The Fijiana 7s development squad is preparing for the upcoming Oceania 7s tournament in the Solomon Islands, with a focus on fostering unity among players aged 18 to 25. The team includes a mix of athletes, including three players dropped from the Dubai squad and others who were identified during the Fiji Bitter Sevens series. This combination of seasoned players and new talent is expected to strengthen the squad.
Head coach Taione Ratu is prioritizing the enhancement of game-time experience and rugby knowledge within the group. He stated that the primary goal is to blend these elements to create a cohesive unit capable of competing effectively in the tournament. The preparation is also designed to provide the team with the tools to excel in a competitive environment.
The coach highlighted the team’s determination to make a significant impact at the Oceania 7s, which serves as a vital platform for young and emerging players to demonstrate their abilities.
In the tournament schedule, the Fiji Women’s Development team will play Vanuatu on Saturday morning and face the Solomon Islands later that evening. Meanwhile, the men’s development team is set to compete against Nauru in the afternoon and Tuvalu later at night.