National sevens rep Masivesi Dakuwaqa has ruled himself out of the Oceania 7s Championship in Suva next month.

And the Rio Olympics sevens gold medallist could be in doubt for the 2016-17 World Sevens Series which starts in Dubai on December 2-3.

Vodafone Fijian 7s manager Ropate Kauvesi confirmed Dakuwaqa decided to take time out to attend personal commitments.

But the good news is fellow Olympians Samisoni Viriviri and Kitione Taliga joined the squad at the Uprising  Resort yesterday.

Strength and conditioning coach Nacanieli Cawanibuka confirmed the rest of the players are expected to join camp in two weeks.

This includes Olympians Osea Kolinisau, Apisai Domolailai, Jasa Veremalua and Seremaia Tuwai.

Viriviri was not part of the initial training squad but made himself available following the birth of his first child.

Viriviri is looking forward to playing with the new players.

“We have new boys who are eager to learn and adapting to the new environment. We will keep on building and learning every day.

“It’s going well, most of them are still shy but we keep telling them that we are all Fijians. They just need to do their best and show what they have.”

7s New Generation

The Vodafone Fijian 7s extended squad began their training at the Uprising Resort yesterday with a new set of players.

With only 14 players in camp, Cawanibuka said the full squad is expected in camp in two weeks.

“The squad comprised 24 players and some of them are still overseas  with club games and commitments,” Cawanibuka said.

“So we are expecting all of them to be in camp next week apart from a couple of players who won’t join us until November 9.

“The new boys are getting adjusted to the environment and it’s good we have senior players Samisoni and Kitione helping out.

“They are learning a lot and the good thing is Fijians are very good sponges, they get to absorb the new things quickly.”

Cawanibuka added the team is currently preparing for the Oceania Rugby 7 Championship as it will be a training ground for 2016-17 World Sevens Series.

“The Oceania 7s will be used as a preparation ground for the series.

“It’s an important tournament with the team playing on local ground after three years.”

Edited by Osea Bola

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