SUVA, 22 FEBRUARY 2010 (FRU) – The Fiji Airways Fijian 7s are set to depart for Las Vegas today with a 14 player travelling subject to a number of outstanding visa issues being cleared.
Head Coach Gareth Baber has named an exciting squad with the inclusion of two fresh faces to contest the US Sevens and Canada Sevens beginning next Friday, March 1.
Isoa Tabu (Yamacia) and Asaeli Tuivoka (Wardens) have fought their way into the touring party as the only key changes to the squad that contested the Hamilton and Sydney series.
“Isoa and Asa have worked hard to earn their inclusion in this squad in a very competitive training environment and I am comfortable that they will be able to do the job required of them for the team,” Baber said.
Rounding out the squad are Mesulame Kunavula, Kalione Nasoko, Sevu Mocenacagi, Josua Vakuranibili, Rt Meli Derenelagi, Paula Dranisinikula, Jerry Tuwai, Waiea Nacuqu, Teri Tamani, Vilimoni Botitu, Aminiasi Tuimaba and Alasio Naduva.
Dynamic winger Alasio Naduva visa status remains unclear despite being approved to travel for the Rugby 7s World Cup in San Francisco and the Las Vegas 7s in 2019.
“We had applied early for the player’s visa well prior to the Hamilton 7s and despite Naduva being allowed to travel last year to Las Vegas and San Francisco, there has still been no outcome to his visa application,” FRU chief executive John O’Connor highlighted.
“We are still very hopeful that we will receive feedback to his visa application at the earliest to allow him to join the Team as we are required by WR and USA Rugby to field our strongest possible team.”
In case Naduva’s visa application is delayed, Ulaiyata Batisavu is on standby to travel with the team.
Fiji meet Scotland, Australia and Wales in Las Vegas, with the first game against Scotland, next Saturday, March 2, at 11.22am.
The team will be looking for another tournament title as well as securing invaluable points for the series ladder.
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s touring party for USA and Canada 7s:
Mesulame Kunavula
Kalione Nasoko
Sevuloni Mocenecagi
Josua Vakurinabili
Rt Meli Derenalagi
Isoa Tabua
Paula Dranisinikula
Jerry Tuwai
Waisea Nacuqu
Terri Tamani
Vilimoni Botitu
Aminiasi Tuimaba
Alasio Naduva
Asaeli Tuivoka
