Jake White names Nathan Hughes and teenage debutant Rabitu in bold Fiji XV to face France

Jake White has named a heavily reshuffled Fiji side for their Nations Championship Test against France, with nine of his starting XV drawn from Top 14 clubs and three selections signalling a clear shift in the new head coach’s thinking.

The most striking call is at fly-half, where 19-year-old Isikeli Rabitu earns his first start in a Fiji jersey. White has also handed a debut to 35-year-old Nathan Hughes — the former England back-rower now eligible for his country of birth — while Vinaya Habosi, more commonly seen on the wing, lines up at inside centre alongside Iosefo Masi.

Only four players retain their places from the 34-28 victory over Japan that opened White’s tenure: captain and hooker Tevita Ikanivere, lock Mesake Vocevoce, flanker Isoa Nasilasila, and number eight Kitione Salawa. Eroni Mawi and Luke Tagi complete the front row alongside Ikanivere, with Pita-Gus Sowakula joining Hughes and Salawa in the back row.

Simione Kuruvoli starts at halfback, while the back three of Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selestino Ravutaumada and Salesi Rayasi offers pace and experience out wide.

The bench carries significant depth, with tighthead Peni Ravai and playmaker Ben Volavola among the replacements. Notably absent from the squad entirely are Josua Tuisova and Caleb Muntz, whose omissions further underline the direction White intends to take the Flying Fijians.

With the match taking place at the Parc Olympique, the fixture carries a distinctly French flavour — nine of Fiji’s starters play their club rugby in the Top 14, setting up a compelling test of how well White can harness that pool of talent against the host nation.