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Friday 5 January 2007
FRU names Digicel Fiji 7s training squad
By William Tabuya
The Fiji Rugby Union has begun preparations for the second stanza of the 2006-07 IRB World 7s Series by naming a 26-strong training squad that will begin a three-day camp at the Peninsula Hotel on Sunday.
Digicel Fiji 7s coach Waisale Serevi will pick the best 12 players to defend the Wellington 7s on 2-3 February before battling in the new San Diego tournament a week later.
Asivorosi Tarakinikini, David Batiratu, Orisi Sareki and Raymond Rodan, all gunning for a return, will be looking to impress selectors during the camp.
Yasawa strike weapon Watekini Vunisa also will try for a return to national colours. Vunisa has been outstanding during the BP 7s Series, forming an arduous combination with cousin Jo Vunisa to keep their side at the top of the BP 7s standings.
Players not in the training squad are Manly-based Senirusi Rauqe and Japan-based Semisi Naevo.
Team manager Opetaia Ravai confirmed that Naevo will join the camp later: "This camp is targeted mainly at the local boys."
"Rauqe is at home in Tavua and is unlikely to make a return, while we are expecting Naevo to join us soon."
Soldier Timoci Volavola is not in the squad following travel sanctions imposed by the New Zealand Government while Kadavu lad Sireli Naqelevuki is expected to join South African Super 14 side, the Stormers.
With six more tournaments on the IRB 7s calender, the Fiji team will be out to get back in the race for a successful defence of the title.
The following players and officials are to report to the Peninsula Hotel on Sunday 7 January at 6pm for a three-day camp:
Officials:
Epeli Lagiloa, Josateki Savou, Opetaia Ravai, Venasio Ramabuke, Simione Kuruvoli
Players:
Aloisio Buto (Naitasiri), Amenasi Nava (Nadi), Asivorosi Tarakinikini (Suva), Daniele Tabuakuru (Suva), David Batiratu (Northland), Epeli Dranivasa (Namosi), Epeli Vuniwaqa, Etonia Naba (Nadroga), Lepani Nabuliwaqa (Suva), Mesake Davu (Nadi), Mosese Volavola (Nadroga), Napolioni Nalaga (Nadroga), Nasoni Roko (Naitasiri), Neumi Nanuku (Nadroga), Raymond Rodan (Nadi), Sakenasa Raitubei, Setefano Cakau (Namosi), Tomasi Mawi (Namosi), Vima Tuidraki (Nadi), Waisale Serevi (Nadroga), William Ryder (Bua), Apisai Salabogi (Nadroga), Akariva Satavu (Nadroga), Simeli Koniferedi (Nadroga), Watekini Vunisa (Yasawa), Orisi Sareki (Macuata).
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