Sauturaga is a major loss to the team - Gollings

Fiji Airways National Men’s 7s coach Ben Gollings says Filipe Sauturaga is a major loss to the team, but he is thankful there are other players available to fill his spot this week in the Sydney 7s.

Sauturaga did not feature for Fiji in their quarter-final loss to Argentina in the Hamilton 7s due to injury.

Gollings says they are fortunate to have players such as Alasio Naduva, who can provide cover in this position.

Tevita Daugunu who has been recovering from injury, has been recalled to the team to replace Sauturaga.

Fiji will begin the defence of their Sydney 7s title against Tonga at 4.50pm tomorrow. They will face Japan at 11.28am Saturday and play their final pool match against France at 5.33pm Saturday.

The Cup quarter finals start at 8.37pm Saturday, the Cup semi finals start at 5.06pm Sunday while the Cup final is at 9.26pm Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Fijiana 7s will play Great Britain at 1pm in their first pool match tomorrow, they will then take on USA at 7pm tomorrow, and will play Canada at 1.06pm Saturday.

The Cup quarter finals will begin at 6.54pm Saturday, the Cup semi finals will begin at 4.44pm Sunday and the Cup final will be played at 8.56pm Sunday.