Fiji Airways Flying Fijians coach, John McKee, will rope in Olympic gold medalists Viliame Mata and Semi Kunatani in his extended squad for the mid-year test matches.
McKee, says Mata has been in fine form for his Scottish club Edinburg and has been playing at various positions this season.
“He has been playing both at number six and number eight. I think he is really benefiting in his transition from 7s to 15s with the game time he is getting at the club.”
McKee adds, Toulouse based Kunatani, is another player who will be vital in the June test matches and his also expected to be drafted into the Fiji Airways men’s 7s squad for the World Cup in USA.
“He is a very talented footballer, unfortunately he is not getting a lot of game time so that is sort of holding his development as a backrower in the 15s game and obviously he is also on Gareth {Baber} radar for Rugby World Cup.”
Akapusi Qera will once again lead the pack with regulars like Albert Vulivuli, Vereniki Govena, Kini Murimurivalu, Jale Vatubua, Timoci Nagusa, Josua Tuisova, Campese Ma’afu, Peni Ravai, Leone Nakarawa and Nikola Matawalu also part of the squad.
Giant winger Nemani Nadolo and Waisea Nayacalevu also return to the team after missing the November test matches last year.
Fiji plays Romania on the 9th of June before facing Georgia seven days later and then playing Tonga in its last test match on the 23rd of June at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.
