Vodafone Fiji 7s for Paris & London 7s
The Vodafone Fiji 7s Coach Gareth Baber has this morning named the Vodafone Fiji 7s Team to the last leg of the 2016/2017 HSBC World 7s Series.
The 14 member team sees the inclusion of four new players, Josua Vakurinabuli, Samu Bale, Paula Dranisinukula and Glen Cakautini forcing their way into the side for the Paris and London 7s.
The team has been through some gruelling training sessions in preparation for the last two tournaments and Baber says that with the assistance of the senior players, the new boys have been able to fit in very well and very quickly to the Team environment.
“I am happy that the players have adapted well to the training sessions and that the senior players are assisting the new boys adapt to the challenging environment of the World 7s Series. We have all learnt a lot from each other this season and the three new players will have an opportunity to be exposed to the high intensity environment. Going into these last two tournaments I am confident that the team selected will play to the best of their ability and make everyone proud.” This will be probably the youngest Team we are taking to the series but we are building the team for next year and the future, Coach Baber added.
“It has been a tough season for all of us, but the boys know that it isn’t over until the referee blows the final whistle.”
“Congratulations to the four new players that have joined the team for the final leg. The team has been training hard under Gareth Baber and we share in their anticipation ahead of Paris and London.”
“To all the players – Be proud of the national jumper and deliver to the best of your ability. We will be cheering for all of you come next weekend. Best wishes to coach Gareth Baber, officials and our team”, said Vodafone’s CEO Pradeep Lal.
FRU CEO, Mr John O’Connor congratulated the selected players and wished them well for the two remaining tournaments.
“We now know that the 2016/2017 HSBC World 7s Series title is out of our grasp, that doesn’t mean that you should slacken off. Treat every game as a final and play your hearts out for Fiji and all your fans around the world.”
“I congratulate you on your selection and wish you all the best for the Paris and London 7s. He reminded that selected players that even though we are sending one of our youngest Team, we enter tournament to win and not just to participate. He reminded the new players, that they have been selected to represent your country and that they must do their best and value this great opportunity given to them. Not only is Fiji behind you’ your fans all over the world will be cheering for you when you take the field. So go out there give it all you can and make Fiji proud.”
The Vodafone Fiji 7s team will depart our shores for Paris, tomorrow (Friday, 5 May 2017).
The Selected players are:
- Mesulame Kunavula
- Kalione Nasoko
- Setareki Bituniyata
- Sevuloni Mocenacagi
- Josua Vakurinabili
- Paula Dranisinukula
- Jasa Veremalua
- Jerry Tuwai
- Waisea Nacuqu
- Vatemo Ravouvou
- Osea Kolinisau
- Samu Bale
- Glen Cakautini
- Amenoni Nasilasila