NATIONAL sevens coach Alifereti Dere has hinted at the possibility of some former national reps returning to the international scene.
Dere was present at the fitness test yesterday at the HPU Gym in Suva and said he was happy with the turnout.
Former national reps present at the test included Jiuta Lutumailagi and Iliesa Ratuva while others who were named for the fitness test include former captain Watisoni Votu, Osea Kolinisau and Sailosi Rabonaqica.
He said the former reps had been called to add depth and experience to the side and so they could help the younger players in the team.
"Nearly half of the squad from last season is gone and so we need these former players to come in and add experience," Dere said.
"The younger players have been active in local competition (Digicel Cup) but they need guidance and the former and current reps can give that to them and so they are players we can rely on," he said.
Those players who have taken up international contracts are Metuisela Talebula, Nemani Nagusa, Nikola Matawalu, Waisea Nayacalevu and his younger brother Avenisi Vasuinubu.
Other notable palyers who have not been called up are Livai Ikanikoda and Mitieli Nacagilevu. Dere said he heard two weeks ago that Ikanikoda was still nursing injuries while he had not heard any news of Nacagilevu.
He also spoke of the four national under-20 players that took part in the Junior World Championship in South Africa earlier this year.
They are Ledua Ratumuri, Temo Raibevu, Sakiusa Gavidi and Aca Similo.
"They have been through the system so far and have been exposed to international competition so we want to bring them in to continue the process and further expose them."
Those from the 2011/2012 HSBC Sevens World Series who were present at the test included Joji Ragamate, Lepani Botia, Ilai Tinai, Niko Verekauta and Isikeli Vuruna.
Setefano Cakau is plying his trade in Sri Lanka while Kolinisau and Timoci Vakadranu left for the United States on Monday to play for the Samurai International side in the Serevi Sevens tournament.
"From what I have heard is that they have been playing with their clubs and they have been doing well.
"So yes, I do expect them to do well in the fitness test."
Dere said he was happy with the response towards the fitness test from the players and a 24-member side would be named depending on the results of the fitness test.
"At the end of the week we will name a 24-member side but all players will be given a training program and the rest of the players we have plan to continue working on them and building them," Dere said.
The 24-member will be required to attend another fitness test in September after which a 16-member side will be named for the first leg of the 2012/2013 HSBC Sevens World Series.