A strong Fiji Airways Fijian 7s touring squad has been named for the London-Paris leg of the 2018-19 HSBC World Sevens Series.

Coach Gareth Baber said the boys are prepared and ready for the battle ahead.

Baber has maintained his core playing group from the last two tournaments and welcomes the return of key playmaker Waisea Nacuqu who has recovered from a collar-bone fracture sustained in Las Vegas and has worked hard to be fit for the final stage replacing Teri Tamani.

Former captain Kalione Nasoko and Mesulame Kunavula were not included.

“We know the challenge ahead of us,” he said.

“We have a mission going into the next two tournaments and I believe the players named in the squad are ready to deliver at the London 7s next weekend.”

THE SQUAD

Team captain Paula Dranisinukula will steer the team forward pack flanked by the consistent and in-form Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Josua Vakurinabili, Meli Derenelagi and Apenisa Cakaubalavu.

Livai Ikanikoda and Napolioni Ratu have been given the nod again after solid performances in the Hong Kong and Singapore 7s last month.

Seremaia Tuwai has overcome the hamstring injury that hampered his Singapore tournament and fans will be excited to see Filimoni Botitu and Aminiasi Tuimaba continue their strong debut season for Fiji.

SERIES STANDINGS

Fiji sits second on the World Sevens Series standings with 142 points, three points behind current leaders USA.

Baber said: “We know there’s a lot of expectation around this tournament, but pressure is just a perception, it’s not real, and it’s up to us to keep our minds on what we have to do to play our way and execute what we want to do as a team on the park.”

The Fiji Airways Fijian 7s may travel to London camp without Baber who is suffering from a bacterial infection.

The team leaves for the UK tomorrow and Baber is expected to join them in London on Friday.

POOLS

Fiji sit in Pool B and faces Kenya in its first pool match at 9.36pm {FJT} on Saturday May 25, France at 12.42am {FJT} the following day before meeting Samoa in its final Pool C match at 3.48am {FJT}.

Fiji Airways Fijian 7s squad:

1. Sevuloni Mocenacagi

2. Josua Vakurinabili

3.Isoa Tabu

4. Paula Dranisinukula (C)

5. Apenisa Cakaubalavu,

6. Meli Derenalagi

7. Vilimoni Botitu

8. Livai Ikanikoda

9. Seremaia Tuwai

10. Alasio Naduva

11. Aminiasi Tuimaba

12. Waisea Nacuqu

13. Napolioni Ratu

14. Asaeli Tuivoka

Edited by Sheldon Chanel

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