Fijian 7s Olympian Jasa Veremalua is looking forward to play for the Hideaway Hurricanes at the UON Central Coast 7s in Australia on October 22 to 23

The tournament is dubbed as Australia’s premier event.

“I am looking forward to the competition as well and that is the competitive tournament,” he said.

“I will be teaming up with Masivesi Dakuwaqa, Kitione Taliga. I don’t know whether Apisai Domolailai will play for Hideaway or Daveta.

“The tournament is a boost for us and having us in the competition will be another edge to the tournament itself.”

Aussie Thunderbolts are the defending champions. Clubs in Fiji have been competing in the Australian tournament for years.

Hurricanes are top seed in Pool D alongside Canada Maple Leafs, Northern Surburbs Shoreman and ACT Brumbies.

The Uluinakau rugby side, laced with national reps like Josaia Wini, sounded a warning as they took out the Serua Provincial 7s tournament at Thomson Park in Navua last Saturday.

They are in Pool B alongside Fijian Police, Australian 7s Development and LM National Indigenous side.

Pool C has Daveta (Nadroga), Tabadamu, NSW 7s and Stars Rugby 7s.

Ratu Filise will make their debut. They are in Pool A alongside reigning champions Australian National 7s, Toloa Old Boys (Tonga) and West Harbour.

The Namatakula Village club is home to some of the biggest names in rugby like Noa Nadruku, Lote Tuqiri and Tevita Kuridrani.

The villagers will no doubt be out to make an impression and make their village proud.

Count Friday out

Mike Friday has cleared the air on rumours that he applied for the Fijian 7s head coaching position.

The United States 7s head coach confirmed yesterday that he did not apply for the role left vacant by fellow Englishman, Ben Ryan.

“No, I didn’t apply, I am with USA,” Friday said.

He has been the head coach of the USA rugby sevens team since 2014.  He previously served as head coach for England from 2004 to 2006, and Kenya from 2012 to 2013.

Former Samoa 7s head coach Damian McGrath is the only overseas coach who confirmed he applied.

7s preparation

The Fijian 7s extended squad will march into camp tomorrow to resume preparation for the 2016-17 World Sevens Series first round in Dubai on December 2-3

Trainer Nacanieli Cawanibuka said the team would train at Uprising Beach Resort.

“Everyone will march into camp on Tuesday and we will camp somewhere in Pacific Harbour since Uprising Beach Resort is fully booked,” he said.

“We will train at Uprising Beach Resort ground that’s for sure.”

Fiji are defending champions in Dubai and of the Series.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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