‘Gollings Will Be Here’
Fiji Airways Fijian men’s 7s head coach Ben Gollings will be looking for potential players during the first leg of the Fun Flavour Fiji Rugby Super Sevens Series at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, this weekend.
“Yes, Gollings will be there,” Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor told SUNsports yesterday when asked if the coach would be around for the tournament.
The former England 7s captain flew to his family in Queensland, Australia, after the Fijian team withdrew their participation from the Malaga and Seville tournaments in Spain. This was after a number of players tested positive to COVID-19.
In a press release, Gollings believes the series will assist him in preparing the team.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to allow players to keep playing sevens outside of the World Rugby Sevens Series,” Gollings said.
“The game is the best teacher so it’s invaluable.
“It also provides an opportunity to identify new talent to keep developing the squad and it all goes towards helping the preparation of the team.”
The series gets underway on Thursday and as per COVID protocol, there’ll be no spectators.
Police Blue with sevens stars like Waisea Nacuqu, Filipe Sauturaga, Joseva Talacolo are the defending champions
Meanwhile, South Africa’s dominance at the HSBC World Sevens Series will be tested during the Singapore leg, which is from April 9-10. The Blitzboks had walloped Australia 33-7 to claim the Seville tournament, last weekend.
The Fijians and defending series champions, New Zealand have confirmed their spots to participate in Singapore.
For the pool draws, the Fijians are in Pool D where they face Ireland, France and Japan.
The Kiwis playing under Ignite NZ have been participating in tournaments around NZ and last weekend took out the Bula Fiji 7s tournament title in Wellington.
Feedback: leone.cabenatabua@fijisun.com.fj
