Two potential debutants named as Fiji chase back-to-back Singapore titles

Fiji have named two uncapped players in their 13-man travelling squad for upcoming events in Singapore and Perth, with Douglas Deveta and Nacani Noginisoko set for potential HSBC SVNS Series debuts in the next couple of weeks.

Kenya qualified for their first SVNS CUP Final since the Hong Kong Sevens in 2018 when they beat Spain 12-5 in last season’s Singapore semi-finals. Fiji were waiting in the decider at the National Stadium, with the giant-slaying Shujaa ultimately falling 21-12.

Osea Kolinisau coached the Fijians to SVNS Singapore glory and the 2016 Olympic gold medallist will have that same goal in mind this time around. SVNS Singapore will take place on January 31 to February 1, before the circuit heads to Perth on February 7 to 8.

Jeremaia Matana was one of the form players on the SVNS Series during the opening two rounds of the 2025/26 campaign. The captain will lead a talented Fijian squad that includes other world-renowned sevens players like Joseva Talacolo and Iowane Teba.

Tira Wilagi Patterson, Kavekini Tanivanuakula, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Terio Veilawa, Pilipo Bukayaro, George Bose, Vuiviwa Naduvalo, Ratu Manueli Masamoa, Daveta and Boginisoko are the other names on Fiji’s team sheet.

Deveta was the top points-scorer in the FRU Provincial Competition last year, while Noginisoko was unveiled as one of the new faces in Fiji’s squad last October, as they prepared to take on New Zealand and Australia during the Ignite7 tournament in Tauranga.

Fiji have been drawn in Pool A along with Cape Town champions South Africa, giant-slayers Great Britain, and a Spanish side that finished second overall last season. Argentina, France, New Zealand and Australia make up the other pool.

Verenaisi Ditavutu will captain Fijiana, with two potential debutants named in that squad as well. Adi Salote Nailolo and Alfreda Fisher could get a shot on the SVNS Series for the first time at Singapore’s National Stadium and Perth’s HBF Park.

Rogosau Adimereani, Sera Bolatini, Silika Qalo, Kelerayani Luvu, Sesenieli Donu, Ana Maria Naimasi, Adi Vani Buleki, Kolora Lomani and Mariana Talatoka have been named. Former World Rugby Player of the Year nominee Reapi Ulunisau has also been selected.

Fijiana have been allocated a place in a tough Pool A that features Cape Town winners Australia, the USA, and a Japan side that’s improving with every match. New Zealand, France, Canada and Great Britain are the four nations in Pool B.