Talebula ruled out of Japan PNC tour

Fiji 7s playmaker Metuisela Talebula is the notable omission from Fiji XVs head coach Inoke Male’s 28-man squad to Japan for their two Pacific Nations Cup matches against the hosts and Samoa.

Talebula is unavailable until June 7 as he is on Sevens duties in Sri Lanka.

His inclusion in the team to play Scotland and Tonga at Lautoka on June 16 and June 23 will depend on his availability.

New Zealand-based Nemia Kenatale will join the team in Japan. The former Tailevu scrumhalf is one of 11 overseas-based players included in Male’s 28-man squad alongside skipper Netani Talei, Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Aloisio Butonidualevu, Graham Dewes, Mala Ravulo, Vereniki Goneva, Kameli Ratuvou, Niko Ratumaitavuki, Josefa Domolailai and Tuapati Talemaitoga.

Twenty-four players will depart for Japan this Friday for Fiji’s opening game against the hosts and an additional four players will join the squad later for the second match against Samoa.

On his selection, Male said the players were based on performance in the Pacific Rugby Cup, 7s Series, in the Digicel Cup and for the overseas-based players, their performance for their respective clubs offshore.

“Everyone had to work hard to make the team. As you can see a lot of them are local based players and this is just part of our goal to expose more local players. They did their part to be included in the team.”

PNC squad: 1. Kelemedi Bola, 2. Aloisio Butonidualevu, 3. Graham Dewes, 4. Vereniki Goneva, 5. Aisake Katonibau, 6. Kelevi Ketedromo, 7. Simeli Koniferedi, 8. Benedito Koroi, 9. Setareki Koroilagilagi, 10. Nikola Matawalu, 11. Apisai Naikatini, 12. Waisea Daveta, 13. Leone Nakarawa, 14. Seremaia Naureure, 15. Nemia Kenatale, 16. Iliesa Ratuva, 17. Mala Ravulo, 18. Setefano Somoca, 19. Netani Talei (Captain), 20. Viliame Veikoso, 21. Samu Bola, 22. Watisoni Votu, 23. Waisea Nayacalevu, 24. Jerry Yanuyanutawa

Additional 4 players are:
Kameli Ratuvou, Niko Ratumaitavuki, Josefa Domolailai and Tuapati Talemaitoga.

FijiLive