Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s squad named for the opening HSBC tournament

Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s coach Saiasi Fuli has named his touring side for the HSBC 2019/2020 Womens Sevens Series opening tournament in Glendale, USA this weekend.

The 12 member squad will depart Fiji on Tuesday following a solid two month preparation block under Fuli and his management team.

“We have put in a stronger preparation this off season and the girls are in much better shape compared to last year.” he said

Rusila Nagasau will captain the 12-member squad and will be assisted by experienced players Ana Maria Roqica, Raijeli Daveua and Lavenia Tinai.

Tinai and Deveua are joined by six others from the gold medal winning Pacific Games squad.

Akanisi Sokoiwasa, Luisa Tisolo, Tokasa Seniyasi and Vasiti Solikoviti will provide some exciting fire power for the Fijiana 7s in this series opener, with coach Fuli aware this is the start of a vital season for his team.

“We have got a big season ahead of us and we have prepared physically well, introducing new patterns of play.”

“The core of the team traveling to Glendale return from last season and have played the Pacific Games together, so we’re building consistency and combinations.” he said.

He highlighted that the team needs to come out firing from the first game as they are in a tough pool alongside Australia, Spain and Canada.

“All the teams in the Series are tough.

“We need to prepare well mentally and stay focused on what we can do to create something positive next week in Glendale” the coach commented.

The team departs for Glendale 7s tomorrow (Tuesday 1st October).

Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s is pooled with Canada, Australia and Spain.

They take on Canada in their opening match at 4.15am {FJT} on Sunday, then face Australia at 6.37am {FJT} before batting it out against Spain at 9.21am {FJT}.

Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s 12-member squad for Glendale 7s.

1. Asinate Savu
2. Rusila Nagasau
3. Lavenia Tinai
4. Raijeli Daveua
5. Vasiti Solikoviti
6. Ana Maria Roqica
7. Ana Maria Naimasi
8. Viniana Riwai
9. Tokasa Seniyasi
10. Mereula Torooti
11. Luisa Tisolo
12. Akanisi Sokoiwasa