Injured tough Rooster Chicken Fijiana XVs lock forward Jade Coates will still be considered for Women’s Rugby World Cup provided she is cleared medically.

Coates was not named in the 32-member squad announced by Fiji Rugby Union board chairman Commodore Humphrey Tawake at the Suva’s Holiday Inn on Wednesday night.

Head coach Senirusi Seruvakula confirmed that Coates would be on standby as she is expected to complete her rehabilitation in two weeks’ time.

‘By then she will be in New Zealand and in case of any injury (in the team) then we will bring her in,” Seruvakula said.

The Fijiana XVs squad consisted of 23 local provincial players of which 15 played for the Fijiana Drua and won the Super W Championship. Six overseas-based players. Along with six Fijiana Sevens players who were part of the national team that won the bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and silver medal at the recent Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.

“It was so hard to select the best 32 players going to the Rugby World Cup.

“I had discussions with the other coaches as it was important to understand their thoughts. I did a thorough review of all our matches before we made our final selection.”

Coates and centre Vani Arei were dropped because of injuries.

Seruvakula said they were blessed to play four Test matches this year which set the platform for the players.

“The big test for us was last week against Wahine Maori and also the two test matches we played earlier in the year against Wallaroos and Japan.

“It was good to play these matches which gave the players the much-needed exposure and then an idea to us on their level of performance” said Seruvakula.

“A lot of girls have stepped up as far as their performance is concerned. These girls have experience playing at the international level, they just need the confidence to play on the world stage.

Eight Test cap No.8 Sereima Leweniqila will captain the side. She is one of the most senior players in the team, who have played in nearly all Test matches and qualifiers for the Fijiana 15s since 2016.

“She has been one of the standout players. She had played a lot of games for Fijiana and that’s one of the reasons why we have decided for her to be the captain. She’s got the backing of the senior players” said Seruvakula.

THE FIJIANA 15S TRAVELS TO NEW ZEALAND ON SUNDAY. LIST:

• Joma Rubuti,
• Bitila Tawake,
• Mereoni Vonosere,
• Asinate Serevi,
• Sulita Waisega,
• Karalaini Naisewa,
• Ema Adivitaloga,
• Sereima Leweniqila (Captain),
• Ana Maria Roqica,
• Merewalesi Rokouono,
• Vitalina Naikore,
• Akanisi Sokoiwasa,
• Raijieli Laqeretabua,
• Ilisapeci Delaiwau,
• Alowesi Nakoci,
• Jiowana Sauto,
• Iris Verebalavu,
• Bulou Vasuturaga,
• Merevesi Ofakimalino,
• Akosita Ravato,
• Rusila Nagasau,
• Timaima Ravisa,
• Roela Radiniyavuni,
• Siteri Rasolea,
• Vika Matarugu,
• Raijieli Daveua,
• Kolora Lomani,
• Melaia Matanatabu,
• Ana Maria Naimasi,
• Talei Wilson,
• Sesenieli Donu,
• Lavena Cavuru

MANAGEMENT:

• Senirusi Seruvakula- Head Coach,
• Asaeli Tikoirotuma- Backs Coach,
• Greg Smith- Scrums Coach,
• Inoke Male- Line-Out Coach,
• Mosese Rauluni- Defence Coach,
• Jeniffer Khalik- Team Physio,
• Isimeli Naulumatua- Assistant Physio,
• Dr Jone Nasome- Team Doctor,
• Tikiko Namaua- Team Trainer,
• Sanaila Vitau- Assistant Trainer,
• Vashneel Prasad- Media Manager,
• Josua Vuto- Video Analyst,
• Talei Mow- Team Manager.

Story By: FRU Media

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