Eight members of the Fiji 7s team are set to showcase their skills as part of the Mike Friday Select team during the 2025 McDonald’s Coral Coast 7s tournament in Sigatoka. Coach Osea Kolinisau noted that this opportunity will allow these players to catch the selectors’ attention, while other team members will compete for the national squad in the same event.
The select team will include renowned athletes like two-time Olympic gold medalist Jerry Tuwai, South Africa’s Rosko Specman, USA’s Matai Leuta, Welsh icon Luke Treharne, Ireland’s Harry McNulty, and up-and-coming French player Alexandre Odinga. Kolinisau emphasized the strategic decision to rest players who have recently experienced considerable game time, thereby giving others the chance to demonstrate their abilities.
Additionally, Kolinisau reported that although there were no injuries from the Dubai and Cape Town 7s events, some athletes did sustain minor injuries during the Oceania 7s and will benefit from a two-week recovery period. The Coral Coast 7s is scheduled to take place at Lawaqa Park from January 16-18.
This tournament provides an excellent platform for emerging talents to shine and potentially earn their place in the national team, showcasing the depth of talent within Fijian rugby. The decision to rest key players also reflects a commitment to athlete welfare, ensuring that the squad remains robust for future competitions. It’s a promising time for both the players and fans of Fiji rugby as they prepare for this exciting event.
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