Domoni announces PNC squad

June 04, 2011 - 11:32am

Story:  http://www.fijirugby.com/

Head coach and Chairman of Selectors Samuela Domoni today announced a squad of 43 players following yesterday afternoon’s national trials for the Pacific Nations Cup held in Suva.

The squad includes 13 local-based players – including the recently returned Napolioni Vonowale, who was formerly of Clermont in France but now with the Police Club in Suva.

“It’s really pleasing to see the depth we have now in each position and the improvement being shown by our local players following their daily training environment programme,” Domoni said.

Former national rep and now national selector Dan Lobendahn is particularly pleased with the young talent coming through.

“We have an abundance of talented young players as we approach the Rugby World Cup this year,” Lobendahn said.

“The selection is part of the whole package and over time, it gets more difficult for the individual positions because of the level of competition our players are exposed to overseas which is great for Fiji Rugby.“

The Flying Fijians Extended Squad for the IRB Pacific Nations Cup 2011:

1. Baikeinuku Seremaia, 2. Buatava Vitori, 3. Bobo Sireli, 4. Bolakoro Ilikena, 5. Cavubati Tevita, 6. Daveta Waisea, 7. Delai Adriu, 8. Dewes Graham, 9. Fatiaki Ravai, 10. Goneva Vereniki, 11. Kalou Sekonaia, 12. Koto Sunia, 13. Koyamaibole Sisa, 14. Lewaravu Wame, 15. Little Nicky, 16. Lovobalavu Gabriele, 17. Luveniyali Waisale, 18. Ma’afu Campese, 19. Makutu Penijamini, 20. Manu Deacon, 21. Maravunawasawasa Taniela, 22. Matadigo Masi, 23. Matavesi Joshua, 24. Murimurivalu Kini, 25. Nagusa Timoci, 26. Naikadawa Jimilai, 27. Nailiko Jone, 28. Naqelevuki Sireli, 29. Qera Akapusi, 30. Rabeni Seru, 31. Ravulo Malakai, 32. Rawaqa Ifereimi, 33. Samoca Setefano, 34. Serelevu Nemia, 35. Talei Netani, 36. Tuapati Talemaitoga, 37. Vatuvoka Waisale, 38. Veikoso Viliame, 39. Volau Malakai, 40. Vonowale Napolioni, 41. Vulivuli Albert, 42. Waqaniburotu Dominiko, 43. Waqatabu Apisalome

Due to the intense competition for positions and the unavailability of some players, due to a variety of reasons, the coaching staff and selectors will name the final seven players to join the squad once players have been assessed accurately through further testing.