Ratuniyarawa in Fiji autumn squad

Api Ratuniyarawa has been included in Vern Cotter’s Flying Fijians squad for their autumn internationals against Scotland, Ireland and the French Barbarians.

Ratuniyarawa recently joined the Exiles over the summer from Gallagher Premiership Club Northampton Saints, since making an impression in three starts and two further substitute appearances.

The 36-year-old lock made his 40^th appearance for his country whilst competing in the 2022 Pacific Nations Cup over the summer period, where Fiji finished third with former Club player Seilala Mapusua’s Samoa taking the crown.

Joined in the 31-man squad by recently departing Exile Albert Tuisue, the squad features several Premiership-based players, namely Bristol Bear Semi Radradra and Eroni Mawi of Saracens.

Fiji’s autumn billing starts with a trip to Murrayfield on Saturday 5^th November to take on Gregor Townsend’s Scotland (12pm kick-off), then travelling over the Irish Sea for a match-up at the Aviva the following week before concluding against a French Barbarians side at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille.

“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,” Vern Cotter stated.

“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.

“The players need to step up and these games will give us the references we need to work on especially for the Fijian Drua players.

"They will have these experiences going into the Super Rugby Pacific and they will be able to develop their skills and players who play in North will finish this season soon and try hard to earn a spot in July next year."

Flying Fijians Extended Squad:

Loosehead Prop

Haereiti Hetet

Eroni Mawi

Livai Natave

Hooker

Tevita Ikanivere

Mesulame Dolokoto

Sam Matavesi

Tighthead Prop

Manasa Saulo

Leeroy Atalifo

Luke Tagi

Lock

Temo Mayanavanua

Isoa Nasilasila

Apisalome Ratuniyarawa

Leone Ratuisolia

Back Row

Viliame Mata

Kitione Kamikamica

Albert Tuisue

Halfback

Peni Matawalu

Simione Kuruvoli

Frank Lomani

Flyhalf

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

Matches:

Saturday, 5th November 2022

12pm  Flying Fijians V Scotland   Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Saturday, 12th November 2022

12pm  Flying Fijians V Ireland      Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Saturday, 19th November 2022

TBC   Flying Fijians V French Barbarians Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille