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RNZ News
11-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
From fathers to sons: Fiji rugby legacy continues against Scotland
Joeli Veitayaki, right, with son Haereiti Hetet, left, and Salesi Rayasi Photo: Facebook / Joeli Veitayaki Flying Fijians v Scotland Kickoff: 3pm Saturday, 12 July National Stadium, Suva, A former Flying Fijian captain Joeli Veitayaki is excited by the selection of his son, and the son of a former teammate, in the Fijian national team to play against Scotland this weekend. Veitayaki's son Haereiti Hetet was on the bench last week against the Wallabies, and has also been named as back-up prop for this weekend's big game at the National Stadium in Suva. Former Hurricanes player Salesi Rayasi will play his second game for the Fijians on Saturday, following his debut against the Wallabies in Sydney last Sunday. Salesi's dad Filipe played in the same Fiji teams with Veitayaki between 1994 and 1997. In Suva this week, the Whangarei-based former prop visited his son and Salesi, stating his excitement that both the players have continued the legacy he and Filipe had left behind. "I played prop for Fiji. My son Haereiti is also a prop. Filipe was a fullback and his son Salesi also plays fullback and wing. "And on top of that we both hailed from Matuku Island in Lau. I am proud to see both the boys now playing together for Fiji and playing in the positions we played in during our time with Fiji." Veitayaki, who travelled to Fiji last week, wanted to watch the two "sons of Matuku" and the Flying Fijians square-off against the touring Scots. He also visited the Fiji Rugby Union office in the capital where he met with former Flying Fijians mates Jiko Matawalu, the current FRU operations manager, Paula Biu, the current Flying Fijians manager and Viliame Gadolo, a manager with the FRU High Performance Unit. Filipe Rayasi, left, and Joeli Veitayaki in one of their Flying Fijians assignment in the '90s. Photo: Facebook / Joeli Veitayaki The 58-year-old, who also played Super Rugby for the Chiefs (1996) and the Blues (1999), as well as appearing at the 1999 and 2003 Rugby World Cup, said Scotland would not be an easy team to beat, despite missing some big names who are with the British and Irish Lions. But he is confident the Fijians can beat their visitors, after watching how close the team came to beating the Wallabies last weekend in Newcastle. "They just need to stick with their game plan, make sure they dominate upfront, defend strongly and let the backline utilise possession everytime they are able to," he said. "Scotland will be very physical and our boys will need to be upfront with them, pressure them on defence." While Salesi will start the match off, Hetet is expected to come off the bench in the second half. Haereiti Hetet, closest to the camera, packs down for the Fijian Drua as he makes his return to Super Rugby this weekend against Moana Pasifika. Photo: Fijian Drua Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has made just two changes to his starting lineup that [ l ost 21-18] against the Wallabies last Sunday. Prop Mesake Doge replaces Peni Ravai, while Sireli Maqala slots in for Iosefo Masi at outside centre. Two changes have also been made on the bench, with Hawkes bay halfback Sam Wye set to make his debut. Wye replaces Phillip Baselala, who also made his debut last weekend. France-based Vilimoni Botitu is the backline cover. Byrne said he expects Scotland to be physical, especially at the breakdowns, and the Fijians will need to be ready for that. He knows that because he was once an assistant coach for the Scottish national side, from 2002 to 2005. "Having coached Scotland myself, I know the Scottish players too well," he told the media in Suva "They'll come tight. They'll be a good group of players when they come together. "We need to match them on Saturday. It's going to be a great game and it's going to be worthwhile turning up to watch." He does not think the visitors will miss those who are in the British and Irish Lions team in Australia because the players have played together for a long time. The loose trio of Lekima Tagitavigalu (6), Elia Canakaivata and Viliame Mata (8) has been retained, along with the locking pair of Isoa Nasilasila and Temo Mayanavanua. There is a lot of speed and power in the backline, with 'The Bus' Josua Tuisova and Maqala, who have been top performers in the French Top14 competition for the last two seasons, pairing in midfield. Salesi Rayasi, Jiuta Wainiqolo and Kalaveti Ravouvou have also been retained as the back three. Salesi Rayasi made his debut for Fiji last week against Australia. Photo: Supplied / Fiji Rugby Union Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend said that he was privileged to be back in Fiji, where he last played in 1993. That was when the former flyhalf played at the Fiji International Sevens tournament, at the National Stadium, where his warriors will face Fiji. "I feel very privileged to be here," he told reporters in Suva. "It's a unique opportunity in life, in a rugby career, to spend time in this wonderful country. When we were at the stadium, it reminded me of the first time I was here, back in 1993. "I have a love of Fijian rugby as a supporter, and then as a coach, having worked with some Fijian players in Glasgow, I've always admired the mindset that Fijian players play with and how they play the game." Scotland kicked off their New Zealand Fiji tour in Whangeri last Saturday, beating the Maori All Blacks 29-26. Both teams scored four tries apiece but the difference was Adam Hastings boots, the player converting a penalty. Fijian heritage number eight Alexander Masibaka told FBC News in Suva on Thursday he looks forward to the opportunity to play against the Flying Fijians. However, the 23 year old has been left out of the match-day 23, having played against the Maori All Blacks last week. This week he was able to meet and reconnect with relatives from Nakanacagi village in Dreketi, Macuata. "It's such a cool moment with my mum being Scottish as well, so it's like a full circle moment for me to be able to bring my family together," he told FBC News . "Met a lot of my cousins that I used to see when I was younger in the village." Coach Townsend has made 14 changes to the team that beat the Maori. Scotland Rugby said Fergus Burke will make his debut. New Zealand-born Burke, who qualifies for Scotland through his Edinburgh-born grandfather, has been handed the number 10 jersey after featuring off the bench against the Maori All Blacks - a non-cap match - last Saturday. Edinburgh Rugby lock Marshall Sykes is the sole survivor from the tour opener in Whangarei as a host of experienced players return. Flying Fijians: 1. Eroni Mawi, 2. Tevita Ikanivere (captain), 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Temo Mayanavanua, 6. Lekima Tagitagivalu, 7. Elia Canakaivata, 8. Viliame Mata, 9. Simione Kuruvoli, 10. Caleb Muntz, 11. Jiuta Wainiqolo, 12. Josua Tuisova, 13. Sireli Maqala, 14. Kalaveti Ravouvou, 15. Salesi Rayasi; Bench: 16. Samuel Matavesi, 17. Haereiti Hetet, 18. Samuela Tawake, 19. Mesake Vocevoce, 20. Albert Tuisue, 21. Sam Wye, 22. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 23. Vilimoni Botitu. Scotland: 1. Kyle Rowe, 2. Darcy Graham, 3. Cameron Redpath, 4. Tom Jordan, 5. Kyle Steyn, 6. Fergus Burke, 7. Jamie Dobie; 8. Rory Sutherland, 9. Ewan Ashman, 10. Elliot Millar Mills, 11. Marshall Sykes, 12. Grant Gilchrist, 13, Jamie Ritchie, 14. Rory Darge (captain), 15. Matt Fagerson; Bench: 16. George Turner, 17. Alec Hepburn, 18. Will Hurd, 19. Max Williamson, 20. Josh Bayliss, 21. George Horne, 22. Adam Hastings, 23. Ollie Smith.
Straits Times
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Former New Zealand sevens speedster Salesi Rayasi to make Fiji debut v Australia
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Vannes' New Zealand winger Salesi Rayasi (right) scores a try despite the tackle of Bayonne's French wing Arnaud Erbinartegaray in the French Top 14 rugby union match at Stade Jean Dauger in Bayonne on May 17, 2025. MELBOURNE – Former New Zealand rugby sevens player Salesi Rayasi will follow in his father's footsteps by representing Fiji at test level when he starts at fullback in Sunday's clash against Australia in Newcastle. France-based Rayasi is one of two uncapped players in Mick Byrne's match-day squad, with Fijian Drua scrum-half Philip Baselala hoping to debut from the bench. Rayasi, who made 50 appearances for the Wellington Hurricanes in Super Rugby before moving to RC Vannes last year, was a member of New Zealand's sevens squads between 2018-20. He switched nationality to Fiji to honour his heritage, with his father Filipe Rayasi capped 13 times for the Pacific island nation, mostly at fullback. 'He's pretty excited, obviously,' Australian Byrne told reporters in Newcastle on Friday of Rayasi Jr. 'Very accomplished player, very skilful. I like the way he's been training. He works very hard off the field as well, understanding his role. 'That's been very pleasing so I'm looking forward to him being able to go out there on Sunday and show everybody his worthiness of a white jersey.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Asean needs 'bolder reforms' to attract investments in a more fragmented global economy: PM Wong Singapore CPF members can make housing, retirement and health insurance plans with new digital platform Singapore CPF's central philosophy of self-reliance remains as pertinent as ever: SM Lee Asia Dalai Lama hopes to live beyond 130 years, much longer than predicted Sport Liverpool will move on after Jota's tragic death, but he will never be forgotten Singapore Tan Cheng Bock, Hazel Poa step down from PSP leadership; party launches 'renewal plan' Singapore As her muscles weaken, 26-year-old leans on best friend for strength and support Life Japanese food in Singapore under $20: 5 hawker stalls serving restaurant-quality sashimi and donburi Fiji are looking for a first win in Australia in over 70 years, having stunned the Wallabies 22-15 at the 2023 World Cup in France. The Pacific islanders' lineup is much-changed from their last start in November when they were smashed 52-17 by Ireland in Dublin. Byrne has made eight changes to the starting 15 while retaining hooker Tevita Ikanivere as captain after he was co-skipper against the Irish. Simione Kuruvoli has replaced Frank Lomani in the No. 9 shirt, while Bristol Bears loose forward Bill Mata starts at No. 8, moving Elia Canakaivata to the openside. Fijian Drua's Iosefo Masi and Racing 92 centre Josua Tuisova offer a powerful midfield foil to the Australian duo of Joseph Suaalii and Len Ikitau. Team: 15-Salesi Rayasi, 14-Kalaveti Ravouvou, 13-Iosefo Masi, 12-Josua Tuisova, 11-Jiuta Wainiqolo, 10-Caleb Muntz, 9-Simione Kuruvoli, 8-Bill Mata, 7-Elia Canakaivata, 6-Lekima Tagitagivalu, 5-Temo Mayanavanua, 4-Isoa Nasilasila, 3-Peni Ravai, 2-Tevita Ikanivere (capt), 1-Eroni Mawi Replacements: 16-Sam Matavesi, 17-Haereiti Hetet, 18-Mesake Doge, 19-Mesake Vocevoce, 20-Albert Tuisue, 21-Philip Baselala, 22-Isaiah Ravula, 23-Sireli Maqala REUTERS
RNZ News
04-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Salesi Rayasi debuts for Fiji at fullback against the Wallabies
Former New Zealand sevens rep Salesi Rayasi trains with the Flying Fijians in Sydney this week, ahead of Sunday's Test against the Wallabies. He has been named to debut for the Fijians at fullback. Photo: Supplied / Fiji Rugby Union Former New Zealand sevens rep Salesi Rayasi has achieved what his dad did 30-odd years ago, after he was named in the Flying Fijians Test team to meet the Wallabies in Sydney on Sunday afternoon. Not only has the player made it into the Fijian national side , he was also named at fullback, the position his dad Filipe excelled in for the Pacific islanders. Filipe played for Fiji between 1994-1997. The younger Rayasi was named by head coach Mick Byrne as the lone debutant in the starting lineup. Having played for the Blues and the Hurricanes in the Super Rugby Pacific competition, Salesi joined Vannes in the French Top 14, signalling his interest to leave New Zealand for Fiji. Byrne included him in the squad last month. He said Rayasi and some others who have joined the squad had brought a lot of experience and different assets to the team. The Flying Fijians training in Sydney this week ahead of Sunday's clash against the Wallabies. Photo: Supplied / Fiji Rugby Union Rayasi is the sole debutant in the run-on side, while Philip Baselala is in line to debut off the bench in the No. 21 jersey. Baselala is a former Fiji U20 halfback who played five matches for the Fijian Drua in 2025, starting against the Western Force and Queensland Reds. "It's exciting times for us," coach Mick Byrne told reporters. "All our players have come down from the north, who have gelled well together as a team and it's an exciting opportunity for us to get in against Australia in Australia, especially in a Lions year when there's a lot of excitement around. "You can see in a couple of Super Rugby games that the Lions have played that the crowd are coming out so we're really looking forward to a big crowd here on Sunday. "We're looking forward to showing everyone the growth we've had in this team over the last 12 months and moving on from the Rugby World Cup in 2023, the growth we've had in this team." Rayasi joins some of the best French Top 14 performers in winger Jiuta Wainiqolo, centre Josdua Tuisova and European Cup challenger Kalaveti Ravouvou. Tevita Ikanivere captains the side from hooker, joined by Eroni Mawi and Peni Ravai in the front row. Crack centre Josua Tuisova (facing camera) trains with the Flying Fijians in Sydney this week. He will play against the Wallabies on Sunday in Sydney. Photo: Supplied / Fiji Rugby Union The Wallabies have named one Fijian-heritage player in their starting lineup and one on the bench. Lani Gleeson gets a run upfront with the forward pack while Filipo Daugunu is expected to feature in the second spell. Hooker Dave Porecki makes a return to the team after he led the side at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where the team were beaten by Fiji in pool play. Head coach Joe Scmidt has named Harry Wilson as captain this time around. Porecki is one of nine players backing up from the last clash between the two nations during the 2023 tournament in France, where Fiji posted their first victory over the Wallabies in 69 years, winning 22-15. Schmidt said they were excited about the clash. "The whole squad has worked hard on and off the field and reconnected well with a short runway from our assembly through to the Test on Sunday against Fiji," Schmidt said in a statement. "I think the players and the wider management are keen to get underway, especially in front of a big crowd here in Newcastle, as we kick off an exciting but incredibly demanding 2025 Test match schedule." Porecki will anchor an experienced front row of James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa, while Jeremy Williams and Nick Frost are the locks after five appearances in 2024. Gleeson will start at blindside flanker, with Fraser McReight on the other side of the scrum. This Test in Newcastle between Fiji and Australia will get underway at 1:30pm local time, or 3:30pm Fiji and New Zealand time on Sunday afternoon. The Flying Fijians match-day 23: 1. Eroni Mawi, 2. Tevita Ikanivere (c), 3. Peni Ravai, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Temo Mayanavanua, 6. Lekima Tagitagivalu, 7. Elia Canakaivata, 8. Viliame Mata, 9. Simione Kuruvoli, 10. Caleb Muntz, 11. Jiuta Wainiqolo, 12. Josua Tuisova, 13. Iosefo Balewairiki Masi,14. Kalaveti Ravouvou, 15. Salesi Rayasi; Bench - 16. Sam Matavesi, 17. Haereiti Hetet, 18. Mesake Doge, 19. Mesake Vocevoce, 20. Albert Tuisue, 21. Philip Baselala, 22. Isaiah Armstrong Ravula, 23. Sireli Maqala. The Wallabies match-day 23: 1. James Slipper, 2. David Porecki, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Nick Frost, 5. Jeremy Williams, 6. Langi Gleeson, 7. Fraser McReight, 8. Harry Wilson (c), 9. Tate McDermott, 10. Noah Lolesio, 11. Max Jorgensen, 12. Len Ikitau, 13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14. Harry Potter, Wright; Bench - 16. Billy Pollard, 17. Angus Bell, 18. Zane Nonggorr, 19. Tom Hooper, 20. Carlo Tizzano, 21. Nic White, 22. Ben Donaldson, 23. Filipo Daugunu. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
02-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Former Hurricanes star Salesi Rayasi poised for Flying Fijians debut against Wallabies
Salesi Rayasi of the Hurricanes (right) scores a try. (file image) Photo: AAP / Former Hurricanes utility back Salesi Rayasi is tipped to make his debut for the Flying Fijians against the Wallabies on Sunday. The 28-year-old is in Sydney with the Fijians after head coach Mick Byrne named him in the 32-member squad. Having declared his interest to play for Fiji, following his dad Filipe, Salesi got his release from the Hurricanes at the end of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season and headed to France, where he joined Vannes in the French Top 14 competition. Speaking to in Suva, who hails from Matuku island of Fiji's Lau group of islands, said being selected for the Flying Fijians was "an unreal feeling" . His dad Filipe played for Fiji between 1994 and 1997, wearing the number 15 jersey, which could be the same position Salesi will play in, having shifted between wing and fullback for the Hurricanes as well. The lanky player made the All Blacks Sevens team in 2018 after playing junior and college rugby in Wellington. He spent two years playing rugby sebens before being recruited by the Hurricanes on 2019 and going on to represent the side in 50 games. Salesi told that he had seen photos of his dad in the Fiji colours when he was young and that also inspired him to chase his dream. Utility backline players named in the Flying Fijians include: Selesitioni Ravutaumada, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Vilimoni Botitu and Sireli Maqalam, who are all able to play at fullback as well. It means Salesi will have to be at his best to get the nod from Byrne for a spot in the match-day 23. Salesi Rayasi during a training session with the Flying Fijians in Newcastle, Sydney. 1 July 2025 Photo: Fiji Rugby Byrne is expected to name his starting lineup mid-week. The Fijians have been training in Sydney since the weekend. Byrne emphasised the squad's readiness to take on the challenge of facing the Wallabies in Newcastle, especially since the Fijians had defeated the Wallabies at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. The squad will also face Scotland in Suva on 12 July. "Both Australia and Scotland are established Tier One sides, and we know the level we need to rise to," Byrne said. "This squad reflects the depth, strength, and we will give a performance that will make all Fijians proud." The squad have 13 players from the Fijian Drua, 10 players based in France and five from England. Key players included are: Viliame Mata (Bristol), Josua Tuisova (Racing 92), and Sireli Maqala (Bayonne), alongside veteran forwards Eroni Mawi (Saracens), Samuel Matavesi (Lyon), and Albert Tuisue (Gloucester). The Drua inclusions include captain Tevita Ikanivere, Caleb Muntz, Isaiah Washington-Ravula. Prop Luke Tagi has pulled ut because of injury and has been replaced by Drua prop Samu Tawake. "We've focused on combinations that give us both tactical adaptability and the trademark Fijian spirit," Byrne said. "We want to win but more importantly, we want to win playing our brand of rugby." The Flying Fijians will take on the Wallabies at 3.30pm (NZ Time) at the Newcastle International Sports Centre on Sunday. They will then play Scotland on 12 July at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
RNZ News
12-06-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Ex Hurricanes, All Blacks Sevens star Salesi Rayasi in Fiji test squad
Salesi Rayasi attacks for the Hurricanes against the Rebels in a Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinal in Wellington, 8 June, 2024. Photo: Photosport Former All Blacks Sevens and Hurricanes winger Salesi Rayasi has been included in the Fiji test squad after changing allegiance. Wellington-born Rayasi follows in the footsteps of his father Filipe, who played 13 times for Fiji in the 1990s. Rayasi, 28, has been named for Fiji for the first time in a 32-player squad for tests against Australia and Scotland next month. He played 50 games during his six seasons with the Hurricanes before taking up a contract with French club RC Vannes last year. He played in seven tournaments with the All Blacks Sevens between 2018 and 2020. Hawke's Bay halfback Sam Wye, 24, is also named by Fiji for the first time. Fiji coach Mick Byrne promised Australia and Scotland tough tests after naming a strong squad featuring 15 European-based players, Reuters reported. The Pacific islanders will play the Wallabies in Newcastle on 6 July in Australia's only warm-up match for the British & Irish Lions test series before hosting the Scots in Suva the following weekend. "We've announced a squad which is as strong as we're able to select, so that's excellent," Byrne said. "We're really looking forward to going over to Australia and putting on a great performance against the Wallabies and then coming home and playing against Scotland. "Both Australia and Scotland are established tier-one sides, and we know the level we need to rise to. This squad reflects our depth, strength, and we will give a performance that will make all Fijians proud." Alongside the 10 players who play their club rugby in France and five in England, the 32-man squad features a core of 13 players from the Fijian Drua Super Rugby team. "We've focused on combinations that give us both tactical adaptability and the trademark Fijian spirit," Byrne said. "We want to win but more importantly, we want to win playing our brand of rugby." Australian Byrne, who coached the Drua until last year, said Fiji's likely inclusion in the Nations Cup meant they needed to start thinking and acting like a tier-one country. "We now need to step up as an organisation and a group of players and address the fact that we are now tier one," he added. Fiji squad: Forwards - Eroni Mawi, Luke Tagi, Haereiti Hetet, Mesake Doge, Peni Ravai, Tevita Ikanivere, Samuel Mativesi, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Setareki Turagacoke, Viliame Mata, Elia Canakaivata, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Albert Tuisue, Etonia Waqa, Motikai Murray. Backs - Simione Kuruvoli, Philip Baselala, Sam Wye, Caleb Muntz, Isaia Armstrong-Ravula, Vilimoni Botitu, Josua Tuisova, Iosefo Masikau Baleiwairiki, Sireli Maqala, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Ponipate Loganimasi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Salesi Rayasi. - RNZ Sport/Reuters
