Fiji Airways Fijian 7s head coach Osea Kolinisau has revealed a robust 13-member squad for the upcoming HSBC Perth 7s tournament, set to kick off this Friday. This year’s lineup sees the return of 23-year-old forward Sakiusa Siqila, who last showcased his skills during the Madrid 7s last year, bringing much-needed energy and capability to the team.

Another significant comeback is that of towering forward Joseva Talacolo, who has successfully recovered from an earlier injury that kept him sidelined during previous competitions. Kolinisau has voiced his confidence in the team’s preparation, stating, “We have put in a lot of work leading up to this tournament,” and he believes the squad possesses the necessary attributes to perform under pressure.

Team captain Filipe Sauturaga will be key as Fiji faces impressive opponents, including New Zealand, Kenya, and Uruguay, in a challenging pool stage. Kolinisau emphasized the importance of focus and discipline, which he considers essential for their success. “We’ve been focusing on executing our game plan under pressure and maintaining consistency throughout all matches,” he added.

The mix of seasoned veterans, such as Iowane Teba and Joji Nasova, alongside emerging talents like George Bose and Suliano Volivoli, sets the stage for an exciting series filled with potential. The full squad includes players: Kavekini Tabivanua, Suliano Volivoli, Joseva Talacolo, Tira Wilagi, Rubeni Kabu, Pilipo Bukayaro, Terio Veilawa, Filipe Sauturaga (C), Iowane Teba, George Bose, Joji Nasova, Vuiviwa Naduvalo, and Sakiusa Siqila.

As the Fiji team gears up for this crucial competition, optimism runs high among fans eager to witness their performance on the international stage. Past tournaments have shown the team’s resilience and potential, and with this promising lineup, the Perth 7s could very well serve as a launchpad for their aspirations in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. The combination of returning and new talent provides a hopeful outlook for inspiring performances that celebrate Fiji’s rich rugby heritage.