Leweniqila Captains Fijiana Team to Dubai
A strong squad of 30 has been named in the Vodafone Fijiana side preparing for the WXV tournament in Dubai from October 13 – 28.
Sereima Leweniqila was again named captain with Asinate Serevi a notable absentee on the list.
According to coach Inoke Male, Serevi has been rested to recover from a niggling knee injury.
“With Asinate (Serevi) injured this is an opportunity to bring in some new talents and expose them at international level,” Male said.
“We would like to finish off on a high note for this year, so we must win all three games to qualify for tier two next year,” Leweniqila said.
“It’s one step at a time so first game first and then we’ll go from there.”
Leweniqila said she has reminded the new players to keep their feet grounded and get into the culture of rugby.
“I constantly remind them how lucky they (new players) are as they are coming in an era where a lot of things are being provided for with so much support.”
“Come Dubai, we’d like to see them enjoy rugby and showcase to the world their talent and skills,” she said.
“One thing we have to also understand is that women’s rugby is just growing and developing and it’s going as fast as some of us expected but Japan is a very good team as they have played 15s for quite some time.”
The four debutants are Loraini Senivutu, Penina Turova, Mary Kanace and Iva Sauira.
Fiji’s matches at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai: October 13: Fiji v Colombia, October 20: Fiji v Spain and October 27: Fiji v Kazakhstan.
The squad: Bitila Tawake, Salanieta Nabuli, Loraini Senivutu*,Tiana Robanakadavu, Penina Turova*, Merevesi Ofakimalino, Unaisi Lalabalavu, Ana Korovata, Doreen Narokete, Nunia Daunimoala, Sulita Waisega, Karalaini Naisewa, Sereima Leweniqila (captain), Mereoni Nakesa, Teresia Tinanivalu, Evivi Senikarivi, Salanieta Kinita, Vani Arei, Wainikiti Vosadrau, Adita Milinia, Adi Fulori Rotagavira, Merewai Cumu, Rusila Nagasau, Setaita Railumu, Jennifer Goodsir Ravutia, Merewairita Neivosa, Atelaite Buna, Luisa Tisolo, Mary Kanace* and Iva Sauira* .
Story by: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj
