Northampton Saints’ Ahsee Tuala and Api Ratuniyarawa have both been selected for Samoa and Fiji respectively as the Pacific Nations Cup gets underway this weekend.
The tournament is contested by Japan, Canada, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and the USA over three rounds on 27 July, 3 August and 9-10 August, offering all six teams a vital chance to fine-tune their squads ahead of the Rugby world Cup.
Saints fullback Tuala starts for Samoa who face Tonga at Apia Park, earning his 17th cap for his country.
Meanwhile reigning champions Fiji, who have won the past four Pacific Nations Cups and will be looking to add a fifth consecutive title, have named Northampton lock Ratuniyarawa on their bench for their opener against Japan.
#PacificNationsCup | Manu Samoa jersey presentation tonight ahead of #SAMvTON tomorrow. Main speaker was former All Black/Manu Samoa Fesola'i Va'aiga Tuigamala. Here are some photos of your team and their families #GoTheManu pic.twitter.com/4XhZed8rMu
— Go the Manu (@gothemanu2011) July 26, 2019
It's under 24 hours until FIJI'S TIME in Japan when our @FijiAirways Flying Fijians take on the Brave Blossoms in the opening round of their @WorldRugby Pacific Nations Cup defence. Take a good look at who is stepping onto field bearing the White Jersey for our team#itsfijistime pic.twitter.com/ioCiWqFX4T
— Fiji Rugby Union (@fijirugby) July 25, 2019
