Fijiana 15s ready to take on Japan at 5pm Sunday

Four new overseas-based players have been included in the 32 member squad for the Rooster Chicken Fijiana 15s side for the tri-series competition against Japan and the Wallaroos.

The four overseas-based are Asinate Serevi, the daughter of Fijian 7s legend Waisele Serevi, GPS Rugby Club utility Anna Nasalo, Brumbies player Talei Wilson and rugby league convert Luisa Yaranamua from West Habour Rugby club.

Coach Senirusi Seruvakula says Serevi and Nasalo will provide strength in the forwards while Wilson and Yaranamua will provide more firepower in the backs.

He says these players were always on his radar and he has been in contact with them throughout the season.

Seruvakula has also retained his core players from the Fijiana Drua who will play a vital role in the test matches.

Out of the 32 players, only 11 have played test level for Fijiana over the past few years against Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea and Hong Kong.

Seruvakula says the two test matches against Japan and the Wallaroos will boost their preparation for the Rugby World Cup as they will be able to blend the right mixture and get to build a better combination.

Some prominent players included in the 32 member team are Joma Rubuti, Jade Coates, Sereima Leweniqila, Bitila Tawake, Sera Ravatudei, Rusila Tamoi, Vitalina Naikore, Kolora Lomani, Roela Radiniyavuni, Rejieli Uluinayau, Temalesi Sigarara, Talei Wilson and Younis Bese. FRU Chief Executive Officer John O’Connor says they are thankful to the management and staff of Rooster Chicken for their continuous belief in women’s rugby.

The Fijiana 15s will meet Japan at 5pm Sunday and they will face the Wallaroos at 7pm next Friday.

Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua Extended Squad Forwards Joma Rubuti Vika Matarugu Karalaini Naisewa Jade Coates Doreen Narokete Sereima Leweniqila Ema Adivitaloga Bitila Tawake Keleni Marawa Mereoni Vonosese Jiowana Sauto Akosita Ravato Merevesi Ofakimalino Sera Ravatudei Adi Unaisi Biau Anna Nasalo Asinate Serevi Ema Masi Backs Rusila Tamoi Merewalesi Rokouono Vitalina Naikore Vani Arei Kolora Lomani Roela Radiniyavuni Rejieli Uluinayau Timaima Ravisa Raijieli Laqeretabua Temalesi Sigarara Luisa Yaranamua Talei Wilson Younis Bese Teresia Tinanivalu