Fiji Barbarians

The Air Pacific Fiji Barbarians finished third in the 2006 IRB Pacific Rugby Cup despite beating both Samoan teams. They had defeated eventual winners Savaii Samoa 14-13 in their pool game at the Marist Ground in Apia, but points dropped at home against a young Tau’uta Reds team eventually cost them a spot in the final.

Last year, the Barbarians placed fourth after losing their final pool game against the Reds when a win would have put them in the final. In an earlier pool match, they lost out by a mere point 26-25 to eventual winners Upolu Samoa at Apia Park.

Past players of note include Seremaia Bai, Bill Gadolo, Jack Prasad and Sireli Naqelevuki.

This season offers up some exciting new faces, with eight players from the Sharks franchise in the North making the 26-man squad. Utility back Kelemedi Bola skippers the side after an exceptional Colonial Cup campaign, with fellow Knights Ravai Fatiaki, Tikiko Uluiviti and Nemia Kenatale also in the backline.

Though not possessing the bulk and height of the Warriors squad, the Barbars’ average age is a year or two higher, so they are slightly more experienced.