Two new players now have the opportunity to represent Fiji at the HSBC World Sevens Series in Dubai and Cape Town.
Ben Ryan has also clarified he prefers selecting local players for the HSBC 7’s World Series, as he prepares our team to Rio next year.
Emori Waqa-vulagi may be new to the team but he’s keen to make a name for himself and follow his elder brother Sitiveni Waqa footsteps.
Playing in the local Tabadamu side along with a short stint in Sri Lanka, Ryan believes Waqa is a standout winger.
“He’s come back and he’s played very well fit and healthy, he’s next goal now is to get as much game time, as he possibly can understand our systems but he’s quick, he’s got a lot of guts, so very happy with him,” said Ben Ryan – Vodafone Fiji 7s Coach.
Sevu who plays for Yamacia has been in and out of the training for the last twelve months.
“The pen is beginning to drop for Sevu and the capabilities he has physically as a rugby player and I’m delighted that his hard work is working out for him now the success isn’t getting into the team it’s fighting hard now for the team and making sure the team is successful,” said Ben Ryan – Vodafone Fiji 7s Coach.
While notable rivals South Africa and New Zealand will include stars from the 15’s code, Ryan is confident with our local players.
“It’s fair that a nation that prides themselves on the quality of rugby players that we produce on the islands that local players are given the first opportunity to ear the Fijian shirt. I had total faith in the local boys last season and they have delivered and I got no doubt that we’ll be basing our Olympic preparations, our success and our performance on the boys from the island.”
Also with monetary assistance from Government and sponsors, Ryan is able to increase his squad to 14.
‘We’re gonna take 14 players to our tournaments which allows me to keep competition high, buffer ourselves from injury and illness while we’re away and give us many opportunities to the boys that are fighting hard for their places.’
Fiji is in the same pool as Argentina, Canada and Japan in Dubai.