Botia and Radradra return as Fiji name 32-man squad for Nations Championship

Levani Botia and Semi Radradra have been named in Fiji’s 32-man squad for the inaugural Nations Championship, ending extended absences from test rugby for both backs. The Flying Fijians will face Wales in Cardiff, England in Liverpool and Scotland in Edinburgh across three Tests in July.

Botia, 37, last represented Fiji in the 30-24 quarter-final defeat to England at Rugby World Cup 2023, while Radradra, 33, has been absent since the 24-19 win over Wales in November 2024. Both players bring considerable experience to a squad that acting head coach Senirusi Seruvakula described as ready for a demanding campaign.

“I have chosen a team of players that have experience and are playing some of the best rugby in their current clubs,” Seruvakula said. “This is a tough campaign, but I am confident this group has the talent, the heart, and the discipline to represent Fiji with pride.”

Notably absent from the final 32 are Nathan Hughes, the former England number eight, and Virimi Vakatawa, who previously represented France — both had featured in the wider 50-man training squad but did not make the cut.

Veteran hooker Sam Matavesi earned inclusion despite spending the recently concluded season playing fourth-tier club rugby in England with Cornish side Camborne, a selection that underlines the breadth of Seruvakula’s search for available talent.

Ten players from the Fijian Drua feature in the squad. Former Drua captain Tevita Ikanivere, who now plays alongside Radradra in Japan, has been named to lead the Flying Fijians throughout the series.