TONGA coach Etuate Waqa is hoping the Uprising Fiji International Sevens organisers invite them again next year to help in their bid to get a place in the HSBC Sevens World Series.
The Pacific islanders made their debut in the third edition of the Uprising 7s tournament which was held over the weekend. Waqa, who is building a formidable side for the upcoming Wellington 7s, was overwhelmed with the experience his young players got in the two-day tournament which was held at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
"We couldn't have asked for any better build-up than this. We thank the organisers for giving us the opportunity and we hope to come back again next year," the former Fiji dual international said.
"The young (Tonga) side has definitely grown in confidence and determination and gained good exposure for Wellington 7s."
Waqa also hailed the inclusion of international teams adding it gave local sides an opportunity to gauge the level they were in.
Tonga, Samoa, New Zealand Emerging, Aussie Thunderbolts and the two 'shadow' Fiji 7s teams were the international sides in the Uprising 7s.
"It provided a great opportunity for the local players to play against some of these top teams and experience the level of competition that is felt at the HSBC Series," Waqa said.