Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s players are allowed to play for their respective unions if the Skipper Cup Premiership kicks-off on July 11.

This was confirmed by head coach Saiasi Fuli because the players desperately need more game time.

“The plan had been set for the year post-COVID-19 programme whereby we’ll train together from Monday to Tuesday and then they will join their provincial sides for the Skipper Cup competition,” he said.

“Our squad members will go through the COVID-19 back to play rugby protocols which were put together by the Fiji Rugby Union last week.

“Our role is to adjust and apply those playing protocols and spread the message to other players and teams.”

Fuli said they had been closely monitoring the players’ health and fitness as part of their Olympic Games preparations.

He indicated that the coaching staff had done their part of the assessment to determine training plans for the team.

All our players who are in the country, he said, have been assessed, however, training would start when Government uplifts all restrictions on contact sports.    “Last week we had our medical screening followed by the physical stability and flexibility tests for all our squad members around Fiji,” he said.

“Our medical team and strengthening and conditioning coaches did a great job of testing our players.

“It gives a platform data for us coaches to map the next phase of their training while we wait for Government’s decision on the COVID- 19 restrictions.”

Fuli confirmed new players were drafted into the Olympic Games training squad. They include three overseas-based- players.

“We also updated our smarter base for all squad members as we have 10 new inclusions in our squad. Especially, those who progressed from age group to extended squad and now to our senior squad,” coach Fuli said.

“Our overseas-based- players are Raijieli Uluinayau, Mereseini Leivere and Litiana Lave.

“They have returned to their home and will continue to train while they wait for the return to play programme.”

Fuli said team training would start when Government gave the green light.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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