18 new players named in Fijiana 15s squad for Oceania Championship

18 new players have forced their way in the 28 member Fijiana 15s squad that will play in the Oceania Rugby Championship in New Zealand next month.

Head Coach, Senirusi Seruvakula has picked 10 players who were part of the Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua which won the Super W in Australia.

He says they have a depth chart with a good pool of players and when they were away overseas, these new players were doing their training and playing in the ANZ Marama Championship.

Players such as prop Joma Rubuti, Vika Matarugu, Jade Coates, Bitila Tawake, Vitalina Naikore, Merevesi Ofakimalino, Rejieli Uluinayau, Merewalesi Rokouono and Rachel Laqeretabua will bring international experience into the squad.

Seruvakula says other players who were part of the Super W Championship and played the two test matches against the Wallaroos and Japan have been rested.

Bitila Tawake will captain the side.

It has also been revealed that Asaeli Tikoirotuma is the backline coach, Greg Smith is the scrum coach and Mosese Rauluni is the defence coach.

The Fijiana 15s team will play PNG on 9th July, Tonga on 13th July and Samoa on 17th July.

Fijiana Squad:

Joma Rubuti, Mereoni Namositava, Miriama Kunagale, Vika Matarugu, Litia Marama, Seruwaia Qauqau, Merevesi Ofakimalino, Karavaki Lutumaibau, Jade Coates, Lowata Talilevu, Makereta Bulou, Asinate Serevi, Emma Masi, Fulori Nabura, Sulita Waisega, Bitila Tawake, Rejieli Uluinayau, Merewalesi Rokouono, Vitalina Naikore, Wainikiti Vosadrau, Eavivi Senikarivi, Adita Milina, Unaisi Tagabale, Ilisapeci Delaiwau, Rachel Laqeretabua, Talei Kidd, Sisilia Namatasere, Talei Wilson.