WORLD SEVENS SERIES

Fiji 7s squad for Hong Kong and Singapore

By Amanga collins

Posted on March 24, 2023

Fijian Players at the Commonwealth Games. Photo Courtesy/World Rugby.

Fiji 7s head coach, Ben Gollings, has unveiled his 13-member squad for the upcoming Hong Kong and Singapore legs.

Joseva Talacolo, the rangy forward, returns to the team after missing the past four legs due to injury, and is expected to bolster the pack against formidable opponents such as Samoa and Argentina.

Also making the cut in the traveling squad are Police utility Suliano Volivoli and specialist halfback Terio Tamani, who played crucial roles in Police Blue’s recent victory at the Marist 7s. Newcomers Josese Batirerega and Ponipate Loganimasi will feature for the first time in Hong Kong, while Sevuloni Mocewnacagi will add depth to the forward pack.

Napolioni Bolaca and Vuiviwa Naduvalo, who missed the Los Angeles and Vancouver 7s earlier this month, have also been included in the squad. The Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team has been grouped with Canada, Samoa, and Argentina, with their first match against Samoa scheduled for 7:28 pm on Friday, March 31st, followed by Canada at 3:52 pm on Saturday and their last pool match against Argentina at 8:27 pm.

With a strong squad and a challenging competition ahead, the team will be looking to give their best performance and make their mark in the tournament.

Gollings said “Bolaca has been cleared by the doctor to play in the last four remaining tournaments after which he can go for his knee surgery.”

He added that Bolaca has also been in his system and has been training with the wider group and Gollings believes he could be a kingpin in Hong Kong next weekend.

“Missing out is Josua Vukurinabili who had flu in the week and needs to build his fitness, while Jerry Tuwai will be absent due to sickness. ” said Gollings.

He added that Tamani and Volivoli are experienced players, and come with different styles of play which will provide a different dynamic to the team.