Fiji Airways Men’s 7s Team to Singapore 7s
Fiji Airways Men’s 7s Head Coach, Gareth Baber has today released the names of the Fiji Airways Men’s 7s team to the HSBC World 7s Series, Singapore Tournament.
The Fiji Airways 7s team travels to Singapore after a two week break following the Hong Kong 7s and Commonwealth Games in Brisbane.
Two changes has been made to the side that won the Hong Kong 7s which sees the inclusion of Keponi Paul and Sevuloni Mocenacagi replacing Jasa Veremalua and Semi Kunatani who has returned to France for club commitments.
Coach Baber highlighted that Singapore will be very tough. We are now challenging for the lead in the series and we understand that it will get very tough in the last two legs.
“It is going to get tougher now because South Africa will put up a strong fight in the remaining tournaments to ensure that they maintain their lead and win the series. But this only makes us more determined to prepare well physically and mentally for the remaining tournaments and also bearing in mind that the World Cup 7s is just around the corner.”
Isake Katonibau has also been named in the side and Baber says that his presence alongside Captain Jerry Tuwai, will be an added boost and give the players more confidence.
The 2018 Singapore Sevens is the eighth tournament of the 2017–18 World Rugby Sevens Series and will be played 28-29 April at the Singapore National Stadium in Singapore.
The Fiji Airways 7s team leads Pool A and will be up against Spain, Russia and Japan.
The selected players are:
Mesulame Kunavula, Josua Vakurinabili, Isake Katonibau, Keponi Paul, Kalione Nasoko, Paula Dranisinukula, Jerry Tuwai, Waisea Nacuqu, Amenoni Nasilasila, Vatemo Ravouvou, Eroni Sau, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Alasio Naduva.
Baber has highlighted that Ravouvou has been down with the flu and if he does not recover in time, Terio Tamani is on standby to replace him as the 13th player.