The Telecom Fijiana team to the 2017 Women Sevens Series in Las Vegas was named by the Fiji Rugby Union yesterday.

This was after consultation with Telecom Fijiana Coach Iliesa Tanivula.

The selection sees two new players, Aloesi Nakoci and Vasiti Solikoviti, forcing their way into the team following an intense two-week training programme.

Tanivula said they have had a short turnaround from the Sydney to Las Vegas tournament but have managed to review their games during their training sessions.

“It has all been about our work in defence and our decision making in contact and the response has been positive from the girls,” Tanivula said.

“The two new girls play for Nadi Blazers and they have got on well with the team on and off the field.  Nakoci comes in to replace Viniana Riwai who unfortunately got injured in Sydney and this will be an opportunity for her to show why she has been selected.  She comes in with a lot speed and is really fit.  Solikoviti is a forward and comes in as our 13th player for exposure at top level.  She is also fit and is tall and quick.  She has been learning the ropes and has been responding well.”

FRU chief executive officer John O’Connor in congratulating the team. He reminded them that even though they currently sit at fourth place on the World Rugby Women’s 7s Series points table, there is still a lot of work to be done and they have the ability to move to the top of the table.

“It is encouraging to see that you have improved your standings but there is still a lot of work to be done.  You have the ability to move to the top of the table and it comes down to determination, hard work and most of all team work.  I wish you all the best at the Las Vegas 7s.”

Telecom Fiji CEO,Mothilal De Silva said that as major sponsors for the Telecom Fijiana team they were glad to be associated with the team and that they were looking forward to this tournament.

“The Telecom Fijiana are doing well at the moment and we are all looking forward to this leg. We are glad to be associated as their sponsor and we wish the team all the best.”

The third round of the Women Sevens Series will kick off on March 3 at the Sam Boyd Stadium in Nevada, Las Vegas and the Telecom Fijiana are up against hosts USA, Ireland and Spain in Pool B.

The team departs on Sunday.

Players:

1. Rusila Nagasau, 2. Merewai Cumu, 3. Miriama Naiobasali
2. Talica Vodo, 5. Priscilla Siata, 6. Asinate Savu, 7. Ana Maria Roqica
3. Tima Ravisa, 9. Lavenia Tinai
4. Aloesi Nakoci, 11. Ana Maria Naimasi, 12. Rejieli Daveuwa
5. Vasiti Solikoviti.

Source: Fiji Rugby Union

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