FIJI 7s coach Gareth Baber has begun to finetune his squad as he looks for the best players to fill the 14 spots on offer for the first leg of the 2019/2020 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai and Cape Town.
Front runners for a spot including captain Paula Dranisinukula, Josua Vakurinabili, Waisea Nacuqu Vilimoni Botitu, Meli Derenalagi and Alasio Naduva were all present and part of the 14 men squad at yesterday’s session at Albert Park in Suva.
“We got 14 healthy bodies here, and will have a couple more join us who are returning from Darwin,” Baber said.
Brothers Sevuloni Mocenacagi and Isoa and Kavekini Tabu also remain in the current squad.
“Again this afternoon we had another tough session, we are in the region of running 7 and a half kilometres in one session.”
Fiji 7s squad members Livai Ikanikoda, Suliano Volivoli and Asaeli Tuivuaka are yet to join the squad.
The trio were part of the Stallions rugby team which took out the Darwin 7s tournament in Australia, beating Daveta Rugby Club in the cup final.
“Everybody is aware that it is not just a one off tournament there’s ten to play and the eleventh (Olympics) which is probably the most important,”
Meanwhile, winger Rusiate Matai and Simione Kuruvoli have been released from the 7s squad.
Baber will finalise his squad early next week.
Fiji is the defending champion in Cape Town.
