Fiji Airways Extended Squad to Travel to Hong Kong
Fiji Airways Men’s 7s Coach, Gareth Baber has named an extended squad of 16 players to travel to Hong Kong for a preparation camp before the Hong Kong 7s and the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane.
The team that will travel to Hong Kong for the Pre-tour camp will include the 13 players selected last week by Baber for the Commonwealth Games and three extra players.
They will train at the Hong Kong Institute of Sports before Baber selects the final team to defend the Hong Kong 7s title on Wednesday, the 4th of April 2018.
“It is important to take the 16 to Hong Kong so that we can prepare them for both tournaments. I have every intention of selecting the best team for the Hong Kong 7s and ensuring that we defend our title successfully.”
“Our first task is to tackle the Hong Kong 7s first before we travel to the Commonwealth Games to battle it out for the Gold Medal” Baber said. As I highlighted when naming the Commonwealth Squad, there could also be changes to the Commonwealth Games if there are injuries.
The Fiji Airways 7s Team is aiming to become the first team to win the Hong Kong 7s title four consecutive years in a row in the 43 year history of the event. It will be a very tough challenge considering that we are in a very tough Pool with New Zealand, Samoa and Russia, the Coach added.
The seventh round of the HSBC World 7s Series in Hong Kong will be played from 6-8 April 2018 at the sold-out 40,000-seat Hong Kong Stadium, while the Commonwealth Games will be held from the 13th to the 15th of April at the Gold Coast in Brisbane.
The Extended Squad are:
Semi Kunatani, Jasa Veremalua, Josua Vakurinabili, Paula Dranisinukula, Kalione Nasoko, Jerry Tuwai, Vatemo Ravouvou, Amenoni Nasilasila, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Mesulame Kunavula, Eroni Sau, Alasio Naduva, Samisoni Viriviri, Isake Katonibau, Apenisa Cakaubalavu, Waisea Nacuqu.
The team will depart for Hong Kong this Thursday, 29 March, 2018.