Autumn Nations Cup

The Flying Fijians match against Italy in the Autumn Nations Cup has been called off after the team returned 29 positive cases of COVID-19 this morning.

The organisers say they remain in constant contact with the Fijian squad to address the situation.

They say the main priority at present is the welfare of all players and management.

The potential impact on Fiji’s remaining matches is currently under review.

Meanwhile, France has been awarded a 28-0 victory for their cancelled match against Fiji on Monday.

The match was called off on Saturday following an outbreak of COVID-19 cases in the Flying Fijians camp where four players tested positive, forcing organisers to pull the plug on the round one match.

In a statement, the organisers stated if a team is primarily responsible for a match not taking place, a 28-0 victory will be awarded to the opposition with a bonus point.

They say no-fault has been attributed to Fiji and they were working to ensure Fiji can play safely.

Four more Fiji Airways Flying Fijians players have tested positive for COVID-19.

FRU CEO, John O’Connor says based on medical advice, effective immediately from last night, all players and team management have been placed under quarantine and are now isolated in their individual rooms.

O’Connor says their medical team with the support of the French Rugby medical team have started contact tracing and are monitoring the players. Further tests are planned for Monday and Wednesday, prior to the Italy match.

He adds none of the players who have tested positive, has any symptoms and all are healthy and doing well.

O’Connor also apologised to Fiji Rugby fans all over the world who were eagerly awaiting the match and thanked everyone for their continued prayers and support for the team.

Fiji’s first match against France has been called off because of a spate of coronavirus cases in the Fiji camp.

Fiji’s opening game against France in the Autumn Nations Cup has been called off after a spate of coronavirus cases in the Fiji camp.

Fiji confirmed another positive test this week after six cases last week forced the cancellation of a warm-up match against Portugal.

Fiji's remaining three matches in the tournament could be at risk.

[Source: BBC]

La Rochelle centre Levani Botia has been named to captain the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians team that will face France in their first Autumn Nations Cup this Monday.

Star player, Semi Radradra is not in the team list and French bi-weekly rugby newspaper, Midi Olympique is reporting Radradra tested positive for COVID-19.

Head Coach Vern Cotter says while there are so many players who will earn their first cap for the Flying Fijians, experienced players like Peni Ravai, Sam Matavesi, Albert Tuisue, Ben Volavola and Botia will be there to support them in the field.

Cotter has maintained the halves combination of Frank Lomani and Ben Volavola and Nemani Nadolo returns on the left-wing and will be assisting Volavola with the kicking. Josua Tuisova will be on the right-wing while Waisea Nayacalevu and Botia will control the midfield and full-back Kini Murimurivalu will guide the team from the back.

Nine players will earn their first-cap for the Flying Fijians including number eight Johnny Dyer and flankers Mesulame Kunavula and Kitione Kamikamica who have been named in the starting line-up.

Tevita Ikanivere, Haereiti Hatet, Samuela Tawake, Temo Manayavanua, Manueli Ratuniyarawa and Simione Kuruvoli will make their debut from the bench.

Cotter says all the COVID-19 challenges since the team assembled has not dampened the spirit of the players, who returned to full training this week.

Cotter says it is an exciting blend of experience and young players who want to establish themselves as Flying Fijians.

He says the young players in the forwards are expected to be guided by the experienced players who have been in the Flying Fijians system for some time now.

Cotter says Botia brings in a lot of experience to the game and he is a very good leader on and off the field plus the younger players look up to him as a role model. Meanwhile, Fiji Rugby Union has confirmed that tests conducted have returned with a positive case of COVID-19 and the concerned player had previously tested negative before joining pre-camp and while in pre-camp and has so far shown no symptoms.

Fiji Rugby CEO John O’Connor confirmed this morning that as part of the COVID-19 tournament protocols, the player has been isolated and is being monitored by their medical team. He says despite the results, the player is doing well and continues to be positive and they are confident that the player will be cleared when the next test results are received. O’Connor has also confirmed that the team as per tournament COVID-19 protocols have gone through their final test before the test match and are awaiting the results.

After the opening match against France, the Flying Fijians face Italy on 21st of November and Scotland on 29th of November.

The Flying Fijians will face France at 3.15am Monday.

Flying Fijians team vs France 1. Peni Ravai 2. Sam Matavesi 3. Mesake Doge 4. Tevita Ratuva 5. Albert Tuisue 6. Mesulame Kunavula 7. Kitione Kamikamica 8. Johnny Dyer 9. Frank Lomani 10. Ben Volavola 11. Nemani Nadolo 12. Levani Botia (C) 13. Waisea Nayacalevu 14. Josua Tuisova 15. Kini Murimurivalu Reserves 16. Tevita Ikanivere 17. Haereiti Hetet 18. Samuela Tawake 19. Temo Mayanavanua 20. Manueli Ratuniyarawa 21. Simione Kuruvoli 22. Serupepeli Vularika 23. Setareki Tuicuvu

There are reports out of France that another two members of the Flying Fijians squad preparing to face France in the first Autumn Nations Cup have tested positive for COVID-19.

AFP is reporting the two players are self-isolating with further coronavirus tests due to be taken.

These latest cases follows the three positive tests of the squad at the beginning this month.

We are currently trying to speak to Fiji Rugby Union CEO John O’Connor.

Fiji's first match in the Autumn Nations Cup is against France at 3.15am Monday.

Fiji will then meet Italy on next Saturday before travelling to Murrayfield to play Scotland in the final round on the 28th of this month.

FIJI Water has announced today it has extended its partnership with Fiji Rugby.

For the first time, the FIJI Water logo will be displayed on the playing shorts of the Flying Fijians rugby team as they participate in the upcoming Autumn Nations Cup in Europe.

FIJI Water Senior Vice President of Marketing, Clarence Chia said they are looking forward to seeing the Flying Fijians run on in their new kit for the match against France

As one of Fiji’s biggest exporters to over 90 countries around the world, and currently the number-one premium bottled water brand in the United States, the Fijian national rugby team will also be supplied with FIJI Water’s unique 700ml Sports Cap bottle at its pre-game camp at Limoges, southwest of Paris.

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians centre Semi Radradra says he was surprised when coach Vern Cotter told him to lead the team in the Autumn Nations Cup.

Speaking to Midi Olympique, Radradra says it is an honour and a privilege to be named as captain as he only has ten caps with the Flying Fijians.

The 28-year-old also recalled their win over France 2 years ago stating that it was special for him but those times are things of the past and it showed that Fiji can beat tier one nations.

Fiji will meet France at 3.15 am Monday in their first Autumn Nations Cup match.

[Source: RugbyPass]

It was in November 2018 that the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians created history as they recorded their first win over France when they beat them 21-14 in Paris.

That early Sunday morning, Semi Radradra and Josua Tuisova scored the tries for Fiji while Ben Volavola also contributed 11 points via the boot.

Radradra, Volavola, Tuisova were in the team with Leone Nakarawa, Mesulame Dolokoto, Sam Matavesi, Frank Lomani and Albert Tuisue and these players are also part of Fiji’s Autumn Nations Cup Campaign.

Some players that are missing from that historic day are Vereniki Goneva, Metuisela Talebula, Peceli Yato, Semi Kunatani, Viliame Mata and the then captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu.

Fiji takes on France at 3.15am Monday in their first Autumn Nations Cup.

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians star Semi Radradra says despite the disrupted preparation for the Autumn Nations Cup, they will be ready to face anyone.

He told Midi Olympique that they are lucky to be participating in the Autumn Nations Cup.

Radradra says it has been a while since Fiji has faced so many prestigious opponents in a row.

He adds they do not want to let this opportunity pass by and show everyone they belong in the tournament.

Fiji faces France in their first game at 4.15am on Monday.

Good news for the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians as superstar Semi Radradra has joined the team camp in France for the upcoming Autumn Nations Cup.

Fiji Rugby CEO, John O’Connor says the team is excited about Radradra joining camp after it was reported that he had suffered an injury and was uncertain about his involvement.

O’Connor says Radradra will continue to be reviewed and monitored but the morale in camp has lifted with his presence.

Radradra is one of the most dangerous attacking players in World Rugby as he is capable of creating something out of nothing. The former Fiji 7s and NRL star will be key to Fiji’s success in the Autumn Nations Cup.

Fiji will play France at 4.15am next Monday.

Sky Pacific and Fiji One have acquired the broadcast rights to the new Autumn Nations Cup international rugby union test matches which also includes all three Flying Fijians matches.

Digicel Fiji CEO, Farid Mohammed says Sky Pacific is delighted to be adding more premium sports content as part of their schedule of international rugby.

Fiji Television Limited will also show the 2020 Autumn Nations Rugby.

Fiji TV also acquired the rights for Fiji and the Pacific region for sub-licensing.

Fiji is pooled with France, Italy and Scotland.

Fiji begin their campaign against France at 4.15am on the 16th of this month.

The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians squad have reportedly received a boost to their Autumn Nations Cup campaign with reports stating that Bristol centre Semi Radradra is set to take his place in the squad who will face France.

According to RMC Sport, Radradra is understood to have made a rapid recovery from a serious hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, the Fiji Rugby Union confirmed yesterday that three of their players in camp in France have tested positive for COVID-19.

CEO John O'Connor says the concerned players have been in isolation as per the French Government and tournament COVID-19 protocols.

When questioned by Legend FM on who the players are and whether they are local or overseas-based, O’Connor says all this is confidential information.

Fiji's first match in the Autumn Nations Cup will be against France next Sunday.

[Source: Rugbypass]

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians Head Coach Vern Cotter has had to amend his training sessions to limit contact to small groups.

This comes after three of their players in camp in France have tested positive for COVID-19.

Rugby Pass has reported that the squad is set to undergo more testing in an attempt to get back to normal preparations with contact training.

Fiji Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer John O'Connor had said that the concerned players have been in isolation as per the French Government and tournament COVID-19 protocols.

O’Connor says none of the concerned players have shown any symptoms and all are well but remain in isolation as per COVID-19 protocols and they are eagerly awaiting the second round of testing as recommended by the testing agency and COVID-19 compliance requirement.

Fiji's first match in the Autumn Nations Cup is scheduled against France on Sunday 15th November.

Fiji will then meet Italy on 21st November before travelling to Murrayfield to play Scotland in the final round on the 28th of November.

The Fiji Rugby Union is awaiting the medical report from Semi Radradra’s club to ascertain whether Radradra will be able to feature for Fiji during the Autumn Nations Cup.

Radradra limped out of the closing stages of Bristol’s Challenge Cup final win over Toulon after sustaining a hamstring injury.

FRU CEO John O'Connor says they have other players based in France who can replace Radradra if he is ruled out.

Radradra is one of the most dangerous rugby players in the world and lit up the Rugby World Cup last year with his devastating runs and tackles.

Fiji is expected to play Portugal in a warm-up match on 6th November.

Fiji's first match in the Autumn Nations Cup is against France on Sunday 15th November.

Fiji will then meet Italy on 21st November before traveling to Murrayfield to play Scotland in the final round on the 28th of November.

Some local-based Flying Fijians including team officials left today for the Autumn Nations Cup in Europe.

They are Melbourne Rebels halfback Frank Lomani, Namosi’s Peni Matawalu, Naitasiri number 8 Chris Minimbi and Naitasiri flyhalf Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.

These players will join other team members in France on Thursday.

Players such as Rusiate Nasove, Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Samuela Tawake, Manueli Ratuniyarawa, Simione Kuruvoli, and Serupepeli Vularika are already in Europe as are part of the Barbarians squad.

Nasove is not playing in the Autumn Nations Cup.

There are nine local players in the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians team for the Autumn Nations Cup.

Fiji is expected to also play Portugal in a warm-up match on 6th November.

Fiji's first match in the Autumn Nations Cup is against France on Sunday 15th November.

Fiji will then meet Italy on 21st November before travelling to Murrayfield to play Scotland in the final round on the 28th of November.

Flying Fijians Team for Autumn Nations Cup

Loosehead Prop: Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Haereiti Hetet.

Hooker:  Mesulame Dolokoto, Sam Matavesi, Tevita Ikanivere.

Tighthead Prop: Samuela Tawake, Mesake Doge, Jone Koroiduadua.

Second Row: Tevita Ratuva, Leone Nakarawa, Temo Mayanavanua, Chris Minimbi.

Back Row/Utility: Mesulame Kunavula, Kitione Kamikamica, Johnny Dyer, Albert Tuisue, Manueli Ratuniyarawa, Lekima Tagitagivalu.

Halfback: Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu, Simione Kuruvoli.

Flyhalf: Ben Volavola, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.

Center: Lepani Botia, Serupepeli Vularika, Jale Vatubua, Waisea Nayacalevu.

Winger: Nemani Nadolo, Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra.

Fullback: Kini Murimurivalu

Flying Fijians player, Semi Radradra has been ruled out for next month’s Autumn Nations Cup.

Radradra limped out of the closing stages of Bristol’s Challenge Cup final win over Toulon last Friday.

Radradra sustained a hamstring injury in the European title victory and the centre will be ruled out until the end of November.

The midfielder had lit up the Gallagher Premiership and was also a class apart in the knockout stages of the European campaign following his summer move from Bordeaux.

28-year-old Radradra was expected to have heavily featured in the Nations Cup tournament where Fiji are scheduled to face France, Italy and Scotland on successive weekends with a fourth game to follow in early December.

Radradra’s impact at Bristol was again evident last weekend’s final, the midfielder having two involvements in the creation of the try scored after just 15 seconds by Harry Randall, the quickest ever in European Cup history.

[Source: rugbypass.com]

Flying Fijians star half-back Frank Lomani says they have been given the opportunity to be part of the Autumn Nations Cup, so they have to make sure they do everything right and show that Fiji deserves to be in the tier one category.

Lomani says it was a dream of so many former Flying Fijians reps to play in this tournament.

He adds he is excited and ready to be coached by Vern Cotter.

Lomani says he has heard a bit about Cotter and that he is a good coach, straight forward with the players so he is looking forward to working with him and hopes they can perform well during the tournament.

Fiji's first match in the Autumn Nations Cup is against France on 15th November, then they will face Italy on the 21st of November, and will play Scotland on the 28th of November.

[Source: Fiji Rugby]

It was a dream come true for Nadroga flanker, Manueli Ratuniyarawa after he was selected to represent Fiji in the Autumn Nations Cup.

Ratuniyarawa told Fiji Rugby that at the starting of this year, he was just a village boy playing rugby in the village but he kept working hard and he is so fortunate to have been included in the Flying Fijians squad.

Ratuniyarawa adds before he took rugby as pleasure and didn’t look after himself well but this year he has managed to take control of himself and be more discipline.

The 26-year-old is the cousin of gold medal-winning 7s star, Jasa Veremalua.

He thanked Nadroga Rugby President Tiko Matawalu for scouting him and giving him a chance to play for the Stallions this season.

Fiji's first match in the Autumn Nations Cup is against France on 15th November, then they will face Italy on the 21st of November, and will play Scotland on the 28th of November.

New Flying Fijians prop Haereiti Hetet says it was always his childhood goal to play for Fiji.

Hetet who was born in New Zealand is the son of former Flying Fijians prop, Joeli Veitayaki and has played for the New Zealand Maori against Fiji last year. He currently plays for Bay of Plenty.

Hetet also has Māori heritage on his mum's side.

He says growing up, he always supported Fiji, just because it was a part of him, and watching them play every game - whether it's rugby or other sports, he would always back Fiji.

Hetet adds he had trialled for Fiji Under 20s back in 2016.

Fiji's first match in the Autumn Nations Cup is against France on 15th November, then they will face Italy on the 21st of November, and will play Scotland on the 28th of November.

[Source: Radio NZ]

Fiji Rugby CEO John O’Connor has highlighted that they have been asking for Fiji to have test matches against Tier One Nations and the inclusion of Fiji in the Autumn Nations Cup is an opportunity for more open doors in the future.

O’Connor says they are hoping to have a warm-up match against Portugal on November 6th to prepare themselves for their first match against France.

He says the five test matches against Tier One Nations in this competition is a great opportunity and he has reminded players and the coaching staff that how well they perform in this tournament will open doors and pathways for the development of the Flying Fijians.

Meanwhile, seven Flying Fijians will be part of the Barbarians team that will take on England in a test match this Monday at Twickenham Stadium.

This includes Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Samuela Tawake, Manueli Ratuniyarawa, Simione Kuruvoli and Serupepeli Vularika.

Flying Fijians coach, Vern Cotter is the coach for the Barbarians side.

The Barbarians face England at 1am Monday.

Fiji's first match in the Autumn Nations Cup is against France on 15th November, then they will face Italy on the 21st of November, and will play Scotland on the 28th of November.

Leone Nakarawa will be one of the experienced players in the Flying Fijians squad that will be tasked with guiding the new players.

Coach Vern Cotter has injected a few of the experienced players in each position such as Nakarawa who can guide the team when needed.

Cotter says they will not be going far away from relying on Nakarawa to help these young players in coping up with international rugby pressures.

He says Nakarawa’s arm around those players plus guidance from other experienced players will be very important.

Some of the new players are Waikato prop Haereiti Hetet, Northland forward Temo Mayanavanua, France based Kitione Kamikamica and Lekima Tagitagivalu.

Fiji is expected to also play Portugal in a warm up match on 6th November.

Fiji's first match in the Autumn Nations Cup is against France on Sunday 15th November.

Fiji will then meet Italy on 21st November before travelling to Murrayfield to play Scotland in the final round on the 28th of November.

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians coach, Vern Cotter says Nemani Nadolo motivated is a monster.

Nadolo is making a comeback to international rugby and will be part of an explosive Fijian backline that consists of Semi Radradra, Olympic gold medalist Josua Tuisova, Ben Volavola, Lepani Botia and Waisea Nayacalevu.

Cotter says Nadolo’s return is a boost to the team and he is looking forward to working with him during the tour.

He adds he knows Nadolo well because he was at Montpellier and they have a strong relationship.

Cotter says Nadolo has assured him that he is playing well and they feel Nadolo is motivated.

Other top players included in the Flying Fijians squad for the Autumn Nations Cup are Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Haereiti Hetet, Mesulame Dolokoto, Sam Matavesi, Samuela Tawake, Mesake Doge, Tevita Ratuva, Leone Nakarawa, Temo Mayanavanua, Mesulame Kunavula, Kitione Kamikamica, Johnny Dyer, Albert Tuisue, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Frank Lomani, and Kini Murimurivalu.

Meanwhile, Tevita Ikanivere, Samuela Tawake, Jone Koroiduadua, Chris Minimbi, Manueli Ratuniyarawa, Peni Matawalu, Simione Kuruvoli, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and Serupepeli Vularika are the local players in the team.

Fiji is expected to also play Portugal in a warm up match on 6th November.

Fiji's first match in the Autumn Nations Cup is against France on Sunday 15th November.

Fiji will then meet Italy on 21st November before travelling to Murrayfield to play Scotland in the final round on the 28th of November.

Fiji Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer John O’Connor says they are looking for sponsorship for the Flying Fijians tour to the Autumn Nations Cup next month.

When questioned by fijivillage on who will be the sponsors for the tour, O’Connor says that Fiji Airways has allowed them to look for opportunities for a one-off sponsorship.

He says they remain committed to the sponsorship by Fiji Airways and they are expected to make an announcement on the sponsorship of the team for the Autumn Nations Cup soon.

9 local players have been included in the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians team for the Autumn Nations Cup.

Nemani Nadolo is also making a comeback to international rugby.

Loosehead Prop: Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Haereiti Hetet.

Hooker: Mesulame Dolokoto, Sam Matavesi, Tevita Ikanivere.

Tighthead Prop: Samuela Tawake, Mesake Doge, Jone Koroiduadua.

Second Row: Tevita Ratuva, Leone Nakarawa, Temo Mayanavanua, Chris Minimbi.

Back Row/Utility: Mesulame Kunavula, Kitione Kamikamica, Johnny Dyer, Albert Tuisue, Manueli Ratuniyarawa, Lekima Tagitagivalu.

Halfback: Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu, Simione Kuruvoli.

Flyhalf: Ben Volavola, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.

Center: Lepani Botia, Serupepeli Vularika, Jale Vatubua, Waisea Nayacalevu.

Winger: Nemani Nadolo, Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra.

Fullback: Kini Murimurivalu