Local-based players in the Vodafone Flying Fijians will play an important role in the build-up to the Rugby World Cup, says head coach John McKee.
McKee has named Jale Sassen, Joeli Veitayaki, Peni Ravai, Leeroy Atalifo and Savenaca Tabakanalagi in his 38-member preliminary squad.
He says the players are not in the squad just to make up the numbers.
“It is important for these players to join the squad as they could be standby players for Rugby World Cup, if we have some injuries. So we need the players to be across our game plans and system and for the future as well these players will be representing the Flying Fijians beyond the Rugby World Cup and it’s very important to keep developing our local players.”
The squad marches into camp tomorrow for a fitness and medical test.
Fiji is pooled with hosts England, Australia, Wales and Uruguay in Pool A for the World Cup. The side takes on England on September 19 at 7am.
You can watch the World Cup live on FBC TV.
