Coach agrees to selection move (1)

Fiji Times - Thursday, February 14, 2008 8:15 AM

FIJI sevens coach Josateki Savou has welcomed the move to extend the selection process of players vying fopr a place in the team for the Hong Kong 7s to the Marist tournament in Suva.

Initially the Savou had named a 36-member training squad to prepare for the Hong Kong 7s after the BP National Championship in Lautoka last month.

Savou said the door to the Digicel Fiji 7s team is still open.

He admitted that experience is needed for the next leg of the International Rugby Board Sevens World Series.

"If players stands out at the Marist 7s then they will be picked. I believe the Fiji Rugby Union has already contacted players like Lepani Nabuliwaqa and William on their availability. After meeting with the FRU board members I will be in a position to relay more news to the media," Savou said,

He is expected to present his report to the FRU board next week.

"It's up to the FRU when they call the meeting to meet with the board members," Savou said.

Savou said players have been given a two weeks break.

"After the two weeks break we will decide on the next move. The fans are unfortunately disappointed about the performance. However, they should be reminded to support the young players. It's for the future careers of these young players. I think they will be working harder towards achieving their goals."

Savou said the 14-member squad will march into camp straight after the Marist 7s.

He said they will have two weeks to prepare for the Hong Kong 7s.

These players were initially selected in the training squad for Hong Kong and Adelaide tournaments:

Ratunaisa Narukutabua (Nadroga), Gabriel Daunivucu (Suva), Mosese Vatunitu (Rewa) , Mesulame Soga (Tavua), Timoci Naqusa (Suva), Iliavi Satala (Suva), Napolioni Naulia (Suva), Isake Katonibau (Northland), Ovini Burekalou (Tavua), Pio Tuwai (Ba), Taniela Naicerli (Yasawa), William Ryder (Japan), Marika Vunibaka (Suva), Semisi Naevo (Japan), Nasoni Roko (Japan), Rafaele Suvianavanua (Cakaudrove East) Aleposo Bueta (Cakaudrove East), Lepani Tukavesi(Cakaudrove East), Alfred Smith (Lautoka), Timoci Matanavou (Ra), Epeli Vuicuvu v(Nadroga), Etonia Naba, Vili Maya (Suva), Epeli Vuniwaqa (Tavua), Isei Lewaqai (Nadi), Iliesa Ratuva (Nadroga), Emosi Vucago (Nadroga), Tomasi Mawi (Suva), Taniela Rawaqa (Nadi), Neumi Nanuku, Sete Cakau (Suva), Akuila Nawerecagi (Suva), Mala Bakaniceva (Tailevu), Rupeni Nasiga (Nadroga), Sakenasa Aca (Tailevu), Saimoni Nuku (Nadi).