Coach Fuli Keeps It Simple For Fijiana 7s Campaign In Canada This Weekend
Staying positive is what the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team are doing in this weekend’s HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series clash in Langford, Canada.
Despite suffering a setback in Japan last month, Fijiana 7s coach, Saiasi Fuli said they are making no promises but are on track to achieve the goals they’ve set for the Langford 7s.
The former Flying Fijians halfback told SUNsports that the core of the side that took part in Sydney and Japan would continue on in Canada.
He confirmed that former captain Ana Maria Roqica has been dropped due injuries.
“Although I came in half way into the Series we came ninth in Sydney and again in Japan.
“So this is the right time for us to go one step further and try to reach the Cup quarterfinal,” Fuli said.
“A lot of things like our preparations during our last week in camp, how well we stay organised, disciplined and how well we stay connected in terms of defending and if we can maintain our composure means a lot to us.
NEED TO DELIVER BY WINNING GAMES
“Especially in terms of defending our line when playing the big teams and if we do well we can come out on a positive note.”
He said the Langford 7s would be another opportunity for the players to showcase what they have learnt so far.
“There is nothing to promise about this team we just need to work hard on our weekly preps, stay positive and deliver the goods by winning our games.”
The Fijiana 7s side take on France at 6.50am on Saturday and then at 9.56am they face USA before tackling Spain at 12.28pm.
11 UNIONS BID TO HOST 2022 SEVENS WORLD CUP
Meanwhile, World Rugby has confirmed that a record number of unions have formally expressed their interest in hosting Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022.
Eleven unions – Argentina, Cayman Islands, France, Germany, India, Jamaica, Malaysia, Qatar, Scotland, South Africa and Tunisia – confirmed their expression of interest to the international federation by the March 31 deadline having reviewed the detailed bid guide.
The record level of interest is a strong endorsement of the sevens format, which is the driving force behind record rugby fan growth – particularly among young people in emerging rugby markets.
The success and spectacle of the event, which puts teams and fans first, was a major factor behind sevens’ inclusion in the Olympic Games programme, debuting in style at Rio 2016.
LOW INVESTMENT,
HIGH RETURNS
World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “Rugby World Cup Sevens is a major event on the global sporting calendar, a fan and team favourite and is an attractive proposition for unions and cities as a low-investment, high-return event that is great for the city and great for rugby.
“We now move forward to a detailed phase of consultation and evaluation against set operational, team, fan and legacy criteria before the World Rugby Council selects the 2022 host at the interim meeting in Tokyo in October.”
Edited by Leone Cabenatabua
Feedback: nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj
