Adi Salote Nailolo and Alfreda Fisher exemplify the ongoing efforts to enhance the synergy between Fiji’s Fijiana 15s and sevens rugby programs. As the national team works to deepen its talent pool across both formats, the integration of players has become a central tenet of Fiji Rugby’s strategy. Fijiana 7s head coach Richard Walker expresses confidence that this collaborative approach is fostering the development of more versatile athletes capable of excelling on the international stage.
Walker emphasizes that participation in high-level domestic competitions significantly aids this transition for players. “We want to collaborate with the 15s program. If there’s interest across both programs, at the end of the day rugby is rugby. If you’re good on one side, you’re good on the other,” he stated.
He acknowledged the challenges players face when switching from 15s to sevens, which include adapting to different demands in fitness, speed, and decision-making. However, he commended Nailolo and Fisher for their remarkable ability to navigate these hurdles. “When they first came over, it was a different style of fitness—the game is faster, and the space is a lot bigger—but they’ve transitioned into it really, really well,” Walker noted.
The Coral Coast Sevens has provided an essential platform for both players to demonstrate their capabilities. Nailolo has caught attention with her strong ball-carrying skills and her involvement in plays, while Fisher has made her mark particularly around the breakdown and in direct confrontations.
This weekend, the Singapore 7s tournament presents an opportunity for both Nailolo and Fisher to further showcase their talents, with all of Fiji’s matches set to be broadcast live on FBC TV. As Fiji Rugby continues to invest in integrating its programs, the future of both Fijiana teams looks promising, paving the way for a new generation of athletes to thrive on the international rugby stage.
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