Shogun Highlanders Fiji coach Sailosi Naiteqe Senior has unveiled his 14-man squad for the upcoming McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s, emphasizing the importance of refining foundational skills in local rugby. Naiteqe Senior highlighted that to facilitate a successful transition for young players into elite levels, local coaches must prioritize fundamental training.
This year marks the beginning of Naiteqe Senior’s initiative to form an Under-20 squad, with aspirations of establishing a main men’s team in the future. He noted that while Fiji boasts a rich talent pool in Sevens rugby, there is a pressing need to enhance the methods of coaching the game.
“I’ve spoken to a number of coaches, and in Fiji Sevens, especially at the grassroots level, we’re often teaching the end result of the game instead of the basics. We focus on the ‘XYZ’ rather than the ‘ABC’ of rugby, and you can see that even at the top level,” said Naiteqe Senior. He further explained that issues related to contact, tackling, and ground play have been identified as critical areas for improvement, despite being perceived as minor.
With years of expertise in rugby under his belt, Naiteqe Senior believes that honing these small details can yield significant results. He is collaborating with his trainer, Apisai Devo, who has experience training the national team and is also his nephew, to prepare the squad for the Coral Coast 7s. The team has a four-week training window leading up to the tournament.
The 14-man squad was selected from participants of the recently concluded Flame Tree 7s in Suva. Fans are eagerly anticipating the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s, set to commence on the 15th of next month at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
The focus on grassroots development and fundamental skill-building reflects a commitment to nurturing the next generation of rugby talent in Fiji, promising a bright future for the sport in the nation.
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