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.