Coach Iliesa Tanivula has named a young and talented 12-man squad to participate in the first two legs of the HSBC Sevens World Series, in Dubai and George, South Africa.
Fiji finished fourth in last year's World Series and will kick off their 2010/11 campaign at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens on 3-4 December, before travelling down to South Africa's Garden Route for the second tournament on 10-11 December.
Last season Tanivula led Fiji to one Cup triumph, at the NZI Sevens in Wellington, the third of eight stops on this season's calendar.
While there is experience in the side, in the likes of captain Emosi Vucago, Watisoni Votu and outstanding forward Seremaia Burotu, the squad does boast a total of six new caps – Sitiveni Waqa, Samuela Saqiwa, Risiate Tadulala, Nikola Matawalu, Mitieli Nacagilevu and Josaia Lotawa.
“We’ve gone through a pretty intense process over several weeks to get down to the final 12 players and I’m more than pleased with the players who’ve been selected,” Tanivula said.
“With the many new players in the squad we’ve got a touch of the unknown about us and that is sure to have many teams worried.”
Fiji squad for Dubai and South Africa: Seremaia Burotu, Watisoni Votu, Sitiveni Waqa, Samuela Saqiwa, Risiate Tadulala, Emosi Vucago (capt), Nikola Matawalu, Mitieli Nacagilevu, Nasoni Roko, Josaia Lotawa, Saimoni Nuku, Josefa Bole
Fiji wider Sevens squad named
The Fiji Rugby Union also announced 20 contracted players to compete for the Digicel Fiji Sevens team over the entirety of the 2010/11 HSBC Sevens World Series.
Fiji Sevens squad: Seremaia Burotu, Watisoni Votu, Sitiveni Waqa, Samuela Saqiwa, Risiate Tadulala, Emosi Vucago, Nikola Matawalu, Mitieli Nacagilevu, Nasoni Roko, Josaia Lotawa, Saimoni Nuku, Josefa Bole, Orisi Sareki, Ilai Tinai, Nemani Nagusa, Timoci Vakadranu, Kelemedi Bola, Semesa Gonevou, Kitione Kamikamica, Eroni Ravaga.
