Fiji has named a formidable squad to try and win its first Commonwealth Games 7s gold medal at the coming Birmingham games in England.
The team has six Olympic Games gold medallists.
They are Josua Vakurinabili, Semi Kunatani, who will lead the forward pack while Jerry Tuwai and Waisea Nacuqu will boost the backline.
Europe-based Aminiasi Tuimaba and Sireli Maqala will inject power and speed on the wings.
Former captain Paula Dranisinukula has made the 16-member squad with players who have been in form throughout the 2021/2022 World Rugby Sevens Series.
Fiji coach Ben Gollings said they had a balanced squad.
Gollings said they had selected the squad based on experience and performance.
“There are a lot of players who are new to the series this year and have stepped up such as Elia Canakaivata, Jerry Matana and Tevita Daugunu,” he said.
“They have been really marshalling the forwards well.”
Fiji won three silver medals at the Commonwealth Games (1998-Malaysia, 2022-England and 2018-Australia)and a bronze medal in 2006 in Australia.
Gollings said the Commonwealth Games gold medal had eluded Fiji over the years.
“Our target is to go and claim that elusive medal.”
Fiji 7s squad:
Elia Canakaivata, Josua Vakurinabili, Tevita Daugunu, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Jerry Matana, Semi Kunatani, Jerry Tuwai, Philipo Bukayaro, Waisea Nacuqu, Filipe Sauturaga, Kaminieli Rasaku, Sireli Maqala, Aminiasi Tuimaba, Vuiviawa Naduvalo, Manueli Maisamoa, Paula Dranisinukula.
