But there is no place for the former Cross Keys centre Seremai Bai, now playing at Leicester Tigers, who had been named among the travelling reserves. His omission leaves skipper Akapusi Qera and hooker Sunia Koto as the sole survivors of the Fijian side that dumped Wales out of the 20-7 World Cup.
There are 15 players who are currently plying their trade in France in the Top 14 and PROD2, while a further four are attached to Guinness PRO12 clubs. Four more play in the Aviva Premiership and two are with Super Rugby franchises.
Fiji have moved up to ninth in the world rankings following their win over Samoa in the final of the Pacific Nations Cup and Kiwi coach John McKee is confident his squad “will rise to the challenge” in Pool A.
“I am very pleased to announce a very strong and experienced team to represent Fiji at RWC2015. After the successful Pacific Nations Cup campaign, and current training camp here in Fiji, the squad is working well towards the challenges ahead in the UK.
“Pool A is a very challenging pool and I have every confidence that this team will rise to the challenge and bring their best game to every match at the World Cup. Challenges such as those ahead of us bring out the best in top competitors and top teams.
“With this talented group of rugby players, fiercely proud of representing their country, I believe we have a team of players who will bring their best game to the biggest contest in international rugby.”
Fiji have the honour of facing host nation England in the opening match of the 2015 Rugby World Cup at Twickenham Stadium on Friday, 18 September. They meet Australia at the Millennium Stadium on 23 September and then Wales in the Welsh capital on Thursday, 1 October.
Fijian Rugby World Cup Squad
Backs: Nemia Kenatale (Farul Constanta), Nikola Matawalu (Bath), Henry Seniloli (Treviso), Levani Botia (La Rochelle), Gabiriele Lovobalavu (Bayonne), Joshua Matavesi (Ospreys), Ben Volavola (Waratahs), Vereniki Goneva (Leicester), Kini Murimurivalu (La Rochelle), Nemani Nadolo (Crusaders), Waisea Nayacalevu (Stade Francais), Metuisela Talebula (Bordeaux), Asaeli Tikoirotuma (London Irish)
Forwards: Lee Roy Atalifo (Suva), Isei Colati (Nevers), Campese Ma’afu (Pays D’Aix), Peni Ravai (Nadroga), Manasa Saulo (Timisoara), Sunia Koto (Narbonne), Tuapati Talemaitoga (Pays D’Aix), Viliame Veikoso (Doncaster), Tevita Cavubati (Ospreys), Leone Nakarawa (Glasgow Warriors), Api Ratuniyarawa (Agen), Nemia Soqeta (Biarritz), Sakiusa Masi Matadigo (Lyon), Akapusi Qera (captain, Montpellier), Malakai Ravulo (Farul Constanta), Netani Talei (Harlequins), Dom Waqaniburotu (Brive), Peceli Yato (Clermont)
