Osea Kolinisau, the head coach of the Fiji Airways men’s sevens team, has officially announced his squad for the HSBC Dubai Sevens, marking the first leg of the 2024/2025 series. The selected 12-member team was finalized after the Fiji Bitter Mataso 7s tournament held in Lautoka on Saturday, where Fiji 7s Blue triumphed over the Taikita Brothers with a score of 29-5.
The national team fielded two squads in the competition: Fiji 7s Blue and Fiji 7s White. Unfortunately, Fiji 7s White was eliminated in the semi-finals after a close match, falling 10-15 to the Taiki Ta Brothers. Kolinisau’s team selection reflects the hard work and dedication shown by the players during an extensive training period, with each athlete demonstrating an eagerness to represent Fiji in Dubai.
In a recent training session at the FRU High Performance Gym in Laucala Bay, Suva, Kolinisau shared the intensity of the selection process, highlighting the balancing act of including both seasoned players and newcomers. He noted the high expectations and the pressure associated with his coaching role, stating, “It’s always tough selecting a new squad; there are a lot of new and old faces, but there’s a certain standard we want to push them to.”
The team departed for Dubai yesterday, ready to showcase their talents on the international stage.
The national 12-member squad includes:
1. Jerry Matana
2. Joji Nasova
3. Sevuloni Mocenacagi
4. Ilikimi Torosi
5. Suliano Volivolituevei
6. Terio Tamani
7. Pilipo Bukayaro
8. Ratu Filipe Sauturaga
9. Kavekini Tanivanuakula (debutant)
10. George Bose (debutant)
11. Vuiviwa Naduvalo
12. Iowane Teba
As the team prepares to compete, there is hope that their hard work and determination will culminate in a successful performance in Dubai, fostering a sense of pride for fans and contributing to the growing legacy of Fijian rugby on the international stage.
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