Vodafone Flying Fijians coach John McKee already has an eye on the 2023 Rugby World Cup, although his team is yet to qualify for the next tournament in three years' time.
Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, failed to secure an automatic berth in Japan and begin the qualification process for 2019 during next week's Pacific Nations Cup.
McKee has named eight new caps in his 28‑man squad and also found a spot for 37-year-old veteran Seremaia Bai, who will retire at the end of month.
He says it was a balancing act between winning test matches and planning for the future.
The Flying Fijians assembled in Suva yesterday to prepare for their PNC opener against Tonga next weekend.
John McKee said the next 10 days will be very important in ensuring that they are ready to go, come kick‑off.
Fiji will also play tests against Samoa and Georgia later this month.
Fiji will face Tonga at 3pm next Saturday at the ANZ Stadium.
