Fiji Rugby have announced experienced sevens teams which will be part of Team Fiji’s campaign to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.
After competing in the Oceania 7s a fortnight ago, coach Ben Gollings and Saiasi Fuli have finally penciled in their 16-member traveling squad which also includes two non-traveling reserves.
The Men’s 7s squad consists of six Olympic Gold medalists plus those who were on top of their game in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series this year.
Josua Vakurinabili, Semi Kunatani will lead the tough forward pack while Jerry Tuwai and Waisea Nacuqu will add experience and in the backline. European-based Aminiasi Tuimaba and Sireli Maqala will inject power and speed on the wings.
Gollings have also included former Men’s 7s captain Paula Dranisinukula in the forwards.
Players who have been in form throughout the 2021/2022 World Rugby Sevens Series have also earned a spot in the team.
The squad also consists of five players who were part of the Commonwealth Games in Australia four years ago.
Gollings said “I think overall we have got a really good balance and we have selected the squad based on experienced and performance.
There are a lot of players who are new to the series this year and they have really stepped up such as players like Elia Canakaivata, Jerry Matana, and Tevita Daugunu who have been really marshaling the forwards well.”
“Definitely for us, it’s one of the medals that has escaped Fiji over the years and our target is to go and claim that,” said Gollings.
The Team Fiji Men’s Rugby Sevens Team is:
Elia Canakaivata
Josua Vakurinabili
Tevita Daugunu
Sevuloni Mocenacagi
Jerry Matana
Semi Kunatani
Jerry Tuwai
Philipo Bukayaro
Waisea Nacuqu
Filipe Sauturaga
Kaminieli Rasaku
Sireli Maqala
Aminiasi Tuimaba
Vuiviawa Naduvalo
Manueli Maisamoa
Paula Dranisinukula
The Team Fiji’s Women’s Rugby Team is:
Rusila Nagasau {c}
Rejieli Daveua
Vani Buleki
Vasiti Solikoviti
Verenaisi Bari
Ivamere Nabura
Lavena Cavuru
Viniana Riwai
Reapi Uluinasau
Maria Rokotuisiga
Ana Naimasi
Sesenieli Donu
Laisani Likuceva
Traveling Reserves
Lavenia Tinai
Laisani Moceisawana
