Ex-France and England regulars named in Fiji’s star-studded Nations Championship squad
Nathan Hughes on the charge during his England days and, inset, Virimi Vakatawa with France
Fiji have named a Nations Championship squad that includes first-time calls for a pair of ex-French and English internationals.
Midfielder Virimi Vakatawa won the last of his 32 caps for France in July 2022. He temporarily stepped away from the sport with a cardiac issue, and after being unable to get a licence to return to play in the Top 14, he took up an offer to join Bristol in October 2023.
He is now starring for the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby Pacific, having been without a club in 2025.
Also changing Test-level allegiance is Nathan Hughes, the No.8 who won 22 caps with England under Eddie Jones.
The 34-year-old last represented the English in March 2019 when he was at Wasps. After stints at Bristol and on loan at Bath, the back row left the PREM for an adventure in Japan, but he is now playing in the Top 14 with Racing 92.
“I’ll never say it’s too late…”
Despite not playing international rugby in seven years, Hughes recently told L’Equipe that he had not given up hope on changing countries and lining out for Fiji, where he was born.
“It would be huge for me, for my children, for my family,” he said. “I’ll never say it’s too late, that I’ve given up hope, but at the same time, I have no control over this decision. I’m at peace with it.
“I spoke to my agent on the phone the other day and I explained to him that I feel ready to play for two, three, or four more years. When I see what (Levani) Botia is managing to do at La Rochelle at 37 or (Leone) Nakarawa at 38 with Castres, it motivates me immensely.”
Hughes’ wish has now been granted as he has been included in a 50-strong extended squad, along with Vakatawa, for the new Nations Championship. The squad will be cut to 32 two weeks before the opening match against Wales in Cardiff on July 4.
The Fijians will also play England in Liverpool seven days later before completing their opening block of matches in the tournament against Scotland in Edinburgh on July 18.
Senirusi Seruvakula, who has taken charge of the squad on an interim basis following the recent exit of Mick Byrne, said: “We have been having regular meetings, myself and the coaching staff, and also the lead strength and conditioning coach, David Silvester, and my medical team.
“We have meetings looking at all the players, their time in their clubs, how many minutes they have been playing, and if there are any injuries that need to be identified. All those areas that we look into before we choose the 50.
“While this is an extended squad, all players who confirm their availability for July will be monitored before we announce the final 32-man travel squad for the tournament.”
Fiji – 50-member extended squad
Props (9): Eroni Mawi, Atunaisa Sokobale, Peni Ravai, Livai Natave, Haereiti Hetet, Luke Tagi, Tim Hoyt, Vilikesa Nairau, Mesake Doge;
Hookers (4): Tevita Ikanivere, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Zuriel Togiatama, Sam Matavesi;
Locks (6): Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Albert Tuisue, Temo Mayanavanua, Tevita Ratuva, Joseva Tamani;
Flankers (6): Lekima Tagitagivalu, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Tuwai, Elia Canakaivata, Levani Botia, Kitione Salawa
No.8 (3): Pita-Gus Sowakula, Peceli Yato, Nathan Hughes;
Scrum-half (4): Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli, Sam Wye, Philip Baselala;
Fly-half (3): Caleb Muntz, Isaia Armstrong-Ravula, Kemu Valetini;
Outside backs (5): Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selestino Ravutaumada, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Vinaya Habosi, Manasa Mataele;
Inside backs (8): Josua Tuisova, Filimoni Botitu, Isikeli Rabitu, Virimi Vakatawa, Iosefo Masi, Semi Radradra, Seta Tamanivalu, Sireli Maqala
Full-back (2): Salesi Rayasi, Vuate Karawalevu.
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