7s Reps Feature In Clubs
Members of the Fiji Airways national sevens squad have been given the green light to represent their clubs in this week’s Fun Flavour Super Sevens series at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka.
The news has injected hope for the defending champions Police, in their bid to retain the title for the second time.
National sevens players Waisea Nacuqu, Joseva Talacolo, Terio Tamani and Filipe Suguturaga are now sure starters for their Police Blue side.
Police Blue will field a mixture of young and experienced players.
Team manager Seremaia Sotia said the availability of the national sevens players was a welcome move.
“This is an opportunity for our new players to play alongside experienced players. This is part of our long term plan,” Sotia said.
“Our upcoming players will get firsthand experience, they will be guided by the national reps and this is to our advantage.
“When the time comes for them to replace the experienced ones there will be no difference or drop in their performance.
“Majority of our senior players have reached the pinnacle of their career and now is the time to introduce some young blood.
“The presence of Nacuqu, Talacolo, Tamani and Suguturaga will definitely make a difference.
“They will really boost our performance in the first leg as we look forward to retain our supremacy in the series.”
Sotia added that the five rounds of the series was an opportunity for them to expose their upcoming players.
“The series is going to be on a fortnight interval – one week on and one week rest.
“Conditioning is very important to us as a team and having the players that can perform week in and out is important.”
Tournament starts
The three-day tournament starts tomorrow with the Fijiana tournament while the men’s matches kick off on Friday with the finals on Saturday.
“Some of our players have moved on for national duties leaving behind big shoes for upcoming players to fit. This is a huge task.”
The 17-member national squad include Olympians Jerry Tuwai, Josua Vakurinabuli and Semi Kunatani, regulars Kamenieli Rasaku, Manu Maisamoa, Jeremaia Matana and Kavekini Tabu.
Meanwhile, Fiji Rugby chief executive officer John O’Connor confirmed on Monday that sevens head coach Ben Gollings would return in time this week to be present at the first Super Sevens series in Lawaqa.
Gollings had oversaw the national sevens squad’s gym workout and a further training session in person before an outbreak of COVID-19 forced the national squad into lockdown and ultimately led to their withdrawal from the Spain HSBC tournaments in Malaga and Seville.
Following COVID-protocol there will be no spectators at the three-day tournament at Lawaqa Park.
Members of the public can watch live coverage of the three-day tournament on the FBC Sports channel on the Walesi platform.
Feedback: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj
