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 TEIVOVO.COM – INTERNATIONAL 7s
Wednesday 9 November 2006
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Winning combination... Joe Savou (front left), Digicel's Niamh Byrne (middle) and Waisale Serevi (front right) pose with the boys
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Volavola to spearhead 7s title defence
By William Tabuya
Tireless Nadroga flanker Mosese Volavola was named Wednesday as captain of the Digicel Fiji 7s team that will begin their defence of the IRB World 7s Series title in Dubai and George next month.
Coach-cum-player Waisale Serevi was adamant that, given Volavola's wealth of experience, he is best suited the role.
“Mo is a very respected person and also a senior player in the squad. He is a leader by nature and I have all the faith that he will do the job well,” Serevi said.
Epeli Dranivasa, with a timely recovery from a horrific arm-injury suffered in Hong Kong shared the same sentiments.
“Moji is just a very disciplined person who commands the respect of his players. I expected him to be selected skipper and we look forward to playing under him.”
Serevi has put together a strong 15-man squad for Dubai and George and also announced the 20-strong training squad that is fully contracted by the Fiji Rugby Union for the next 12 months.
Making their return are lanky Senirusi Rauqe, who last played in 2001, and Setefano Cakau, who featured at Brisbane and Wellington two years ago. Also named is Stormers wing Sireli Naqelevuki who is only available for the first leg of the new IRB World 7s Series.
New to the side are Nadroga's Napolioni Nalaga and lock Etonia Naba, while Nadi flanker Aminiasi Nava also made the cut.
“I am happy to be in the squad and I hope to play well,” Nalaga said with a big smile.
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Here we come... New Fiji 7s skipper Mo Volavola (left) strikes a pose with Lepani Nabuliwaqa, Mesake Davu and David Batiratu
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Serevi admitted it found it tough naming the side.
“We originally began with 40 players, which we trimmed to 25. Then we had to further cut that down to only 15 so it was quite a difficult task,” he said.
Serevi, in naming the squad, opted for both height and experience. He believes that his new side will do well for the nation.
“I feel that this final 15 is the best and we have what it takes to retain the series title,” he added. “Although we have lost Semisi Naevo and Filimone Bolavucu, we still have capable players who can do the job."
Red Rock star playmaker Lepani Nabuliwaqa feels that defending the title is a bigger ask than trying to win it.
“It will be difficult for us since all teams will be after our neck," he said. "We are not only the defending IRB Series champs but also the World Cup winners.”
The naming of the 20 contracted players was also announced, with Digicel Pacific marketing director, Niamh Byrne present to help with the proceedings.
”Digicel is very happy to be sponsoring the Fiji 7s team. It is a great moment for us to be involved with the best in the world and we wish you all the best,” Ms Byrne commented.
The FRU disclosed that a sum of $350,000 will be paid to the 20 players over the next 12 months through training allowances, per diem payments and performance bonuses.
Serevi expressed thanks to the FRU for employing the boys and keeping them in an environment that readies them for national duties.
The Fiji squad will begin camp on 19 November.
Digicel Fiji 7s Squad to George and Dubai
Mosese Volavola (capt), Aminiasi Nava, Epeli Dranivasa, Etonia Naba, Sireli Naqelevuki, Lepani Nabuliwaqa, Mesake Davu, Napolioni Nalaga, Neumi Nanuku, Senirusi Rauqe, Setefano Cakau, Timoci Volavola, Vima Tuidraki, Waisale Serevi, William Ryder
FRU's 20 contracted players for 2006-07
Alusio Buto, Aminiasi Nava, Asivorosi Tarakinikini, Atonia Naba, Daniele Tabuakuru, David Batiratu, Epeli Dranivasa, Lepani Nabuliwaqa, Mesake Davu, Mosese Volavola, Napolioni Nalaga, Nasoni Roko, Neumi Nanuku, Sakenasa Aca, Setefano Cakau, Raymond Rodan, Timoci Volavola, Tomasi Mawi, Vima Tuidraki, William Ryder
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