Fiji assistant Bai reports strong camp spirit as Flying Fijians begin PNC title defence in Japan

Fiji’s Flying Fijians have touched down in Japan ahead of their Pacific Nations Cup title defence, with assistant coach Seremaia Bai reporting a strong camp atmosphere as the squad prepares to face Canada in Osaka on Saturday. The winner of that semi-final will advance to the PNC Final in Tokyo the following weekend at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium.

“The preparation has been good, it’s been good preparation. Good spirit in the team,” Bai said in a video shared by Fiji Rugby. “It’s been great to be in Japan. The weather and the lovely culture and the people — we always enjoy Japan and we’re looking forward to this weekend. We’ve been hosted wonderfully by the union.”

Fiji arrive needing a response after a difficult July window, in which the Flying Fijians went winless across three matches in the inaugural Nations Championship. Interim head coach Senirusi Seruvakula has named a 31-man squad that blends experience with fresh faces, including up to seven potential debutants.

Among the new names is Terio Tamani, who earned a place in the Men’s SVNS Dream Team of the Year following a standout sevens campaign. The playmaker adds to a backline that also features Caleb Muntz, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula and Kemu Valetini competing for the fly-half jersey. Valetini, who missed the July window, brings versatility across the backline and has impressed in Super Rugby Pacific with the Fijian Drua.

Frank Lomani leads the scrum-half options alongside Philip Baselala and recent Drua signing Sam Wye. Recent debutant Virimi Vakatawa and Olympic silver medallist Joji Nasova are also in the mix in the backs.

In the forwards, Seruvakula has called upon a powerful contingent including Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Peni Ravai and Mesake Vocevoce.

Fiji’s opponents Canada are looking to regroup after a 45-point defeat to Japan last weekend, a match played in front of 18,000 fans in Niigata. Japan, beaten finalists at the 2025 PNC, are hosting the tournament for the second time in three years and will face the USA Eagles in the other semi-final at Hanazono Rugby Stadium on Saturday. The third-place playoff and the Final will both be held the following weekend in Tokyo.