26 Sep 2016

Sport: Fiji name extended 7s squad for World Series defence

1:02 pm on 26 September 2016

Six members of Fiji's Olympic champion sevens squad have been included in an extended squad to prepare for the defence of their World Series title.

Captain Osea Kolinisau headlines the 30-man squad, alongside fellow Rio gold medallists Apisai Domolailai, Jasa Veremalua, Jerry Tuwai, Kitione Taliga and Masivesi Dakuwaqa.

Fiji's Osea Kolinisau scores a try in the men’s rugby sevens gold medal match.

Fiji's Osea Kolinisau scores a try in the men’s rugby sevens gold medal match. Photo: AFP

There's plenty of familiar faces, with Alivereti Veitokani, Amenoni Nasilasila, Josua Vici, Nemani Nagusa, Pio Tuwai, and Sevuloni Mocenacagi all involved in Fiji's wider training squad in the countdown to Rio.

Viliame Mata signed with Edinburgh following the Olympics, while Vatemo Ravouvou has linked up with the Western Sydney Rams in Australia's domestic competition.

Amenoni Nasilasila in action for Fiji on the World Sevens Series.

Amenoni Nasilasila in action for Fiji on the World Sevens Series. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Semi Kunatani, Samisoni Viriviri, Leone Nakarawa and Josua Tuisova are all playing in France while Savenaca Rawaca remains unattached after pulling out of a deal to play for English club Saracens.

The extended Fiji squad, which includes a host of new faces, will report for fitness testing this week but won't know who their new coach is for a while yet, with applications to replace Ben Ryan closing at the end of the month.

As well as their Olympic success, Fiji are two time defending World Series champions.

Extended squad: Timoci Sinate, Alivereti Veitokani, Amenoni Nasilasila, Apisai Domolailai, Sevuloni Tawake, Donasio Ratubuli, Emosi Daunavesi, Emosi Mulevoro, Jasa Veremalua, Jerry Tuwai, Levani Kurimudu (Army), Jone Vota, Josua Vici, Kelemedi Waqa, Meli Rusa, Kitione Taliga, Josefa Levula, Seru Cavuilati, Manasa Cavuilati, Masivesi Dakuwaqa, Meli Rokoua, Daveta Koroitakali, Nacanieli Labalaba, Nemani Nagusa, Nemia Cavuilati, Osea Kolinisau, Pio Tuwai, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Waisea Nacuqu, Rusiate Tadulala.