All players who represented the Fijiana 7s team at the 2024 Olympic Games are currently off-contract, and the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) is set to redefine its selection process soon. With four years remaining until the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the FRU has the opportunity to build and nurture a team of coaches and players for the national women’s 7s squad.
FRU interim chair Peter Mazey announced that they have concluded their post-Olympic review alongside coach Saiasi Fuli, team manager, and captain Raijeli Daveua. Mazey emphasized the need to re-establish the selection process now that the contracts of the women players have ended following the Olympics.
He mentioned that the selection of players will be finalized shortly, depending on coach Fuli’s plans. “That’s the decision we will discuss next week,” said Mazey. Fuli has expressed a desire to transition back into 15s or development roles, and Mazey noted the importance of respecting that decision, despite the Olympic team’s underperformance being disappointing.
The FRU plans to convene all coaches to strategize on the selection process. Mazey highlighted that several 7s tournaments are scheduled in the coming months, including the Fiji Bitter Sevens Series, which will provide an excellent chance to evaluate the players’ performances.
He also pointed out the presence of new talent that should be given the chance to prove themselves, as there is a four-year lead-up to the next Olympics. Notably, two players from the Fijiana 7s, Kolora Lomani and Talei Wilson, have been selected to join the Vodafone Fijiana XV team for upcoming Tests in Scotland and the Netherlands.