Captain Ikanivere leads Fiji into PNC 2026 Final aiming for third straight title

Fiji hooker and captain Tevita Ikanivere will bid to lift the Pacific Nations Cup for a third consecutive time when the Flying Fijians face Japan in the 2026 final in Tokyo on Saturday. Interim coach Senirusi Seruvakula has named his 23-man squad, featuring two potential debutants and a positional switch for Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.

Fiji won the PNC title at the last Japan-hosted final two years ago, then successfully defended it at the 2025 edition in Utah — beating the Brave Blossoms in both deciders. Ikanivere captained the side on each occasion and retains the armband, packing down in the front row alongside loosehead Peni Ravai and tighthead Mesake Doge.

Mesake Vocevoce and Temo Mayanavanua form the second row, while Kitione Salawa — who scored the opening try just 21 seconds into the semi-final win over Canada — starts at blindside flanker. Motikiai Murray and Elia Canakaivata complete the back row.

In the backs, Frank Lomani and Caleb Muntz pair up at halfback, with Armstrong-Ravula shifting from his usual position to fullback. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and Virimi Vakatawa start in the centres, while Manasa Mataele and Joji Nasova retain their wing berths.

Vilikesa Nairau and Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens are in line for their Flying Fijians debuts from the replacements bench. Sam Wye also comes into the squad in place of Terio Tamani.

Fiji squad to face Japan in PNC 2026 Final:

1. Peni Ravai, 2. Tevita Ikanivere (c), 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Mesake Vocevoce, 5. Temo Mayanavanua, 6. Kitione Salawa, 7. Motikiai Murray, 8. Elia Canakaivata, 9. Frank Lomani, 10. Caleb Muntz, 11. Manasa Mataele, 12. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 13. Virimi Vakatawa, 14. Joji Nasova, 15. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.

Replacements: 16. Kavaia Tagivetaua, 17. Vilikesa Nairau, 18. Samuela Tawake, 19. Isoa Tuwai, 20. Penaia Cakobau, 21. Sam Wye, 22. Isikeli Rabitu, 23. Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.