The multi-talented 34-year-old, equally at home on the wing or in the centre, was a key member of the Stade Rochelais squad who lifted EPCR’s most prestigious trophy last year and this year, and will surely again be to the fore when they start their defence in Pool 4 in December.

Botia, who has scored 11 tries in 42 EPCR appearances for the French club, is one of nine players belonging to Champions Cup clubs included in the 33-man Fijian squad.

Northampton Saints, who have been drawn in Pool 3, provide two in hooker Sam Matavesi and lock Temo Mayanavanua – as do RC Toulon, who return to Champions Cup action in Pool 3 with Fiji centre Waisea Nayacalevu, who captains his country’s squad, and wing Jiuta Wainiqolo on board.

Josua Tuisova, who is set to take his plentiful EPCR experience to Racing 92 in Pool 2 next season, and Semi Radradra, who is poised to fill the gap left by Tuisova at Lyon in Pool 1 following his move from Bristol Bears, are among Fiji’s World Cup centres.

Saracens prop Eroni Mawi, a regular in the English club’s run to the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals last season, and Aviron Bayonnais centre Sireli Maqala complete the Champions Cup representation in the Fiji panel.

Double Heineken Champions Cup winner Levani Botia will spearhead Fiji’s World Cup campaign next month after being chosen as one of their four back-row players for duty in France.