London 7s: Another Delay For Coach Gareth Baber
Gareth Baber has recovered but was told by doctors to rest. He will leave for London on Monday
Friday 17 May 2019 | 11:39
Fiji Airways Fijian reps (sitting left-right) Apenisa Cakaubalavu, Vilimoni Botitu (standing left-right) Waisea Nacuqu, Aminiasi Tuimaba, Isoa Tabu and Alosio Naduva on the Korean Air flight to London on May 16, 2019.
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s coach Gareth Baber will be joining the team in London next week.
Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor last night told SUNsports that Baber has recovered but will be discharged from hospital today.
O’Connor said Baber has been advised by the doctors to take a few days rest before flying to London next Monday.
The Welshman is down with a bacterial infection.
This is an important leg for Baber as they need to do well and win their first HSBC World Sevens Series under his guidance.
Winning the Series is going to boost their chances as they go to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
The Fijians are at 142 points on the Series table and are three points behind USA who are currently at the top spot.
To win the Series, the Paula Dranisinukula captained- side must win both the London and Paris 7s to secure the top spot.
Meanwhile assistant coach Kane Jury and Tomasi Cama Senior guides the team in Baber’s absence.
MISSION TO WIN
After naming the team on Monday, Baber said they knew of the challenges ahead of them.
“We have a mission going into the next two tournaments and I believe the players named in the squad are ready to deliver at the London 7s next weekend,” he said.
“We know there’s a lot of expectation around this tournament, but pressure is just a perception.
“It’s not real, and it’s up to us to keep our minds on what we have to do to play our way and execute what we want to do as a team on the park.”
The Fijians are the top seed for Pool B where they face Samoa, France and Kenya.
The Fijians face Kenya in their first pool match at 9:36pm (Fiji time) on Saturday, May 25, France at 12:42am (Fiji time) and on Sunday, May 26 against Samoa at 3:48am (Fiji time).
SAMOANS READY
Meanwhile, Samoan coach Sir Gordon Tietjens has announced the 14 players for the London andParis leg of the Series as they depart this weekend.
Squad: David Afamasaga, Tomasi Alosio, Alamanda Motuga, Johnny Vaili, Joe Perez, Johnny Samuelu, Tila Mealoi, Saiosi Asofolau, Laalo Leiua, Elisapete Alofipo, Paul Scanlan, Phiilip Luki, Melani Matavao, Paulo Fanuasa.
Edited by Anasilini Natoga
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