6 January, 2026, 3:10 pm Central - 31°C Clouds

Cawanibuka excited to see Lutumailagi and Nacuqu’s return

Cawanibuka excited to see Lutumailagi and Nacuqu’s return

By Rusiate Baleilevuka and Naveel Krishant
22/11/2016
Fiji 7s team during their training session (Photo: Nacanieli Cawanibuka)

Vodafone Fiji 7s interim coach Nacanieli Cawanibuka is excited to see the comeback of robust wing Joeli Lutumailagi and nippy half back Waisea Nacuqu at the Dubai 7s.

Cawanibuka has named a star‑studded 14‑man squad to defend their HSBC Dubai Sevens title, including six gold medalists from Rio 2016.

Knowing that they will take to the turf in Dubai not only as back‑to‑back HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series champions, but also as the first ever men's rugby sevens Olympic champions, Cawanibuka is looking forward to the challenge.

Six players will bring their Olympic experience to Dubai, with captain Osea Kolinisau, Jasa Veremalua, Samisoni Viriviri, Jerry Tuwai, Kitione Taliga and Masivesi Dakuwaqa all getting the call‑up to help mount the challenge for their third consecutive series title.

Fiji will face Argentina, Wales and Canada in Pool A in Dubai.

The team will present their I-Tatau tomorrow before leaving the country on Thursday afternoon.

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

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

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

Click Here for more on Dubai 7s

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