Fiji Airways Fijian 7s players have been given the green light to play for their provincial sides during the Skipper Cup Premiership competition, which starts on July 25.

This was confirmed to SUNsports yesterday by head coach Gareth Baber as members of the extended squad attended a training session at the High Performance Unit (HPU) gym in Suva.

Missing from the lot were Seremaia Tuwai, Josua Vakurinabili and Paula Dranisinukula

On Thursday, lanky forward Meli Derenalagi, Alasio Naduva and Terio Tamani trained with the Suva team at Bidesi Park.

“With no confirmation from World Rugby on the next HSBC Seven Series date, the Skipper Cup competition will play an important role in giving players game time,” Baber said.

National 7s Squad coach Gareth Baber with Terio Tamani and Nasoni Tavuki during their first team gym session post COVID 19 at HPU gym on June 26, 2020. Photo: Ronald Kumar.

“For me I want them to play in the Skipper Cup competition because it’s a fantastic opportunity for some of these players to be in a different pressure situation and challenge as well.

“I always want to keep them as challenged as possible by playing fifteens rugby.

“They will definitely play at the Skipper Cup competition.”

Baber said they are well aware of injuries but it is something that cannot be avoided when it comes to playing rugby.

“We are always worried about injuries when we head into competitions. That is all part of been a rugby player, to understand that injuries is meant to happen when you play.”

From left: Fiji Airways Fijian 7s utility Kalione Nasoko and Alasio Naduva after training at the HPU gym in Suva on June 26, 2020. Photo: Ronald Kumar

The platform will see the players play in the weekly competition and at the same time continue on with their 7s training.

“The most important thing that I have at the moment is giving these guys a base and a framework for been able to do the running volumes in playing the competition.

“So the idea is that they would possibly enter the Skipper Cup a couple of weeks late because they need to do this work and play through the competition right to October or November.

“It’s great for me to see that they are put under that pressure on the work that they need to do. I’m looking forward to seeing that happen,” Baber added.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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