Rugby: Former All Blacks midfielder Seta Tamanivalu named in Fiji's squad for Pacific Nations Cup

Seta Tamanivalu.
Seta Tamanivalu. Photo credit: Photosport

Former All Blacks and Crusaders back Seta Tamanivalu has been named in Fiji's squad for the Pacific Nations Cup.

The 30-year-old qualifies for his birth-nation under World Rugby’s new eligibility laws, the same rule that has seen Malakai Fekitoa and Israel Folau included in Tonga's squad.

Tamanivalu was capped five times for the All Blacks after making his debut in 2016 against Wales, alongside Ardie Savea.

He was born in Lautoka and later moved to New Zealand as a schoolboy, where he attended Saint Kentigern College.

His talents were quickly spotted by Colin Cooper, who included him in his Taranaki squad, before making his Super Rugby debut for the Chiefs.

Tamanivalu played 22 games for the Chiefs, before moving to the Crusaders where he would be capped 33 times until depareting them for Bordeaux in France in 2018.

He currently plays Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan, which is coached by former Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder.

Tamanivalu also joins nephew, and former Crusaders teammate, Manasa Mataele in the Fiji squad to take on Tonga, Samoa and Australia A.

Fiji squad for the Pacific Nations Cup

Forwards: Haereiti Hetet, Eroni Mawi Sam Matavesi, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesulame Dolokoto, Luke Tagi, Mesake Doge, Manasa Saulo, Tevita Ratuva, Temo Mayanavanua, Isoa Nasilasila, Ratu Leone Rotusolia, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Albert Tuisue, Mesulame Kunavula, Levani Botia, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Rusiate Nasove

Backs: Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli, Peni Matawalu, Ben Volavola, Teti Tela, Setareki Tamanivalu, Vilimoni Botitu, Apisalome Vota, Waisea Nayacalevu, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Josua Tuisova, Vinaya Habosi, Manasa Mataele, Setareki Tuicuvu, Ilaisa Droasese