Mata and Atalifo named in Fiji squad for Autumn Nations Series
Flying Fijians Head Coach Vern Cotter has named Viliame Mata (back-row) and Lee-Roy Atalifo (tighthead prop) in his 31-man squad for upcoming Autumn Nations Series Tests against Scotland, Ireland and French Barbarians.
Mata returned to fitness at the start of the season following a nine-month injury lay-off and has looked back to his impactful best in the number 8 jersey.
Atalifo has yet to feature this campaign and joins a squad littered with international talent, with the Flying Fijians set to visit BT Murrayfield on Saturday 5 November (kick-off 1pm).
Cotter said: “We have been watching the Northern Hemisphere players playing and we are quite happy that a lot of them have been getting game time for their respective clubs overseas.
“It’s a great opportunity to play the number one team in the world, Ireland, followed by Scotland who is always hard to beat at home and French Barbarians will be a very tough opponent.”
Loosehead Prop
Haereiti Hetet
Eroni Mawi
Livai Natave
Hooker
Mesulame Dolokoto
Sam Matavesi
Tighthead Prop
Leeroy Atalifo
Luke Tagi
Lock
Isoa Nasilasila
Apisalome Ratuniyarawa
Leone Ratuisolia
Back-row
Kitione Kamikamica
Albert Tuisue
Half-back
Simione Kuruvoli
Frank LomaniFlyhalf
Teti Tela
Utility Back
Sireli Maqala
Vilimoni Botitu
Centre
Levani Botia
Kalaveti Ravouvou
Waisea Nayacalevu
Semi Radradra
Wing
Jiuta Wainiqolo
Manasa Mataele
Vinaya Habosi
Full Back
Setareki Tuicuvu
Kini Murimurivalu
Fixtures:
Saturday 5 November (kick-off 1pm BST)
Scotland vs Flying Fijians | BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Saturday 12 November (kick-off 1pm BST)
Ireland vs Flying Fijians | Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Saturday 19 November (Kick-off TBC)
French Barbarians vs Flying Fijians | Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille