Salesi Rayasi of the Hurricanes (right) scores a try. (file image) Photo: AAP / www.photosport.nz
Former Hurricanes utility back Salesi Rayasi is tipped to make his debut for the Flying Fijians against the Wallabies on Sunday.
The 28-year-old is in Sydney with the Fijians after head coach Mick Byrne named him in the 32-member squad.
Having declared his interest to play for Fiji, following his dad Filipe, Salesi got his release from the Hurricanes at the end of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season and headed to France, where he joined Vannes in the French Top 14 competition.
Speaking to fijivillage.com in Suva, who hails from Matuku island of Fiji's Lau group of islands, said being selected for the Flying Fijians was "an unreal feeling".
His dad Filipe played for Fiji between 1994 and 1997, wearing the number 15 jersey, which could be the same position Salesi will play in, having shifted between wing and fullback for the Hurricanes as well.
The lanky player made the All Blacks Sevens team in 2018 after playing junior and college rugby in Wellington.
He spent two years playing rugby sebens before being recruited by the Hurricanes on 2019 and going on to represent the side in 50 games.
Salesi told fijivillage.com that he had seen photos of his dad in the Fiji colours when he was young and that also inspired him to chase his dream.
Utility backline players named in the Flying Fijians include: Selesitioni Ravutaumada, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Vilimoni Botitu and Sireli Maqalam, who are all able to play at fullback as well.
It means Salesi will have to be at his best to get the nod from Byrne for a spot in the match-day 23.
Salesi Rayasi during a training session with the Flying Fijians in Newcastle, Sydney. 1 July 2025 Photo: Fiji Rugby
Byrne is expected to name his starting lineup mid-week.
The Fijians have been training in Sydney since the weekend.
Byrne emphasised the squad's readiness to take on the challenge of facing the Wallabies in Newcastle, especially since the Fijians had defeated the Wallabies at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
The squad will also face Scotland in Suva on 12 July.
"Both Australia and Scotland are established Tier One sides, and we know the level we need to rise to," Byrne said.
"This squad reflects the depth, strength, and we will give a performance that will make all Fijians proud."
The squad have 13 players from the Fijian Drua, 10 players based in France and five from England.
Key players included are: Viliame Mata (Bristol), Josua Tuisova (Racing 92), and Sireli Maqala (Bayonne), alongside veteran forwards Eroni Mawi (Saracens), Samuel Matavesi (Lyon), and Albert Tuisue (Gloucester).
The Drua inclusions include captain Tevita Ikanivere, Caleb Muntz, Isaiah Washington-Ravula.
Prop Luke Tagi has pulled ut because of injury and has been replaced by Drua prop Samu Tawake.
"We've focused on combinations that give us both tactical adaptability and the trademark Fijian spirit," Byrne said.
"We want to win but more importantly, we want to win playing our brand of rugby."
The Flying Fijians will take on the Wallabies at 3.30pm (NZ Time) at the Newcastle International Sports Centre on Sunday.
They will then play Scotland on 12 July at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
