Former England international Nathan Hughes will make his return to international rugby in Fiji’s Nations Championship clash against France in Lyon on Saturday after being named in the starting XV by new head coach Jake White.
The 35-year-old Fiji-born number eight, who earned 22 caps for England between 2016 and 2019, is eligible to represent Fiji under revised World Rugby Regulation 8, which allows players to switch international allegiance after a three-year stand-down period, provided they meet the birthright eligibility requirements.
Hughes will start at number eight alongside Pita-Gus Sowakula and Kitione Salawa in the back row, with Mesake Vocevoce and Isoa Nasilasila named in the second row.
Eroni Mawi and Luke Tagi will start at prop, with captain Tevita Ikanivere at hooker.
In the backline, Simione Kuruvoli will partner Isikeli Rabitu at halfback and flyhalf, while Vinaya Habosi and Iosefo Masi form the midfield combination.
Jiuta Wainiqolo and Selestino Ravutaumada will start on the wings, with Salesi Rayasi at fullback.
Hughes’ selection is a major addition to Fiji’s forward pack as White prepares for his second match in charge of the Flying Fijians.
Fiji will also face Ireland in Dublin on 14 November before taking on Italy in Udine a week later.
FIJI STARTING XV
15 Salesi Rayasi, 14 Selestino Ravutaumada, 13 Iosefo Masi, 12 Vinaya Habosi, 11 Jiuta Wainiqolo, 10 Isikeli Rabitu, 9 Simione Kuruvoli, 8 Nathan Hughes, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Pita-Gus Sowakula, 5 Isoa Nasilasila, 4 Mesake Vocevoce, 3 Luke Tagi, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (captain), 1 Eroni Mawi.
Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Peni Ravai, Inoke Ravuiwasa, Peceli Yato, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani, Ben Volavola and Sireli Maqala.
