Back in the fold RAWACA IN FIJI 7S TEAM

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FORMER Fijian 7s winger and 2016 Rio Olympics gold medallist Savenaca Rawaca will mark his return at the Oceania Rugby Super Sevens which starts in Auckland, New Zealand tomorrow.

The 30-year-old, who has made 93 appearances for Fiji on the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Series scoring 385 points through 77 tries, is back in the sevens fold after spending six years overseas.

Two-time Olympics gold medallist Jerry Tuwai has also been included in the 16-member squad after missing the last two legs of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in France and England.

Coach Ben Gollings has maintained his core squad for the Oceania Rugby Super 7s. Captain Tevita Daugunu will spearhead the forward pack together with Elia Canakaivata and Semi Kunatani.

Backs such as Philipo Bukayaro, Waisea Nacuqu, Jerry Tuwai and Kaminieli Rasaku will provide experience to support the Fijian brand of entertaining rugby.

Josua Vakurinabili, Napolioni Bolaca,

Josefa Talacolo and Sevuloni Mocenacagi have missed out on selection because of injuries.

Gollings said the players had worked hard this week and responded very well. He said Rawaca had a lot of experience and had been doing well overseas. “Savenaca came back to Fiji and asked for an opportunity,” Gollings said. “From my perspective, I have always got the door open and it is up to the players on how they take up the challenge. We will use the Oceania Rugby Super 7s as a medium to improve on certain areas.

“We will focus on the key elements such as on our combinations, developing new thought processes for the way in which we want to play and polish up on the certain areas of the game.

“I’m sure if we do that we will get the result we want.”

Elia Canakaivata, Tevita Daugunu, Semi Kunatani, Jeremaia Matana, Tira Wilagi, Josevani Soro, Savenaca Rawaca, Jerry Tuwai, Pilipo Bukayaro, Waisea Nacuqu, Kaminieli Rasaku, Manueli Maisamoa, Vuiviawa Naduvalo, Filipe Sauturaga, Iowane Raturaciri, Iowane Teba.