), Apisalome Vota (Drua), Inia Tabuavou (Racing 92), Vilimone Botitu (Castres Olympique), Waqa Nalaga (Drua)*
Half-backs: Kemu Valetini (Drua)*, Caleb Muntz (Drua), Frank Lomani (Drua), Simiome Kuruvoli (Drua), Peni Matawalu (Drua)
Props: Eroni Mawi (Saracens), Haereiti Hetet (Drua), Livai Natave (Drua), Luke Tagi (Bayonne), Samuela Tawake (Drua), Jone Koroiduadua (Drua), Meli Tuni (Drua)
Hookers: Tevita Ikanivere (co-captain, Drua), Sam Matavesi (Lyon), Mesulame Dolokoto (Drua), Penaia Cakobau (North Harbour)*
Locks: Isoa Nasilasila (Drua), Mesake Vocevoce (Drua), Temo Mayanavanua (Northampton Saints), Leone Rotuisolia (Drua)
Back row: Kitione Salawa (Drua), Vilive Miramira (Drua), Elia Canakaivata (Drua), Albert Tuisue (Gloucester), Meli Derenalagi (Drua), Saimoni Uluinakauvadra (Northland)*
* Uncapped
