League One stars and Nathan Hughes named in 50-man Fiji squad

Honda Heat star Tevita Ikanivere, Shizuoka Blue Revs wing Semi Radradra and Toshiba Brave Lupus centre Seta Tamanivalu have been named in Fiji’s provisional 50-man squad for the inaugural Nations Championship.

Fiji captain Ikanivere has starred in his first season in Japan with nine tries in 16 games for Kieran Crowley’s Suzuka-based side and will be expected to lead the talent-rich group picked by interim head coach Senirusi Seruvakula.

© Fiji Rugby

Ex-NRL star Radradra makes a welcome return having last represented his country in 2024 when they secured a historic victory over Wales in Cardiff.

Toshiba stalwart Tamanivalu, who helped the stuttering back-to-back champions secure a play-off berth by beating Shizuoka on Saturday, returns after impressing during the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) last year.

Former Black Rams Tokyo number eight and ex-England international Nathan Hughes is in line for his Fiji debut after catching the eye for Racing 92 in the Top 14.

Hughes, who finished last season on loan at Urayasu D-Rocks, has scored eight tries this term and crossed the whitewash in four consecutive games during a hectic festive schedule in France.

Seruvakula will trim the group down to 32 players with the final squad set to be announced two weeks before their opening game against Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium on July 4.

The stacked line-up, which also features former French international Virimi Vakatawa and Richie Mo’unga’s nephew Isaia Armstrong-Ravula, will now be required to confirm their availability for the competition.

“We’ve been having regular meetings, myself and the coaching staff, and also the lead Strength and Conditioning Coach, David Silvester, and my medical team,” said Seruvakula.

“We have meetings looking at all the players, their time in their clubs, how many minutes they’ve 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.”

Former Bristol Bears flyer Radradra told RugbyJP.com in March that he was keen to feature again for his country after missing the PNC due to injury.

“If they call me, I always put my hand up for the nation,” said the Tokyo 2020 Olympic sevens champion.

“I would like to make myself available. At the moment it’s up to the coach to decide what kind of players he wants to select. For me I’m focused on how I play over here and hopefully I’ll get the chance to play for Fiji.”

Fiji will travel north to face England in Liverpool on 11 July before travelling to Edinburgh to face Scotland a week later.