Fiji are set to provide the Wallabies with a benchmark for their preparations for the British and Irish Lions after the Pacific islanders named a strong squad for their Test match in Newcastle next month.
Fiji and Australia will meet on July 6 in Australia’s only international before facing the Lions in a three-Test series beginning in Brisbane on July 19.
It’s the first time the teams have squared off since Fiji shocked the Wallabies at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, breaking a 69-year drought.
The Fiji win helped send the Australians crashing out of the tournament at the pool stage.
Coach Mick Byrne on Thursday announced a 32-member squad to face the Wallabies and also Scotland in Suva on July 12.
While 13 players are from the Fijian Drua, who finished 10th in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific competition, Byrne has also selected 10 players based in France and five in England.
The backline is set to include European stars such as Josua Tuisova (Racing 92), who scored a try in their World Cup win over Australia, Sireli Maqala (Bayonne) and Salesi Rayasi (Vannes).
Josua Tuisova of Fiji passes the ball ahead of George North of Wales during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Wales and Fiji at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux on September 10, 2023 in Bordeaux, France. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Former powerhouse NRL winger Semi Radradra, who plays for Lyon, is a notable omission.
Veteran forwards Eroni Mawi (Saracens), Samuel Matavesi (Lyon), and Albert Tuisue (Gloucester) bolster a dominant forward pack.
Tevita Ikanivere, Caleb Muntz, and Iosefo Masikau Baleiwairiki are among players named from the Drua after strong Super Rugby performances.
“Both Australia and Scotland are established Tier One sides, and we know the level we need to rise to,” Byrne said in a statement.
“We’ve focused on combinations that give us both tactical adaptability and the trademark Fijian spirit.
“We want to win but more importantly, we want to win playing our brand of rugby.
“This squad reflects the depth, strength, and we will give a performance that will make all Fijians proud.”
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.
