THE Russia 7s team will be using the 43rd Fiji Bitter Marist Sevens tournament to prepare for the upcoming Hong Kong Sevens tournament.
The Waisale Serevi-coached team held its first scrimmage session with Somosomo Sharks yesterday at Albert Park in Suva.
Team manager Aleksandr Tsvetkov said the team was excited to be able to use Fiji as a training ground before the fifth leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series.
“We are glad to be here and to be able to be part of the Marist Sevens tournament. We know it’s one of the biggest sevens tournament in the country, so we will be expecting a tough competition.
“It is good for us to use Fiji as a preparation place because of the beautiful climate and because it is a rugby crazy nation.”
Meanwhile, Somosomo Sharks manager Volai Tagi said the Somosomo team was over the moon after being told of the scrimmage session with the Russian team.
“Most of the players in our team are from the village, so coming out into the city to play with an international team like this is a good opportunity for their exposure.
“We are glad that our boys get to experience tough competition from Russia before we head into the Marist sevens this weekend,” said Tagi.
The 43rd Fiji Bitter Marist Sevens kicks off this Friday at the ANZ Stadium in Laucala Bay, Suva.
Watch video:
