Fiji turn to potential debutants in both squads for Hong Kong Sevens

Coach Osea Kolinisau has named three potential debutants in the Fiji Men’s Sevens squad for the fan favourite Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens on April 17 to 19,  which is the first of three events in the new-look World Championship Series.

Fiji finished the regular season in second place after suffering a heartbreaking defeat to South Africa in the SVNS New York Cup Final. With that decider pitting the top two men’s teams against one another, that was a battle for both the regular season and the New York titles.

But the focus turns to the World Championship Series, which gets underway at the iconic Hong Kong Sevens in just a matter of days. Valladolid (May 30 to 31) will host the penultimate stop, before the finale in Bordeaux on June 7 to 8.

Viwa Naduvalo shares the lead for the inaugural RugbyPass Men’s SVNS Series MVP after the six regular season legs, level with South Africa’s Shilton van Wyk. Fiji playmaker Terio Veilawa rounds out the top three after impressing at New York’s Sports Illustrated Stadium.

Naduvalo and Veilawa are among the big-name inclusions in the Fiji men’s squad, but there will may be an opportunity for new players to make their mark as well. Coach Kolinisau has included three uncapped prospects in the 15-man travelling squad.

Isaia Rugu, Wame Ratuva and Tomasi Vuluma are all in line to potentially debut on the HSBC SVNS Series this weekend. Two uncapped players have been named in the women’s squad as well, with those being Lusiana Tinai and Varasika Tukana.

Jeremaia Matana captains a men’s side that also includes game-breaker Joseva Talacolo, Tira Wilagi Patterson, Ratu Filipe Sauturaga, Apete Narogo, Kavekini Tanivanuakula, Nacani Boginisoko, Ratu Manueli Maisamoa, Doulgas Daveta and Akuila Dranivotua.

The Fijians will take on Germany in their opening match, who are one of four qualifiers out of the second division. Olympic champions France and Great Britain round out an unpredictable group, which will be played in front of thousands at Kai Tak Sports Park.

Former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year nominee Reapi Ulunisau has been named in the women’s squad, with Verenaisi Ditavutu to lead as captain. Fiji will take on regular season winners New Zealand in Pool A, along with Japan and SVNS 2 qualifiers Brazil.

Fiji Men’s Sevens for Hong Kong Sevens

Jeremaia Matana (c)
Joseva Talacolo
Tira Wilagi Patterson
Terio Veilawa
Ratu Filipe Sauturaga
Apete Narogo
Vuiviwa Naduvalo
Kavekini Tanivanuakula
Nacani Boginisoko
Ratu Manueli Maisamoa
Douglas Daveta
Isaia Rugu**
Akuila Dranivotua
Wame Ratuva**
Tomasi Vuluma**

** potential debut

Fiji Women’s Sevens for Hong Kong Sevens

Verenaisi Ditavutu (c)
Sesenieli Donu
Sera Bolatini
Silika Qalo
Adi Vani Buleki
Reapi Ulunisau
Rogosau Adimereani
Mariana Talatoka
Lavena Cavuru
Atelaite Ralivanawa
Ilisapeci Delaiwau
Lusiana Tinai**
Varasika Tukana**

** potential debut