Lautoka rugby player Iliesa Salusalu will replace Niko Ratumaitavuki in the Flying Fijians team for the Pacific Nations Cup.

Ratumaitavuki has been replaced after the untimely death of his father over the weekend.

Salusalu, the son of former Fiji Bati and former Fiji fifteens center, Kaiava Salusalu will play at inside center.

Speaking from Japan, Fiji fifteens team manager Isei Rayawa said the players are aiming to kick start the 2012 season on a high.