Coaches name squad for final Sevens Series Leg
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s Head Coach Ben Gollings has named his 13-member traveling squad for Toulouse and London tournaments.
Filipe Sauturaga comes back into the fold after missing the World Rugby Sevens Series legs since January. The hard-hitting utility back was ruled out for three months after sustaining an injury in Hamilton 7s.
Also back in the squad is Paula Nayacakalou, replacing Tevita Daugunu who sustained a knee injury in Singapore last month.
Jerry Tuwai has also made the cut and his presence would certainly be a motivating factor for the Fijian 7s team to finish high in France and England.
Notable omissions from the list are, Pilipo Bukayaro and Napolioni Bolaca.
Coach Ben Gollings said “The competition level within the group has been high and the best players were selected for this leg, which is a very important one before the season wraps up in London.
“It has been a good and competitive training week and we have worked on a lot of areas that needed a bit of tweaking,” said Gollings.
He added that Sauturaga brings a different dynamic to the team.
“He has been a fantastic player, strong in defense and a bit of x-factor in attack so to have him back is really good.
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s is pooled with France, South Africa and USA. They face USA 12.57am on Saturday the 13th of May. They then play South Africa at 7.03am before battling it out against France at 12.11am on Sunday.
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s squad to Toulouse and London tournaments:
- Joseva Talacolo
- Sevuloni Mocenacagi
- Josese Batirerega
- Ponipate Loganimasi
- Paula Nayacakalou
- Suliano Volivoli
- Terio Tamani
- Jerry Tuwai
- Waisea Nacuqu
- Filipe Sauturaga
- Manueli Maisamoa
- Vuiviawa Naduvalo
- Iowane Teba
Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s Head Coach Saiasi Fuli has also named a strong squad for their final tournament in France.
Fuli said “We lost some players through injuries and this is the best available players who are expected to assist the Fijiana 7s gain a direct qualification to the Olympic Games.”
Players not considered due to injuries are Lavena Cavuru, Ivamere Nabura and Viniana Riwai.
Elenoa Adinaimata of Seahawks 7s and Striders rugby club’s Mereseini Naidau will make their debut for the national team in France.
Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team is pooled with Great Britain, Spain and Japan.
They face Spain at 9.28pm on Friday, the 12th of May. Fijiana 7s then play Japan at 5.37am the following before facing Great Britain at 9.05pm.
Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s squad for Toulouse tournament:
- Rejieli Daveua
- Vani Buleki
- Elenoa Adinaimata
- Rusila Nagasau
- Talei Wilson
- Ilisapeci Delaiwau
- Reapi Ulunisau
- Maria Rokotuisiga
- Ana Maria Naimasi
- Mereseini Naidau
- Younis Bese
- Meredani Qoro