Former Fijian Pearl defender Matila Waqanidrola has joined the Telecom Fijiana extended 25-member squad, it was confirmed yesterday.

The Telecom Fijiana are in camp preparing for the 2016 Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast 7s, which starts today.

The Serua native is the second Fijian Pearls rep to switch after nippy Vaiti Waqatabu.

Team manager Ropate Kauvesi confirmed to SUNsports yesterday that Waqanidrola joined the squad last Wednesday.

“Waqanidrola wants to have a go on rugby, she wanted to try out the sport, so we have included her name to be part of the 25 member squad.

“She joined camp last Wednesday,” Kauvesi said.

Telecom Fijiana will field in two teams at the Coral Coast 7s which will also serve as their preparation ground to the second round of the Women’s Sevens Series in Sao Paulo on February 20-21.

Television commentator Melodie Robinson said Women’s Sevens’ now totally unpredictable. Robinson made her analysis after the first round of tournament in Dubai last year.

“What a tournament we’ve just had in Dubai, records were made, history was created and Australia were crowned the champions after sparkling performances throughout the two days. The Dubai Sevens began with three upsets in the first three games. Fiji beat an injury-affected Canada, new core team Ireland took out the United States and Russia dealt New Zealand their largest ever defeat 33-7 – the Kiwis could hardly fire a shot,” she said.

The women’s rugby commentator believes Telecom Fijiana coaching director Chris Cracknell has made successful plans and rated Fijiana as the team to watch in the 2015-2016 season.

“Fiji was also a great talking point, new coach Chris Cracknell has really made some inroads with this team,” Robinson said.

“He’s been training the girls alongside the men, got them fitter, and has really perfected the offloading style that entertains the crowds and makes Fijiana so difficult to defend.

“They tripped up in the Cup quarter-finals by losing to France, but they’re definitely the team to watch in terms of causing ripples in the 2015-16 season,” she said.

Edited by Naisa Koroi
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