Pacific

Fiji Rugby names squads for Commonwealth Games Sevens

14:23 pm on 6 July 2022

Fiji Rugby has announced its two sevens teams for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England starting later this month.

The men's Sevens squad consists of six Olympic Gold medalists plus several from this year's World Rugby Sevens Series team.

Of those travelling, five were part of the Commonwealth Games in Australia four years ago.

Meanwhile, women's Sevens coach Saiasi Fuli has named a team that includes 10 bronze medalists from the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Veteran forward Rusila Nagasau will captain the side.

The Fiji women's rugby sevens team won the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Men's coach Ben Gollings said he's confident for the Games with the talent he has been able to draw on.

"I think overall we have got a really good balance and we have selected the squad based on experienced and performance," he said.

"There are a lot of players who are new to the series this year and they have really stepped up such as players like Elia Canakaivata, Jerry Matana, and Tevita Daugunu who have been really marshaling the forwards well.

"Definitely for us, it's one of the medals that has escaped Fiji over the years and our target is to go and claim that," said Gollings.

Quality play gave women's coach a selection headache

Saiasi Fuli also revealed that selecting his final squad wasn't easy, especially after the performance of the new girls during the 2021/2022 World Rugby Sevens Series.

Vani Buleki, Verenaisi Bari, Ivamere Nabura and Maria Rokotuisiga will add more firepower in the squad.

"We created a very competitive environment for them in terms of discipline, fitness, understanding of set-pieces and executing the plans against the opponents while on the field," said Fuli.

The Rugby 7s will be played from the July 29-31 at the Coventry Stadium in the city of Coventry near Birmingham.

The Team Fiji Men's Rugby Sevens Team is:

1. Elia Canakaivata

2. Josua Vakurinabili

3. Tevita Daugunu

4. Sevuloni Mocenacagi

5. Jerry Matana

6. Semi Kunatani

7. Jerry Tuwai

8. Philipo Bukayaro

9. Waisea Nacuqu

10. Filipe Sauturaga

11. Kaminieli Rasaku

12. Sireli Maqala

13. Aminiasi Tuimaba

14. Vuiviawa Naduvalo

15. Manueli Maisamoa

16. Paula Dranisinukula

The Team Fiji's Women's Rugby Team is:

1. Rusila Nagasau {c}

2. Rejieli Daveua

3. Vani Buleki

4. Vasiti Solikoviti

5. Verenaisi Bari

6. Ivamere Nabura

7. Lavena Cavuru

8. Viniana Riwai

9. Reapi Uluinasau

10. Maria Rokotuisiga

11. Ana Naimasi

12. Sesenieli Donu

13. Laisani Likuceva

Travelling Reserves

14. Lavenia Tinai

15. Laisani Moceisawana