PNC history
Number of tournaments: 15 (2006-2022)
Best finish: Champions (2013, 2015-18)
Most points in a match: 45 (45-17 v Tonga, 2014)
Biggest win: 28 (as above)
Did You Know? Fiji have won the Pacific Nations Cup a record five times (there wasn't an official tournament in 2023, just a series of RWC 2023 warm-up matches).
Current form
World Ranking: 10th
Form*: LWLLW
Key team info
Kit colour: White and black
Team logo: Palm tree
Nickname: Flying Fijians
Known for: Basketball-style skills, humility and the cibi (pronounced 'thimbi'), the pre-match cultural challenge that has been used on the rugby field since 1939.
Head Coach: Mick Byrne (Australia)
Byrne replaced Simon Raiwalui as the new Flying Fijians coach in April 2024. A former Aussie Rules champion, Byrne, 65, brings with him plenty of experience of the international arena, having worked as an assistant coach with Scotland, New Zealand, Japan and Australia in 15s and Canada in sevens, acting as women’s head coach at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. He knows many of the Flying Fijian players through his work with Super Rugby outfit, Fijian Drua.
Captain: Tevita Ikanivere
The Fijian Drua co-captain is a popular member of the squad having come through Fiji's high-performance pathway, representing his country at U18 and U20 level before making the step up to the senior squad. Ikanivere made his test debut as a replacement against Georgia in December 2020 and has gone on to win 15 caps. The hooker played in all five of Fiji's matches at Men's Rugby World Cup 2023, starting the defeat to England. The PNC will be his first tournament as captain.
Legend: Rupeni Caucaunibuca
Caucaunibuca’s generosity in giving most of his riches from rugby away to those in need may have left him virtually destitute but his rich legacy lives on. His performances at Rugby World Cup 2003 catapulted him to superstardom, a blend of pace, power and balanced running leaving defenders in his wake. The fact he would go missing for weeks, if not months, on end, much to the frustration of multiple coaches, only added to his mystique.
In brief
The Harlem Globetrotters of rugby play 15s as they do sevens, a format in which they have enjoyed greater worldwide success with two Olympic golds, three Rugby World Cup Sevens and four World Series titles.
Forwards who can run and pass like backs and backs who can hit just as hard as forwards combine to make Fiji the most brilliant team to watch. Most neutrals adopt them as their favourite ‘second team’ for the joy and entertainment that they bring to the game. Will not give up their crown as the most successful team in the Pacific lightly.
Squad
Head coach Byrne included six uncapped players in his 30-strong squad for the PNC on Tuesday, 13 August.
Kavaia Tagivetaua, Mesake Vocevoce, Apisalome Vota, Epeli Momo, Adrea Cocagi and Vuate Karawalevu will make their test debuts if called upon during the tournament.
Forwards: Eroni Mawi, Haereiti Hetet, Livai Natave, Samuela Tawake, Jone Koroiduadua, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Tevita Ikanivere (captain), Mesulame Dolokoto, Peni Ravai, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, Albert Tuisue, Meli Derenalagi, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata.
Backs: Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu, Mosese Sorovi, Caleb Muntz, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Inia Tabuavou, Iosefo Masi, Apisalome Vota, Epeli Momo, Adrea Cocagi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Vuate Karawalevu, Ilaisa Droasese.
*Tests only