New kid on the block

BATIREREGA MAKES THE CUT, TUWAI, TEBA BACK

FORMER Suva, Dominion Brothers and current Police rep Josese Batirerega has forced his way into the Fiji Airways Fiji 7s men’s squad for the Hamilton and Sydney tournaments on the HSBC World Rugby 7s series.

Head coach Ben Gollings announced the 14-member squad during the 2023 McDonald’s Coral Coast 7s at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka yesterday.

Batirerega has had a good outing in the local Super 7s Series and Gollings believes it is the best time to blood the young talent at the world stage.

“He is good and strong in the breakdown and has been performing well during training,” the Englishman said.

“We’ve got a balanced and a fully fit side and the goal for these two tournaments is to finish in the top two and we are working towards it.”

Stoked with his selection, the 25-year-old Batirerega put it down to the hard work.

“It was a big struggle but nothing comes easy and I want to thank people like Jerry for their support during training,” Batirerega said.

“For those back in the village, nothing is hard. We just need to sacrifice to achieve our goals.”

Meanwhile, dual Olympic Games gold medallist Jerry Tuwai is back in the squad after missing out on the previous tournaments in Hong Kong, Dubai and Cape Town.

Gollings says after missing the last three tournaments, Tuwai is fresh and excited to take up the responsibility and guide the 14-member team during the tour.

“It’s good to have the likes of Iowane Teba in the squad as he provides a good balance in the backs.

“We got the addition of Jerry Tuwai which is always good for the team because he got all those experience and is a great communicator for the players on and off the field.”

Lanky Joseva Talacolo has been dropped due to injury while Iowane Raturaciri and Paula

Nayacakalou were not considered for Hamilton and Sydney 7s.

The Fiji 7s team is grouped with Samoa, France and Kenya.

They face France at 8.32am next Saturday before playing Kenya at 12 midday and then Samoa at 3.06pm.

Fiji Airways Fiji 7s squad:

Josua Vakurinabili, Jeremaia Matana, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Josese Batirerega, Tira Patterson, Josevani Drava, Filipe Sauturaga, Waisea Nacuqu, Pilipo Bukayaro, Iowane Teba, Manueli Maisamoa, Vuiviwa Naduvalo, Jerry Tuwai, Alasio Naduva.