Interim Fijiana 7s head coach Timoci Volavola has assembled a fresh roster of players for the upcoming season. This new group features only three experienced athletes, including Ana Maria Naimasi, as Volavola aims to rejuvenate support for women’s sevens rugby following the team’s recent struggles, including a disappointing 12th-place finish at the Paris Olympic Games.
Volavola noted that many players from last season have departed, and he is set to finalize a 12-member squad this Thursday after medical evaluations are completed. He expressed optimism about the new talent, highlighting their progress since entering training camp.
“It is a very hard start seeing our results from last year, very challenging but I am taking the challenge,” Volavola stated. He emphasized the importance of restoring support for the women’s team and acknowledged the eagerness of the new players, who are enthusiastic about learning and following instructions.
Despite the challenges ahead, Volavola is committed to reinventing the team culture, focusing on discipline and the right attitude. “We move on with the new girls, for the betterment of the Fijiana 7s in the future,” he said. He is clear that any players who do not adhere to team rules will need to depart, to maintain a healthy team environment.
The coach’s immediate goal is to secure a position in the top eight of the core teams. The upcoming tournament is set to be the first major competition for many of the new players, and Volavola plans to motivate them to work diligently to earn a lasting spot in the core team.
Fijiana is placed in Pool A alongside Australia, Ireland, and China. Volavola acknowledged the need for his team to recover quickly from their extensive travel before facing these formidable opponents. “They all played well during the Olympics; it’s a new season, so all the teams will be well-prepared,” he stated, demonstrating a clear understanding of the competition ahead.
In a supportive role, former sevens player Emosi Mulevoro will assist Volavola in this endeavor.
This change in leadership and the introduction of fresh talent brings a hopeful outlook for the Fijiana 7s. With a renewed commitment to building a disciplined team culture and a focus on improvement, there is reason to believe that the team can rise to new heights in the upcoming season.
Summary: Timoci Volavola, interim head coach of the Fijiana 7s, is rebuilding the team with a new roster, emphasizing discipline and a positive culture after a disappointing past season. He is optimistic about the potential of new players and aims to maintain a top-eight position in upcoming competitions, while receiving support from former sevens player Emosi Mulevoro.
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