Coach talks to Kunatani regarding Tokyo Olympics

GARETH Baber said had been in contact with Semi Kunatani.

Baber signed a new contract to ensure he could mastermind the Olympics gold medal defence and he has been working round-the-clock to put together a formidable side to replicate the 2016 result.

The former Yamacia 7s giant was part of Ben Ryan’s 2016 gold medal winning side.

Baber said Kunatani had issues with Castres having been dropped for medical reasons.

“I have spoken to him if things don’t work out in France then we would look at him being part of the training group,” Baber told Rugby Pass.

“He is a great player.”

The impact of the COVID-19 means it looks certain all of the leading 7s teams will arrive at the Olympic Games not having taken part in any HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series events, Rugby Pass reported.

“It’s a challenge for the boys in Europe to come down and join the squad in Fiji. We have regular contact with those players we have targeted and there is still an intention of a handful of them being part of the training squad,” Baber said.

“I had agreements with some of the clubs to get players released for up to four tournaments last season but that is not going to happen. It’s now about coming to Fiji and what impact the quarantine periods are going to have each time they come which is an added difficulty.

“The big question is going to be how far in advance are we going to get them before the Games and can they stay with us on the way to Tokyo?

“I was hopeful to see all their club coaches but that is not going to happen, so it is Zoom calls.

“I’m quite confident that we can get these players to Fiji,” Baber said.