Olympic Champions Fiji have named their squads to compete in the Tokyo Olympics later this month.
Fiji huddle before their semi final against South Africa. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
After competing in the Oceania 7s a fortnight ago, coaches Gareth Baber and Saiasi Fuli have penned in their 12-member squads along with travelling reserves.
The men's team is laced with experience, with 2016 Olympic Games gold medalist Jerry Tuwai given the charge to lead the pack.
Kalione Nasoko, Josua Vakurinabili, Meli Derenalagi and Asaeli Tuivuaka will provide power upfront while Waisea Nacuqu, Napolioni Ratu together with Aminiasi Tuimaba and Vilimoni Botitu will showcase the magic in the backline.
Jerry Tuwai will captain the men at the Tokyo Games Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
Jiuta Wainiqolo and Iosefo Masi who put up an impressive show during the Oceania 7s have also made the 12.
Coach Gareth Baber said the team boasts a balance between power and pace.
Your Men's Rugby Sevens Team to Olympics.
— Fiji Rugby Union (@fijirugby) July 4, 2021
#TeamFiji #GoForGold pic.twitter.com/m4LP6gbVbE
"I'm really excited in what the group brings, it's a balance between the power which is a big part of our game, and the pace that we are able to put into it," he said.
"We continue to look to command the aerial battles on the field as well as developing our strength at set-piece. We have built the team and the capabilities around putting pressure on our opponents and as a result, there has been a balance in the selection of the squad to reflect this."
Stalwart utility Semi Radradra is also in the mix, set to join the team in Japan next week.
Baber is confident he'll pick up momentum once he's in camp.
Semi Radradra originally debuted for Fiji at the 2011 Dubai Sevens. Photo: AFP
"I know him as an individual, an athlete and he keeps himself in a supreme condition which is why he always wins the battle."
"He is blessed to have the skill level of a 7s player even though he predominantly plays 15s and has done remarkable work for us when he played for us either in 7s or 15s code" said Baber."
The young players have also proved their worthy of selection, following their performance at the Oceania 7s tournament, he added.
"They have done exceptionally well in getting into this group. That's been on the back of their perseverance, sacrifice not only by them but their families as well."
Women's coach Saiasi Fuli revealed selecting his final squad wasn't an easy task, after losing two key players, Vani Buleki and Luisa Tisolo, to injuries sustained at the Oceania 7s.
Despite the setback, Fuli has put together a formidable side that consists of two Olympians in the final 13, captain Rusila Nagasau and Rejieli Daveua.
The Fijiana huddle during day two of the Paris Sevens. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
The majority of the other players have been a part of the World Rugby Women's Sevens Series while Sesenieli Donu, Reapi Uluinasau and Laisana Likuceva are the newcomers in the squad.
"We were blessed to play against New Zealand and Australia where I had an opportunity to test my girls' and see who all can take up the challenge when needed," said Fuli.
"We created a very competitive environment for them in terms of discipline, fitness, understanding of set-pieces and executing the plans against the opponents while on the field."
Your Women's Rugby Sevens Team to Olympics.
— Fiji Rugby Union (@fijirugby) July 4, 2021
#TeamFiji pic.twitter.com/AiL8BtsHFu
The men are in Pool B at the Olympics and will play Great Britain, Canada and Japan, kicking off on July 26 while the women are in Pool B with Canada, France and Brazil, with competition starting on July 29.
The Fiji Men's Rugby Sevens team:
Kalione Nasoko, Josua Vakurinabili, Meli Derenalagi, Iosefo Masi, Asaeli Tuivuaka, Semi Radradra, Vilimoni Botitu, Waisea Nacuqu, Napolioni Bolaca, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Aminiasi Tuimaba, Jerry Tuwai (captain). Reserves: Sireli Maqala, Kitione Taliga, Joseva Talacolo, Kavekini Tabu.
The Fiji Women's Rugby Sevens team:
Rusila Nagasau (captain), Rejieli Daveua, Sesenieli Donu, Vasiti Solikoviti, Reapi Uluinasau, Tokasa Seniyasi, Viniana Riwai, Ana Naimasi, Aloesi Nakoci, Laisana Likuceva, Roela Radiniyavuna, Lavena Cavuru. Reserves: Lavenia Tinai, Ana Maria Roqica, Rejieli Uluinayau.
