Fijian head coach Mick Byrne has executed three enforced adjustments to his lineup for the upcoming Autumn Internationals Series. As a skilled trio have withdrawn their input due to injury setbacks. The Fiji Rugby Union confirmed on Friday that forward Lekima Tagitagivalu will miss the November fixtures. Joining Paris Olympics silver medallists Iosefo Masi and Ponipate Loganimasi, who have also been sidelined through fitness concerns.
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2025 HSBC SVNS Series Dream Team standout Joji Nasova has earned a late call-up to the Flying Fijians roster following his exceptional displays in the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC). Nasova, who impressed on the right wing against Japan in the championship decider last month. Is expected to add further depth and dynamism to the backline as the squad prepares for the Autumn Internationals.
Meanwhile, Fijian Drua lock Kitione Salawa rejoins the national camp after making two solid appearances during the PNC, while Toulon center Setariki Tuicuvu steps in to replace Masi. The pair’s inclusion broadens Byrne’s selection options ahead of the challenging European fixtures that form part of the Autumn campaign.
It’s always tough when players you’ve chosen are forced to step aside, Byrne remarked in an official statement. Injuries are an unfortunate part of rugby, but they also create new chances for others to step up and demonstrate their worth. This is the beauty of having a strong squad depth. He further emphasized that the current selection pool allows greater flexibility.
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Nasova Shines as Byrne Highlights Depth Ahead of Autumn Internationals 2025
Picking players is never straightforward, Byrne continued. We must think about team balance, positional needs, and overall performance. Luckily, we possess an extensive pool of talented athletes to draw from, which keeps competition healthy and standards high. Nasova, who brings an authentic spark to Fiji’s backline, shone during the global SVNS Series.
Alongside him in the Autumn Internationals 2025 Dream Team are Great Britain’s Harry Glover. Spain’s Manu Moreno and Pol Pla, Argentina’s Luciano Gonzalez and Marcos Moneta, and France’s Paulin Riva. Their selection underscores the global recognition of emerging sevens talent now transitioning into the fifteens format.
Approximately five months ago, reports confirmed that Nasova had inked a two-year contract with Fijian Drua in Super Rugby Pacific. His domestic form soon translated to the international arena as he earned his debut honors in the 15s code during the PNC. Byrne included him on the bench for the semi-final clash against Canada, where he crossed the line for a well-taken try.
In the PNC final, Nasova made his starting debut for the Flying Fijians and delivered a standout performance, scoring twice as Fiji secured the championship with a determined victory over Japan. His attacking flair and pace have since made him a player to watch heading into the Autumn Internationals. Salawa, on the other hand, had already represented Fiji in four Tests before this year’s PNC.
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England Vs Fiji: Byrne Backs Emerging Talent as Fiji Finalize Autumn Internationals Squad
He featured in the third-round meeting with Samoa at open-side flanker and later earned selection in the matchday 23 for the event decider. Byrne has praised his work ethic, citing him as a forward who continues to grow with every outing. As for Setariki Tuicuvu, the flexible back has not appeared for the Flying Fijians since November 2022, when he started at fullback in a 35–17 defeat to Ireland in Dublin.
After delivering consistent performances for Toulon in France’s Top 14, he now makes his long-awaited return to international duty. With Loganimasi unavailable, Joji Nasova earns another moment to showcase his development, Byrne commented. He demonstrated during the PNC that he possesses tremendous potential, and our goal is to nurture his skills within the team environment.
Addressing Tagitagivalu’s absence, Byrne admitted the decision was difficult but necessary. Kitione is another athlete with significant room for improvement. During the PNC, he showed real progress in understanding what is required at the Test level. We’re confident he can elevate his game further, and this call-up gives him the platform to continue that journey.
The Flying Fijians will finalize their training camp in the coming weeks before traveling to Europe for the Autumn Internationals, where they are set to face several top-tier nations, including the highly anticipated England vs Fiji clash, in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to their 2025 season.
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