Four European-based players have been included in an extended Fiji sevens squad for the upcoming World Cup in San Francisco.
Olympic gold medallists Josua Tuisova, Leone Nakarawa and Semi Kunitani are joined by Flying Fijians newcomer Semi Radradra, who was voted player of last month's London Sevens.
Josua Tuisova playing for Fiji at the recent London Sevens. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Head coach Gareth Baber said bringing in the European players allows them to add extra physical strength and power to the group, which finished runners up in the recently completed World Series campaign.
"I've seen Semi (Radradra), Semi (Kunatani) and Josua handle the six game, two day tournaments quite well, and we will see where Leone is at after a huge 35 games of fifteens," he said.
"Power can be difficult to handle and his (Nakarawa) presence around the park will be something different we can add to our game for this tournament."
Racing 92 star Leone Nakarawa has been included in Fiji's extended Rugby World Cup Sevens squad. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The team leaves Fiji tomorrow for a two-week preparation camp in Utah where they'll play a host of warm up matches before Baber finalises a 12-man squad for the World Cup, which kicks off in less than three weeks.
"We'll be using the camp to focus on speed of the game, seeing how the players move around the park in attack and defence and to find the ultimate blend of pace and power" he said.
"We've shown this year we have the ability to win games one after the other, which is vital in this no-pool knock out tournament".
Fiji open their Rugby World Cup Sevens campaign against the winner of a qualifying match between Japan and Uruguay.
Extended Squad: Josua Kurunabili, Semi Kunitani, Kali Nasoko, Jasa Veramulua, Paula Dranisinikula, Leone Nakarawa, Apenisa Cakabalavu, Jerry Tuwai, Waisea Nacugu, Aminoni Nasilasia, Vatemo Ravouvou, Eroni Sau, Alasio Naduva, Sevuloni Mocenecagi, Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra.
