Fiji will be fielding 32 athletes in six sports including Rugby 7s at the Tokyo Olympics next month.
This week, FASANOC executives approved Team Fiji’s Olympic squad, but the make-up of which will not be finalised until after an appeals process that provides other athletes and officials with a chance to appeal their case if they felt they had been unfairly deprived of selection to represent Fiji at the Tokyo event which starts on 23 July.
Rugby 7s dominate Team Fiji with 26 players featuring in the men’s and women’s competition, two in Swimming, and one each in Athletics, Judo, Sailing and Table Tennis.
The rugby lists currently contain a long list of athletes from which a final 13 players for the Men’s and Women’s teams will be named.
Last night, World Rugby confirmed pools for the sevens competition, with the Fiji men’s grouped in Pool B with Great Britain, Japan and Canada. Pool A features New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, and Olympic debutants Korea. In Pool C, are South Africa who finished as bronze medallists in Rio, USA, Kenya and Ireland who are also making their Olympic debut. In the women’s competition, the Fijiana are also grouped in Pool B alongside Canada, France and Brazil. Pool C has Olympic champions Australia, USA, China and hosts Japan. In Pool A are New Zealand, Russia, Great Britain and Kenya.
Team Fiji athletes will be accompanied by 21 officials.
- Team Fiji Olympics Squad As is:
- Athletics: Banuve Tabakaucoro; Official: Bola Tafo’ou
- Judo: Tevita Takayawa; Official: Takashi Iwasaki
- Sailing: Sophia Morgan; Official: John Morgan
- Swimming: Taichi Vakasa, Cheyenne Rova; Official: Sharon Smith
- Table Tennis: Sally Yee; Official: Harvi Yee
- Rugby 7s (Men’s) – Meli Derenalagi, Taniela Sadrugu, Seremaia Tuwai, Kalione Nasoko, Kitione Dawai, Waisea Nacuqu, Alasio Naduva, Josua Vakurinabili, Rusiate Nasova, Kavekini Tabu, Kaminieli Rasaku, Jiuta Wainiqolo Sireli Maqala, Livai Ikanikoda, Napolioni Bolaca, Iosefo Baleiwairiki, Asaeli Tuivuaka, Joseva Talacolo, Semi Radradra and Aminiasi Tuimaba
- Officials: Jone Niurua, Gareth Baber, Naca Cawanibuka, William Koong, Bradley Harris, Nicacio Andrade, Sakiusa Naika
- Rugby 7s (Womens): Rusila Nagasau, Raijieli Daveua, Vani Buleki, Sesenieli Donu, Vasiti Solikoviti, Lavenia Tinai, Vitaeli Bulou, Lusia Tisolo. Ana Maria Roqica, Tokasa Seniyasi, Rejieli Uluinayau, Mereula Torooti, Lavena Cavuru, Viniana Riwai, Ana Naimasi, Roela Radiniyavuni, Aloesi Nakoci, Laisana Likuceva, Reapi Ulunisau
- Officials: Vela Naucukidi, Saiasi Fuli, Tikiko Namaua, Jennifer Khalik, Timoci Volavola, Malakai Volau, Apenisa Nasilasila
Photo: Courtesy of Oceania Rugby
