Flying Fijians for Northern Hempisphere Tour 24 October, 2012 Flying Fijians Head Coach Inoke Male today released the final team list for the Europe Tour next month. 

A notable exclusion is Pacific Nations Cup Captain Netani Talei, as he has been ruled out for six weeks due to a knee injury with a new captain to be named later. 

“Netani was earmarked to captain the side on the Europe Tour, but now that he is injured I have to discuss with the management team who the best candidate is for captain.” 

“We have a few players in mind and they are Leone Nakarawa, Setefano Somoca and Deacon Manu that have shown good leadership skills in the past” Male said. 

The side sees 16 local players forcing their way into the team and 14 overseas based with the inclusion of Western Force Wing and only player from Australia, Samu Wara. 

16 players will be on debut in Europe and for Male it will be the first time he will take the side as Head Coach. 

“This will be a big challenge for me especially the game against England, ever since I was appointed. But I am very confident in the side that I am taking, these are a bunch of good boys that are fit and injury free.” 

Scrum Coach and Technical Advisor Cameron Blades has been viewing previous games of the Flying Fijians and has a fair idea of what areas to work on. 

“I start working with the boys on their scrums tomorrow, what I have seen from their previous games is that plenty needs to be done, and it’s no secret that Fiji is not dominant in the scrum, that’s what I am here for”. 

“They have a good foundation in the scrum but they need to be consistent which will be my key focus when I work with the boys.” 

The team will depart our shores on November 2, and meet England on 10 November, Gloucester on 13 November, Ireland A on 17 November and Georgia on 24 November. 

The Final Squad: 
1. Setefano Somoca - Nadroga
2. Deacon Manu - llanelli Scarlet, Wales
3. Ratu Penijamini Makutu - Nadroga
4. Manasa Saulo - Suva
5. Seremaia Naureure - Nadroga
6. Viliame Veikoso - Suva
7. Tuapati Talemaitoga - Southland, NZ
8. Leone Nakarawa - Tailevu
9. Apisai Naikatini - Japan
10. Sokonaia Kalou - Nadroga
11. Apisalome Ratuniyarawa - North Harbour, NZ
12. Iliesa Ratuva - Nadroga
13. Malakai Volau - Suva
14. Malakai Ravulo - North Harbour, NZ
15. Jone Qovu - Racing Metro 92, France
16. Jovili Domolailai - Pau, France
17. Nemani Nagusa - Nadroga
18. Nikola Matawalu - Glasgow Warriors, Scotland
19. Nemia Kenatale - Southland, NZ
20. Metuisela Talebula - Union Bordeaux Begles, France
21. Jonetani Ralulu - Nadroga
22. Josh Matavesi - Worcester Warriors, England
23. Kelemedi Bola - Lautoka
24. Vereniki Goneva - Leicester Tigers, England
25. Josaia Lotawa - Suva
26. Ravai Fatiaki - Worcester Warriors, England
27. Samu Wara - Western Force, Australia
28. Watisoni Votu - Lautoka
29. Waisea Nayacalevu - Stade Francis, France
30. Simeli Koniferedi - Nadroga 

Non Travelling Reserves:
1. Vesi Rarawa
2. Campese Ma’afu
3. Waqabaca Kotobalavu
4. Sireli Naqelevuki
5. Aisea Natoga

The Officials and Management team to the Europe tour are:
Head Coach – Inoke Male
Assistant Coach Forwards – Alivereti Mocelutu
Assistant Coach Backs – Viliame Satala
Scrum Coach/Technical Adviser – Cameron Blades
Trainer – Nacani Cawanibuka
Video Analyst – Isireli Maka
Team Doctor – Dr Emosi Taloga
Physiotherapist – William Koong
Team Manager – Aseri Rokoura
Logistics Manager – Semi Rogoyawa
CEO – Manasa Baravilala Officials