Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2023 Pacific Nations Series – Team Guide

The Brave Blossoms will play Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji over consecutive weekends in July and August 2023 in the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2023 Pacific Nations Series as all sides prepare for the Rugby World Cup 2023.

The squad information included here is based on the wider training squads the relevant rugby unions have announced pre-Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2023 Pacific Nations Series but we will update as more information is made available.

Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2023 Pacific Nations Series Fixtures

All times shown are local times.

• Saturday 22nd July 2023 – Brave Blossoms vs Samoa @ Sapporo Dome, Hokkaido, 14:50 Kickoff
• Saturday 29th July 2023 – Brave Blossoms vs Tonga @ Hanazono Rugby Stadium, 19:30 Kickoff
• Saturday 5th August 2023 – Brave Blossoms vs Fiji @ Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, 19:15 Kickoff

Japan ‘Brave Blossoms’ Squad – Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2023 Pacific Nations

Japan National Team Head Coach Jamie Joseph announced National Team Wider Training Squads with a 36-member Brave Blossoms Squad supplemented by a 10-member Wider Training Squad.

Comprised of 19 forwards and 17 backs, the Brave Blossoms Squad features nine uncapped players said the JRFU at the time.

The first squad Joseph selected for 2023 was the Japan XV who played New Zealand XV on 8th July in Tokyo.

Samoa Squad – Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2023 Pacific Nations

Samoas Head Coach Seilala Mapusua squad selection unsurprisingly includes players who have decided to take advantage of the change in eligibility laws by World Rugby and can switch international allegiances under certain conditions. This has seen the inclusion of former Wallaby fly-half Christian Leali’ifano, ex-All Blacks Charlie Faumuina, Steven Luatua and Lima Sopoaga.

There are also nine uncapped players in the squad who will play in the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2023 Pacific Nations Series and make a claim for RWC 2023.

Forwards: Michael Ala’alatoa, Brian Alainu’uese, Paul Alo-Emile, Michael Curry, So’otala Fa’aso’o, Miracle Fai’ilagi, Charlie Faumuina, Jack Lam, Seilala Lam, Titi Lamositele, Jordan Lay, Fritz Lee, Genesis Mamea-Lemalu, Steven Luatua, Sama Malolo, Theo McFarland, Alamanda Motuga, Ray Niuia, Taleni Seu, Samuel Slade, Jordan Taufua, Luteru Tolai, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Tietie Tuimauga, Chris Vui

Backs: Nigel Ah Wong, Ereatara Enari, Neria Fomai, Stacey Ili, Christian Leali’ifano, D’angelo Leuila, Tumua Manu, Melani Matavao, Tim Nanai-Williams, Duncan Paia’aua, UJ Seuteni, Lima Sopoaga, Martini Talapusi, Jonathan Taumateine, Danny Toala.

Fiji Squad – Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2023 Pacific Nations

Fiji Men’s XV Head Coach Simon Raiwalui called in 46 players for preparations for the 2023 internationals and included a number of potential new caps as well as the players who ply their trade in Europe, Japan and in Super Rugby. The wider squad includes 23 players from the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua.

Forwards: Peni Ravai, Haereti Hetet, Eroni Mawi, Meli Tuni*, Samuela Matavesi, Tevita Ikanivere, Zuriel Togiatama*, Mesulame Dolokoto, Mesake Doge, Luke Tagi, Samu Tawake, Jone Koroiduadua*, Isoa Nasilasila, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Temo Mayanavanua, Albert Tuisue, Peceli Yato, Lekima Tagitagivalu*, Joseva Tamani*, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Levani Botia, Viliame Mata, Meli Derenalagi*, Vilive Miramira*, Kitione Kamikamica

Backs: Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli, Peni Matawalu, Teti Tela, Caleb Muntz*, Ben Volavola, Josua Tuisova, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Adrea Cocagi,Waisea Nayacalevu, Iosefo Masi*, Seta Tamanivalu, Vinaya Habosi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selestino Ravutaumada*, Ilaisa Drosese, Setareki Tuicuvu, Semi Radradra, Sireli Maqala, Vilimoni Botitu

*new caps

Image Credit: Fiji Rugby

Tonga Squad – Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2023 Pacific Nations

Tonga coach Toutai Kefu has also included several players with previous international experience with other teams in his 35-player squad for the team’s Tests 2023.

Included are former Australian player Adam Coleman, ex-New Zealand internationals Malakai Fekitoa and Charles Piutau, former All Blacks sevens star Pita Ahki, and former Australia player Israel Folau.

Forwards: Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Feao Fotuaika, David Lolohea, Paula Ngauamo, Siua Maile, Samiuela Moli, Sosefo Sakalia, Ben Tameifuna, Tau Koloamatangi, Sosefo Apikotoa, Adam Coleman, Samiuela Lousi, Halaleva Fifita, Sitiveni Mafi, Vaea Fifita, Tanginoa Halaifonua, Solomone Funaki, Sione Vailanu, Lopeti Timani, Sione Havili Talitui

Backs: Sonatane Takulua, Augustine Pulu, Manu Paea, William Havili, Otumaka Mausia, Patrick Pellegrini, Pita Ahki, Malakai Fekitoa, Afusipa Taumoepeau, George Moala, Fine Inisi, Israel Folau, Solomone Kata, Charles Piutau, Kyren Taumoefolau

Image Credit: Tonga Rugby

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