THE Wardens rugby sevens club is confident of defending its Uprising International 7s title this week at Lautoka's Churchill Park.
And despite losing several key players to the Fiji Barbarians and Warriors teams, yesterday, team manager Jovesa Vosanibola said they were ready to defend the title just like any other champion team.
Wardens players Joji Ragamate, Ilai Tinai, Levani Botia, Setefano Cakau, Niko Verekauta and Jone Vota are all in the Fiji extended squad.
Wardens coach Timoci Wainiqolo and trainer Max Hughes are also on duty with the national team.
"We are ready to come down and defend our title, we are the defending champion and we will go down there to play like any other champion team," Vosanibola said.
"We have lost six key players who are in the Fiji team and also our trainer and coach but that will not deter us from giving our best shot. We can produce another Tinai and Ragamate if we have lost them to the Fiji teams so that means we are there to compete against the best."
The Wardens side is pooled with Red Rock, Yamacia and Tokatoka Westfield Babas.
"We got a very good pool and we are ready for all those teams.
"We have played most of those teams in the semi-finals and finals in other tournaments, so they are no strangers to us."
Wardens takes on Yamacia in its opening pool match on Friday at 10am.
Wardens team: Seniyasi Matalewena, Risiate Tadulala, Silivenusi Cavidi, Sakiusa Nadruku, Ilikena Cina, Sevuloni Rakula, Tevita Daugunu, Epeli Naituivau, Leo Naikasau, Timoci Sinate, Kalisito Sauni, Jope Vocea.