Nemani Nadolo returns as Vern Cotter names his first Fiji squad

October 12, 2020
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Ultimate Rugby

Fiji Rugby Head Coach Vern Cotter has named a powerful Flying Fijians touring squad to prepare for the upcoming Autumn Nations Cup in Europe later this month with blockbusting winger Nemani Nadolo coming out of retirement to feature in the squad after announcing an early retirement last year.

The 32 member squad will march into camp on 25 October in preparation to face France on 15 November, Italy on 21 November and Scotland 7 days later on 29 November at BT Murrayfield. Flying Fijians will also play Portugal on 6 November as a warm up to the Autumn Nations Cup.

Competition will be fierce across all positions, with many of the Europe based players coming off the back of stellar seasons including Bristol Bears try scoring machine Semi Radradra, London Irish forward Albert Tuisue and Toulon powerhouse Josua Tuisova.

Cotter has been monitoring all domestic competitions and says it’s been an exciting few weeks watching the Skipper Cup. He says at the same time he’s had to also closely monitor all European rugby to then select and form a squad with solid experience and the potential to face big teams.

The touring squad welcomes 9 local based players Tevita Ikanivere, Samuela Tawake, Jone Koroiduadua, Chris Minimbi, Manueli Ratuniyarawa, Peni Matawalu, Simione Kuruvoli, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and Serupepeli Vularika, who are part of the Skipper Cup and have been training together under the Fiji Rugby Academy.

“These players have the ability, with guidance from senior players, to become great Flying Fijians,” Cotter said.

“We certainly be demanding a lot from them with guidance by the senior ones in the squad,” Cotter added.

New Zealand based Waikato prop Haereiti Hetet, Northland forward Temo Mayanavanua and France based Kitione Kamikamica and Lekima Tagitagivalu are also expected to earn their first cap during the tour.

“Haereiti is an unknown player but his father isn’t, he’s the son of Joeli Veitayaki, somebody who is very well known,” Cotter mentioned.

“Haereiti has really impressed us with his performance as he can play both sides, left and right, and he is very excited about this opportunity,” Cotter added.

Cotter said he has injected a few of the experienced players in each position such as Leone Nakarawa who can guide the team when needed.

“We won’t be going far away from relying on Leone Nakarawa to help these young players in coping up with international rugby pressures so his arm around those players plus guidance from other experienced players will be very important,” Cotter said.

He said that Nadolo’s return is a boost to the team and he is looking forward to working with him during the tour.

“I know him well because he was at Montpellier and we have a strong relationship plus he has done well at Leicester Tigers in Premiership rugby.

“He has assured me that he is playing well and he really wants to play, we feel he’s motivated and Nadolo motivated is a monster,” Cotter added.

FIJI 2020 TOURING SQUAD:

LOOSEHEAD PROP

Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Haereiti Hetet

HOOKER

Mesulame Dolokoto, Sam Matavesi, Tevita Ikanivere,

TIGHTHEAD PROP

Samuela Tawake, Mesake Doge, Jone Koroiduadua,

SECOND ROW

Tevita Ratuva, Leone Nakarawa, Temo Mayanavanua, Chris Minimbi,