Fiji Airways Fijian 7s Head Coach Ben Gollings has included speedster Alasio Naduva in his 13-member traveling squad to the Dubai and Cape Town tournaments.
After having impressed in a few local competitions, Naduva injects experience and speed into a squad that features core players who have been competing in top-level rugby since last year the likes of Paula Nayacakalou, and skipper Waisea Nacuqu.
“Naduva has been doing well in training. He is there to provide backup in those positions with pace,” Gollings said.
Missing out on selection are Josevani Soro who has been ruled out for the next two tournaments, and Iowane Teba who is still recovering from injury.
“Teba sustained an injury in Hong Kong and he is still not right and rather than risking and pushing him now it’s better to create longevity in the season and have him fully fit.”
Despite the player setback, Gollings said the team is focused on finishing on a high note in Dubai and Cape Town going into the next round of the World Rugby Sevens Series in 2023.
“Going into these two tournaments, we want to build on the performance from the Hong Kong 7s and we would like to push for that number one slot before the end of the year. I think it’s important we keep pushing for finals and win finals and build on our performances.”
Fiji kicks off its campaign in the first round of the Dubai 7s against Uruguay at 7.12 pm on Friday 2 December, before taking on New Zealand at 10.11 pm and then Argentina in their final pool game at 4.05 am the next day.
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s Squad:
- Joseva Talacolo
- Josua Vakurinabili
- Jeremaia Matana
- Tira Welagi
- Paula Nayacakalou
- Sevuloni Mocenacagi
- Pilipo Bukayaro
- Waisea Nacuqu
- Filipe Sauturaga
- Vuiviawa Naduvalo
- Alasio Naduva
- Manueli Maisamoa
- Iowane Raturaciri
Photo: Fiji Rugby
