The Kombat Uluinakau 7s tournament’s Fellow Fijians competition is sponsored by Ram Sami.

During the official launch at the Wallson Foods PTE Limited yesterday Ram Sami business development manager Abdul Shameer said they are honoured to be part of the tournament that gets underway on December 11-12 at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori.

“The tournament attracted us especially in the competition which is for rugby players of Indian descent,” Shameer said.

Uluinakau Rugby Club president Epi Kolinivala told SUNsports that he had met his officials to discuss about changing the name of the competition.

“Before it was known as the Indo Fijian 7s but we’re all Fijians regardless of our ethnicity.

“So we met and discussed and decided to call it as Fellow Fijians, which I find it appropriate.

“Now it’s going to be the Ram Sami Fellow Fijians 7s competition.”

The tournament’s competition manager Malakai Yamaivava said six teams have been confirmed for the competition.

“The team officials have been communicating with us about their preparations,” he added.

He also released the pools of the Fellow Fijians competition.

POOLS

Pool 1: Lautoka, Nadi Yellow, Central Brothers; Pool 2: Wainivula, Nadi Red, Nakasi Highlanders.

HOPEFUL

Meanwhile, the Fijian 7s extended training squad are expected to form two teams to play in the Kombat Uluinakau 7s tournament on December 11-12 at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori.

In an earlier interview Fijian 7s head coach Gareth Baber indicated that this was their intention after playing in this weekend’s Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s carnival in Taveuni.

Yamaivava said they are hopeful of things happening especially this would be a good training ground for the national team.

At the moment the national 7s players have been playing for their respective clubs.

“This will enable the national teams to play quality opponents and help prepare them for Olympics,” he said.

Kolinivala said the main trophy for the Cup winner is donated by France-based rugby player Mesake Baisagale.

“Mesake was one of our players who has moved on to play rugby overseas.

“We’ve a couple of our players abroad as well like Setareki Bituniyata, Josua Vici and Ilikena Vudogo who recently signed up for Melbourne Rebels.

“Setareki wants to donate a trophy but I told him that his turn will come in 2021,” the former Suva coach and national 7s selector said.

Kolinivala said all participating teams’ coaches and managers are to attend a briefing at the Suva Peninsula Hotel’s conference room on Thursday, December 10, at 4pm.