Fiji Rugby 7s coaches Ben Gollings and Saiasi Fuli have announced their respective sevens squads that will be part of Team Fiji’s campaign to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.
Gollings has roped in six Olympic Gold medallists in his 16-member squad including Jerry Tuwai, Waisea Nacuqu with a sprinkling of experienced players including European-based Aminiasi Tuimaba, Semi Kunatani, and Paula Dranisinukula.
Tuwai, Kunatani, Dranisinukula, and Sevuloni Mocenacagi were also part of the squad for the 2018 Commonwealth edition that was held in Australia.
“I think overall we have got a really good balance and we have selected the squad based on experienced and performance,” Gollings said.
“There are a lot of players who are new to the series this year and they have really stepped up such as players like Elia Canakaivata, Jerry Matana, and Tevita Daugunu who have been really marshaling the forwards well. Definitely for us, it’s one of the medals that has escaped Fiji over the years and our target is to go and claim that.”
Fijiana coach Saiasi Fuli has also named a strong squad featuring 10 Tokyo Olympics bronze medallists.
“We created a very competitive environment for them in terms of discipline, fitness, understanding of set-pieces, and executing the plans against the opponents while on the field.”
Fuli has named a very strong team which consists of 10 bronze medalists who were regular starters during the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Vani Buleki, Verenaisi Bari, Ivamere Nabura and Maria Rokotuisiga will add more firepower in the squad as they have been performing at their level best this season.
Veteran forward Rusila Nagasau will captain the side.
“We created a very competitive environment for them in terms of discipline, fitness, understanding of set-pieces and executing the plans against the opponents while on the field.These girls know the expectation and are ready to put Fiji on the World map once again” said Fuli.
The Rugby 7s competition will be played from 29 – 31 July at the Coventry Stadium in Birmingham.
Fiji 7s Squad :
- Elia Canakaivata
- Josua Vakurinabili
- Tevita Daugunu
- Sevuloni Mocenacagi
- Jerry Matana
- Semi Kunatani
- Jerry Tuwai
- Philipo Bukayaro
- Waisea Nacuqu
- Filipe Sauturaga
- Kaminieli Rasaku
- Sireli Maqala
- Aminiasi Tuimaba
- Vuiviawa Naduvalo
- Manueli Maisamoa
- Paula Dranisinukula
Fijiana 7s Squad:
- Rusila Nagasau {c}
- Rejieli Daveua
- Vani Buleki
- Vasiti Solikoviti
- Verenaisi Bari
- Ivamere Nabura
- Lavena Cavuru
- Viniana Riwai
- Reapi Uluinasau
- Maria Rokotuisiga
- Ana Naimasi
- Sesenieli Donu
- Laisani Likuceva
Traveling Reserves
- Lavenia Tinai
- Laisani Moceisawana
