Fiji 7s team to Dubai 7s named

Vodafone Fiji 7s coach Nacani Cawanibuka has named the 12 players to play at the Dubai 7s this weekend.

The team includes the two debutants Setareki Bituniyata and Kalione Nasoko, Nemani Nagusa, Jasa Veremalua, Sevuloni Moceinacagi, Masivesi Dakuwaqa, Jerry Tuwai, Waisea Nacuqu, Kitione Taliga, Osea Kolinisau, Joeli Lutumailagi and Samisoni Viriviri.

Speaking to Fijivillage from Dubai this morning, Cawanibuka says halfback Emosi Mulevoro will be on standby as the 13th player.

Meanwhile the 16 men's and 12 women's captains gathered in Dubai yesterday to officially launch the competition, which begins for the women's teams today.

Off the back of a hugely successful Olympic Games in Rio, which saw rugby gain more than 16 million new fans, the teams are preparing for a new Olympic cycle that will set them on course for Tokyo 2020.

Vodafone Fiji 7s captain Osea Kolinisau says their achievement has made a massive difference in their lives and has inspired children.

Meanwhile the Fiji 7s team was also awarded the Team of the Year Award by the famous Esquire ME where sevens maestro Waisale Serevi presented the trophy to the team.

Cawanibuka says they are honored and humbled to receive this top award.

Fiji will play their first game against Canada at 7.52pm tomorrow and face Wales at 11.47pm.

They will play their final pool match against Argentina at 4.48am Saturday.

The Cup quarters start at 8pm Saturday, the Cup semis start at 1.41am Sunday while the Final kicks off at 4.33am Sunday.