Ryan names strong team

Vodafone Fijian 7s coach, Ben Ryan has named a very strong team for the Paris and London 7s tournaments. Making a return to the squad are Savenaca Rawaca, Isake Katonibau, Pio Tuiwai and Viliame Mata. Other players retained from the Singapore Sevens are Osea Kolinisau, Vatemo Ravouvou, Seremaia Tuwai, Amenoni Nasilasila, Kitione Taliga, Jasa Veremalua, Masivesi Dakuwaqa and Apisai Domolailai Team manager Ropate Kauvesi highlighted this was a very strong team. “One of our targets is to defend the World Sevens Series and we have total confidence in the players selected that they would be able to do the job,”he said. “The players also understand the challenge ahead of them.” The FRU confirmed that the following overseas players will be joining the team camp in London before they move to Paris. Leone Nakarawa Josua Tuisova Waisea Nayacalevu Samisoni Viriviri Semi Kunatani After, a week’s camp in London, Ryan will then name the final 12 players to participate in the Paris 7s. Kauvesi, highlighted that the one camp in London would be tough as players will via for the 12 spots for the Paris 7s. FRU chief executive officer John O’Connor, congratulated the players on their selection and wished them well.

Vodafone Fiji chief executive officer Pradeep Lal said, ‘‘Vodafone is truly proud of the team’s achievement thus far and wishes them well for the final leg. We urge the fans to get behind our boys as we take on the final hurdle in our title defence. “

“The inclusion of the overseas based players is interesting since it will create competition within the team for the final selection which will lift the standard of all the players and boost the performance of the team.” The team departs on Wednesday. Source: Fiji Rugby Union