Netani Talei appointed captain of the Flying Fijians agasint Japan.

National head coach Inoke Male has today named the 24 member Flying Fijians squad to contest the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) in Japan next month. 

Edinburgh based Netani Talei has been named as captain heading into the side’s first game against Japan on 5 June. 

“It’s a real honour to be named as captain and it’s something as a young player you often only dream about, so I’m feeling pretty humbled at the moment,” Talei said. 

Including Talei and New Zealand-based Nemai Kenatale a total of seven overseas based players have been named in the 24 member squad to face Japan, leaving a strong contingent of local players likely to make their debut in the Land of the Rising Sun as Male explains. 

“Most of the players will be new to the PNC particularly the local based players and I believe this shows the good work being done here at home in terms of developing our local players to be ready for international rugby,” Male said. 

The full 24 member squad is: 

1. Kelemedi Bola, 2. Aloisio Butonidualevu, 3. Graham Dewes, 4. Vereniki Goneva, 5. Aisake Katonibau, 6. Kelevi Ketedromo, 7. Simeli Koniferedi, 8. Benedito Koroi, 9. Setareki Koroilagilagi, 10. Nikola Matawalu, 11. Apisai Naikatini, 12. Waisea Daveta, 13. Leone Nakarawa, 14. Seremaia Naureure, 15. Nemia Kenatale, 16. Iliesa Ratuva, 17. Mala Ravulo, 18. Setefano Somoca, 19. Netani Talei (Captain), 20. Viliame Veikoso, 21. Samu Bola, 22. Watisoni Votu, 23. Waisea Nayacalevu, 24. Jerry Yanuyanutawa

Following the Japan Test four players will join the squad in Japan in preparation for Fiji’s second PNC match against Samoa on 10 June. The four players are:

Kameli Ratuvou, Niko Ratumaitavuki, Josefa Domolailai and Tuapati Talemaitoga.