Euro stars bolster Fiji for Wallabies Test – however former NRL powerhouse misses out

Fiji are set to give you the Wallabies with a benchmark for his or her arrangements for the British and Irish Lions after the Pacific islanders named a robust squad for his or her Test fit in Newcastle subsequent month.

Fiji and Australia will meet on July 6 in Australia’s handiest world prior to dealing with the Lions in a three-Test sequence starting in Brisbane on July 19.

It’s the primary time the groups have squared off since Fiji stunned the Wallabies on the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, breaking a 69-year drought.

The Fiji win helped ship the Australians crashing out of the match on the pool degree.

Coach Mick Byrne on Thursday introduced a 32-member squad to stand the Wallabies and in addition Scotland in Suva on July 12.

While 13 avid gamers are from the Fijian Drua, who completed 10th within the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific pageant, Byrne has additionally decided on 10 avid gamers primarily based in France and 5 in England.

The backline is ready to incorporate European stars reminiscent of Josua Tuisova (Racing 92), who scored a take a look at of their World Cup win over Australia,  Sireli Maqala (Bayonne) and Salesi Rayasi (Vannes).

Former powerhouse NRL winger Semi Radradra, who performs for Lyon, is a notable omission.

Veteran forwards Eroni Mawi (Saracens), Samuel Matavesi (Lyon), and Albert Tuisue (Gloucester) bolster a dominant ahead pack.

Tevita Ikanivere, Caleb Muntz, and Iosefo Masikau Baleiwairiki are amongst avid gamers named from the Drua after sturdy Super Rugby performances.

“Both Australia and Scotland are established Tier One sides, and we know the level we need to rise to,” Byrne mentioned in a remark.

“We’ve focused on combinations that give us both tactical adaptability and the trademark Fijian spirit.

“We want to win but more importantly, we want to win playing our brand of rugby.

“This squad reflects the depth, strength, and we will give a performance that will make all Fijians proud.”

Fiji squad: 

Forwards: Eroni Mawi, Luke Tagi, Haereiti Hetet, Mesake Doge, Peni Ravai, Tevita Ikanivere, Samuel Mativesi, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Setareki Turagacoke, Viliame Mata, Elia Canakaivata, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Albert Tuisue, Etonia Waqa, Motikai Murray. 

Backs: Simione Kuruvoli, Philip Baselala, Sam Wye, Caleb Muntz, Isaia Armstrong-Ravula, Vilimoni Botitu, Josua Tuisova, Iosefo Masikau Baleiwairiki, Sireli Maqala, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Ponipate Loganimasi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Salesi Rayasi.