Fiji 7s select new-look squad for World Series return

Fiji men's sevens coach Ben Gollings has selected his first squad to compete in the upcoming World Rugby Sevens Series tournaments in Singapore and Vancouver.

The former England sevens star was appointed Fiji head coach in December, but Fiji pulled out of the Malaga and Seville tournaments in January after a number of their squad tested positive for Covid-19.

Tevita Daugunu will captain the Fiji men, and is part of a forward pack that includes Olympic gold medalist Josua Vakurinabili, Joseva Talacolo, Jeremaia Matana and Elia Canakaivata.

Two-time Olympic champion Jerry Tuwai, who is also an assistant coach, and vice-captain Waisea Nacuqu and head a backline that features four new caps: Pilipo Bukayaro, Vuiviawa Naduvalo, Tira Wilagi and Josevani Soro, while Iowane Rautraciri, Iowane Teba and Kaminieli Rasaku made their debut in Dubai last year.

Gollings said it had been great to watch Fiji's local talent in action during the recent Super 7s Series and Mini International 7s which included teams from New Zealand and Australia.

"Having a 30-men-squad and seeing them perform in the local tournaments has really helped us. We have had a really good look at these players and saw how they performed. Overall I was happy with everyone's performance which certainly made the selection tricky," he said.

"I believe it's a good mix of young and experienced players. We need experienced players as it helps bring the team together, therefore players such as Jerry Tuwai, Josua Vakurinabili and Waisea Nacuqu have played a vital role in the team.

"Then we got the likes of Pilipo Bukayaro playing at half-back who has been fantastic and has really grown in the last few tournaments. Vuiviawa Naduvalo has been brilliant and has developed into an exciting player. Tira Wilagi and Josevani Soro have also been at their best so far."

The Fiji squad departs for Singapore on Monday, with the Singapore and Vancouver tournaments taking place over the next two weekends.