Vunibaka gets nod as captain, Vuniwaqa replaces Kuruduadua
20 March, 2008
Former Test wing Marika Vunibaka was named captain Thursday for the Digicel Fiji 7s team to Hong Kong, whilst Tavua skipper Epeli Vuniwaqa has been called up to replace Jone Kuruduadua, whose transit visa was not approved by the Australian Embassy in Suva.
Two-time RWC 7s winner Vunibaka said it was an honour to be chosen to lead the national team, with halfback Emosi Vucago and Setefano Cakau named as his assistants.
“It’s a tough ask,” Vunibaka said. “It’s one thing to play and another to be leading the charge, but I believe with my two assistants we should manage.”
Manager Opetaia Ravai said the team will travel in the knowledge they have depth in leadership.
“We had made the decision based on a number of factors. The most important was to select someone with experience, a player disciplined on and off the field, someone who commands the respect of the players and a good role model,” Ravai said. “We therefore felt Marika Vunibaka was the perfect choice.”
“Vunibaka will also have as his assistants two capable and experienced players – Vucago has been a revelation in the IRB Series so far, and Cakau show great improvement each time he takes the field,” Ravai added.
“It’s unfortunate what has happened to Kuruduadua as we had high hopes for him. There are no hard feelings from our end at the stand taken by the Australian Embassy. We hope that Kuruduadua will continue to train and prove himself for selection in the next leg.”
The Digicel Fiji 7s team leave for Hong Kong early Monday morning.
IRB 7s World Series News Archive
2010
2009
- 07 Jan, 2009: Serevi and selectors clarify decision
- 27 Jan, 2009: FRU announces team to Wellington and San Diego
- 31 Jan, 2009: Goneva and Naba chosen to lead Digicel Fiji 7s
- 03 Feb, 2009: Rasileka to replace Tuwai
- 05 Feb, 2009: IRB 7s debut comes early for Saukuru
- 08 Feb, 2009: England win Wellington crown
- 15 Feb, 2009: Argentina win USA Sevens
- 13 Mar, 2009: FRU selects squad to Hong Kong and Adelaide
- 20 Mar, 2009: Injured Rokodiva out
- 13 May, 2009: Tanivula names his final 12 for London & Scotland leg
2008
- 02 Feb, 2008: Fiji bow out early in Wellington 7s
- 10 Feb, 2008: Fiji take Plate in San Diego
- 22 Feb, 2008: FRU Board approves 7s recommendations
- 06 Mar, 2008: Three dropped from Digicel Fiji 7s squad
- 08 Mar, 2008: Savou selects squad for Hong Kong and Adelaide
- 15 Mar, 2008: Three new faces in Digicel Fiji 7s squad to Hong Kong
- 18 Mar, 2008: FRU apologises to Nawaka and fans
- 20 Mar, 2008: Vunibaka gets nod as captain, Vuniwaqa replaces Kuruduadua
- 22 Mar, 2008: Digicel Fiji 7s join Earth Hour
- 25 Mar, 2008: Digicel Fiji 7s management unaware of any apology
- 27 Mar, 2008: Narukutabua to make debut against Korea
- 31 Mar, 2008: New Zealand lands Hong Kong crown
- 02 Apr, 2008: Referee Bolabiu selected for Junior World Championship
- 03 Apr, 2008: Statement by the Fiji Rugby Union
- 05 Apr, 2008: Fiji bow out, Boks halt New Zealand
- 18 Apr, 2008: FRU retains 7s management for last leg
- 01 May, 2008: Digicel Fiji 7s training camp
- 07 May, 2008: Digicel Fiji 7s training squad
- 14 May, 2008: Digicel Fiji 7s team to London 7s and Edinburgh 7s
- 26 May, 2008: Samoa win London Sevens as NZ clinch Series
- 01 Jun, 2008: Fiji finish fourth in 7s Series
- 14 Jul, 2008: Five qualify from Europe for 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens
- 17 Jul, 2008: IRB announce 2008/09 IRB 7s World Series Schedule
- 20 Jul, 2008: Fiji 7s coach and manager search near end
- 24 Jul, 2008: FRU appoints Serevi as National 7s coach
- 27 Jul, 2008: Fijiana finish third, miss out on World 7s showdown
- 28 Aug, 2008: FRU to meet with Serevi
- 11 Sep, 2008: Locoloco and Bolabiu to officiate in IRB 2007-08 7s Series
- 30 Sep, 2008: Fitness test outcome pleasing: Serevi
- 01 Oct, 2008: Serevi is Digicel brand ambassador
- 01 Oct, 2008: Fiji head Pool D in Dubai
- 13 Oct, 2008: Pools and schedule set for George 7s
- 13 Oct, 2008: Digicel Fiji 7s team set platform with Brisbane win
- 15 Oct, 2008: FRU withdraw team from Auckland 7s
- 29 Oct, 2008: FRU, Serevi come to an agreement
- 31 Oct, 2008: FRU names Digicel Fiji 7s training squad for Dubai and George
- 21 Nov, 2008: FRU announce team to Dubai and George
- 24 Nov, 2008: FRU clarifies decision
- 02 Dec, 2008: Fiji bow out as South Africa hit gold in Dubai
- 06 Dec, 2008: South Africa win George 7s as Fiji bow out in semi-finals
- 15 Dec, 2008: Fiji head Pool D in Wellington 7s
2007
- 01 Jan, 2007: FRU clarifies position with Serevi
- 02 Jan, 2007: American Samoa sign up for Fiji Int'l 7s
- 03 Jan, 2007: Fiji Int'l 7s called off
- 05 Jan, 2007: FRU names Digicel Fiji 7s training squad
- 09 Jan, 2007: Fiji 7s teach Bati quick lesson
- 11 Jan, 2007: Fiji to rekindle status in Wellington
- 11 Jan, 2007: FRU holds positive talks with Serevi
- 17 Jan, 2007: Fiji 7s lifts defensive efforts
- 17 Jan, 2007: FRU resolves sponsorship issue with Ryder
- 18 Jan, 2007: Five players set to make Fiji 7s debut
- 19 Jan, 2007: Fiji 7s focus on kick-offs
- 22 Jan, 2007: South Sea Drifters win Darwin 7s
- 23 Jan, 2007: Man Mountain returns
- 25 Jan, 2007: Nadroga trio to debut in Wellington
- 27 Jan, 2007: Beyond a boy's dream
- 02 Feb, 2007: Fiji impress in Wellington
- 03 Feb, 2007: Samoa surprise Fiji in Wellington final
- 07 Feb, 2007: Serevi #2 to join Fiji in San Diego
- 09 Feb, 2007: Fiji look for rebound in San Diego
- 10 Feb, 2007: Fiji to face South Africa in the quarters
- 12 Feb, 2007: Fiji win San Diego 7s
- 21 Feb, 2007: FRU to reward Digicel Fiji 7s players
- 21 Feb, 2007: Fiji get good draw for Hong Kong 7s
- 07 Mar, 2007: Serevi short-lists players for Hong Kong 7s
- 20 Mar, 2007: Semisi Serevi to make debut in Hong Kong
- 20 Mar, 2007: Naqelevuki's suspension nears end
- 01 Apr, 2007: Samoa claim Hong Kong glory
- 08 Apr, 2007: Fiji take Adelaide title
- 18 Apr, 2007: Digicel Fiji 7s prepare for London
- 26 Apr, 2007: Fiji in strong London pool
- 27 Apr, 2007: Fiji top seeds in Scotland
- 09 May, 2007: Dubai to host 2009 Rugby World Cup 7s
- 16 May, 2007: Naqelevuki returns for final IRB 7s leg
- 27 May, 2007: Kiwis take London 7s crown
- 03 Jul, 2007: FRU clears Naba of misconduct
- 06 Jul, 2007: Serevi resigns as Digicel Fiji 7s coach
- 07 Jul, 2007: FRU gives Ravai the nod for 2007-08
- 08 Nov, 2007: Savou names Digicel Fiji 7s squad for Dubai
- 21 Nov, 2007: Nasiga replaces Lewaqai in Digicel Fiji 7s squad
- 01 Dec, 2007: Fiji finish runners-up in Dubai 7s final
- 08 Dec, 2007: Kiwis defeat Fiji in George final
- 20 Jan, 2008: Savou calls up Lewaqai, Rawaqa and Bakaniceva
2006
- 01 Aug, 2006: Fiji eye International 7s tournament
- 07 Sep, 2006: FRU names Digicel Fiji 7s training squad
- 31 Oct, 2006: Fiji face Aussies in Dubai
- 09 Nov, 2006: Volavola to spearhead 7s title defence
- 21 Nov, 2006: Tietjens opts for Fijian flair
- 22 Nov, 2006: Namosi utility hungry for return
- 22 Nov, 2006: Digicel Fiji 7s team make patients day
- 23 Nov, 2006: Two new faces for Dubai and George
- 23 Nov, 2006: Nalaga ready to dance
- 24 Nov, 2006: Rauqe vows to do Fiji proud
- 28 Nov, 2006: International 7s returns to Fiji
- 29 Nov, 2006: Naqelevuki eyes RWC 2007
- 01 Dec, 2006: Fiji start well but slip against Aussies
- 02 Dec, 2006: South Africa claim Dubai 7s title
- 08 Dec, 2006: Fiji face Wales in George 7s quarters
- 09 Dec, 2006: Fiji fall from grace
- 19 Dec, 2006: Fiji must win in Wellington
- 21 Dec, 2006: Cooks confirm attendance for Fiji international 7s
2005