Fijian Latui

The Fijian Latui is a professional rugby union team based in Suva that plays in the Global Rapid Rugby competition.[1]

Fijian Latui
UnionFiji Rugby Union                                        
Founded2019 (2019)
Ground(s)(Cap: 15,000) ANZ Stadium, Suva
(Cap: 8,000) Cakobau Park, Nausori
(Cap: 9,500) Churchill Park, Lautoka
Coach(es)Senirusi Seruvakula
League(s)Global Rapid Rugby
Union website
www.fijirugby.com

Officially launched in March 2019, the Latui played four Pacific Showcase matches during May and June 2019,[2] before joining the inaugural Global Rapid Rugby tournament in 2020.[3]

It was originally expected that the team would compete in 2019 for Rapid Rugby's A$1 million first prize,[4] but the tournament launch was postponed for a year due to the shortened time frame following World Rugby approval in November 2018.[5] The Showcase Series was arranged for 2019 instead.[6]

Name

Latui, in Fijian, refers to the Fiji goshawk, a small hawk found in that country.[1] The Latui can hunt its prey with either a stealthy glide or a rapid flapping attack.[1]

Squad

The Latui team is drawn mainly from players based locally in Fiji.[1] The squad for the 2020 season is:

Fijian Latui – 2020 Global Rapid Rugby 
Hooker
  • Tevita Ikanivere
  • Ratunaisa Navuma
  • Manoa Mocelutu
Prop
  • Livai Natave
  • Joeli Veitayaki Jnr
  • Penijamini Makutu
  • Jone Koroi
  • Mateo Qolisese
  • Timoci Sauvoli
Lock
  • Sailasa Kerekere
  • Soro Tuifagalele
  • Peni Naruma[upper-alpha 1]
  • Chris Minimbi
  • Epeli Radaniva
Backrow
  • Elia Canakaivata
  • Eremasi Radrodro
  • Filimoni Seru
  • Kelepi Naimasi[upper-alpha 1]
  • Raikabula Momoedonu
Scrum-half
  • Simione Kuruvoli
  • Aminiasi Natoga
  • Leone Nawai
Fly-half
Centre
Wing
  • Epeli Momo
  • Lepani Raiyala [upper-alpha 1]
  • Nacanieli Narequva
  • Jiuta Wainiqolo
Fullback
Notes:
The initial 33-man squad was named in February 2020.[7] Players joining in subsequent rounds were:
  1. Naruma, Naimasi, Tela, Tikoirotuma , Raiyala and Malele (Rd 1).[8]
Bold denotes player is internationally capped. (c) Denotes team captain. 1 denotes marquee player.

Prop Joeli Veitayaki Jnr

Hooker Ratunaisa Navuma

Five-eighth Seru Vularika

Records

Season standings

Global Rapid Rugby

Year Pos Pld W D L PF PA +/− BP Pts Play-offs
2019 * 2nd 4202114135−21210 N/A

Notes:

^* 2019 Rapid Rugby matches in the Pacific showcase.

Head coaches

  • Senirusi Seruvakula (2019–present) [9]

Captains

See also

References
  1. "Fijian Latui set for elite international competition". Fiji Sun. 1 March 2019. Archived from the original on 1 March 2019.
  2. "Rapid Rugby 2019 Schedule on show" (PDF) (Press release). Global Rapid Rugby. 1 March 2019. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 March 2019.
  3. Tavaga, Meli (1 March 2019). "FRU launches Fijian Latui". FBC News. Archived from the original on 1 March 2019.
  4. "Sport: Sport: Rapid Rugby to provide Pacific boost". Radio New Zealand. 14 December 2018. Archived from the original on 15 January 2019.
  5. Taylor, Nick (31 January 2019). "New Global Rapid Rugby competition delayed until next year". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 1 March 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  6. "Western Force to face Robbie Deans again". Special Broadcasting Service. 1 March 2019. Archived from the original on 1 March 2019.
  7. "Plenty of ammunition named in Fijian Latui squad". Fiji Rugby. 10 February 2020. Archived from the original on 11 February 2020.
  8. "Fijian-Latui favourites at home against China Lions". Rapid Rugby. Archived from the original on 13 March 2020. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  9. Nasokia, Waisea (22 May 2019). "Back to basics says Fijian Latui coach". Fiji Sun. Archived from the original on 5 June 2019. Retrieved 18 January 2020.
  10. Tavi, Karalaini (11 March 2020). "One mind, one soul says Latui Captain". FBC News. Archived from the original on 13 March 2020.


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