Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s head coach Saiasi Fuli is confident the side will deliver and improve their ranking in the 2019/2020 HSBC Women’s Sevens Series.

The tournament kicks off with the Glendale 7s on October 5-6.

Fuli said the players are better prepared this year.

“So far so good and I know we have a very big season ahead,” Fuli said.

“We managed to prepare well compared to last year because I teamed up halfway during the series.

“I managed to have an extended squad and started with the off-season programme.

Intense Prep

“The past 12 weeks of training enabled us the coaches and the trainers to identify potential players who can start our campaign in Glendale.

“We have been playing against the men’s side which helps lift our skills and performance level. Since the game of rugby is so intense now, getting this kind of competition really helps.”

Yesterday the team had a scrimmaging with the Hope 7s team.

“Playing the Hope women’s sevens team has been very productive. We have six new players who are very young and talented and it is a great pathway especially with the Tokyo Olympics next year.

“And who knows if six senior players retire before that than these new upcoming ones can replace them and continue the succession plan for us.”

Top 8 Target

“Our aim this season is to be in the top 8. We have set our goals, doing the extra yards in the past two months.

“After the Glendale tournament the girls will need to prepare for the Olympic qualification at the Oceania 7s Championship in Suva on November 7-9.

And this will also be a challenge for the girls as they will compete in a back-to-back tournament for the first time.”

Nagasau ready

Meanwhile, Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s captain Rusila Nagasau believes they are on track to deliver.

“Preparation has been great so far as we have been really working hard in the past two months now.

“As we prepare for the first leg of the series there is a lot of excitement and determination among the players.

“Expectation is high from our coaches and team management and I have reminded the girls the need for us to improve our world ranking and try to finish in the top 4.”

Edited by Osea Bola