William Ryder is not fit enough to be considered in the national squad for Wellington 7s which will be held on January 30-31, says Vodafone Fijian 7s head coach Ben Ryan.

Ryan was responding to critics who vented their disappointment on social media why Ryder was not considered in the squad.

“Everybody in social media that’s talking about William Ryder is thinking of a player he was 10 years ago. He’s not fit enough at the moment to be considered,” he said.

Ryan said he had playmakers in the squad who have done well for themselves.

“We have Jerry Tuwai, Eminoni Nasilasila, Vatemo Ravouvou, Osea Kolinisau, Waisea Nacuqu and we still got a whole lot of players who are playing well at the moment.”

Our Vodafone Fijian 7s team currently tops the World Rugby Sevens Series table with 35 points alongside South Africa and USA with 29 points.

Vatemo Ravouvou who is well known for his field vision and support play is currently the top point’s scorer with 113 points in the series.

Ryan strongly believes he has the best package with an abundance of playmakers who have been doing well in the season and sees no reason why he should bring in Ryder.

“We are the number one team in the world with the current top rookie of the year occupying the same position as him, top points scorer in the world occupying the same position as him,” Ryan said.

“So why would I suddenly bring someone whose not playing well enough in domestic tournaments.”

Meanwhile, we are grouped alongside Argentina, Japan and Wales in Pool B in Wellington.

We take on Japan at 11:36am, Wales at 2:38pm and Argentina at 5:46pm on day one.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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