FRU names Men’s and Women’s 7s squad for Spain
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s star halfback and dual Olympic Games gold medalist, Jerry Tuwai is back in the squad to assist after standing down for the Dubai 7s.
Tuwai missed the first leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai but returns with a positive mind and certainly will add a lot of boost in the team packed with young players.
Interim Fiji Airways Fijian 7s Coach Saiasi Fuli said “We released him for his wedding. He has been training hard and leading by example. His inclusion will provide valuable experience and depth in the squad.
Army half-back Filipo Bukayaro and Tabadamu forward Jiosavani Soro are the two new debutants named in the traveling squad for Spain.
Fuli said “They are two talented and hardworking players and they have been playing consistently for their clubs.
Bukayaro in the long term is a good replacement for Jerry Tuwai hence that is the reason we have roped him plus he has proven himself to be in the traveling squad to Spain.
As for Soro, he is one of the hardworking forwards in Fiji. He has played for Tabadamu 7s, Tailevu plus Naitasiri 15s side. He is very good in aerial balls, technical work in the contact and breakdown area” said Fuli.
He added that those players who made their debut at the Dubai 7s last month have learned a lot and are ready to counter the tough teams this time around.
“We did a lot of reviews and then outlined the priorities of our work on.
These players are well-conditioned and are ready to go back, play and provide positive results,” said Fuli.
Josua Vakurinabili remains the captain and will be assisted by Tuwai and Waisea Nacuqu.
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s squad is as follows:
- Josua Vakurinabili
- Joseva Talacolo
- Jeremaia Matana
- Elia Canakaivata
- Jiosavani Soro
- Tevita Daugunu
- Jerry Tuwai
- Filipo Bukayaro
- Waisea Nacuqu
- Kaminieli Rasaku
- Filipe Sauturaga
- Iowane Teba
- Manueli Maisamoa
Meanwhile, the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s side has maintained its core players who played in consecutive finals at the dual Dubai 7s leg last month.
Savusavu lass Verenaisi Bari and Nadroga first five-eight Ivamere Nabura are the two new faces who have been roped into the traveling squad.
Fuli said “We have retained the core of the team and the whole idea is to continue to introduce the young girls whenever there is an opportunity.
Bari is a very strong ball carrier and an explosive forward while Nabura has been camping with us for the past few months and this is their chance to go out and get the international exposure.”
“We have managed to select a balanced squad with the seasonal players part of the Fijiana 7s team and we are confident that this squad can go across and compete well and challenge the top teams once again” said Fuli.
Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s squad is as follows:
- Rusila Nagasau
- Vasiti Solikoviti
- Sesenieli Donu
- Raijeli Daveua
- Verenaisi Bari
- Reapi Ulunasau
- Mereula Toroti
- Lavena Cavuru
- Ana Maria Naimasi
- Aloesi Nakoci
- Mereani Rogosau
- Ivamere Nabura
- Ana Maria Roqica