Seasoned 7s rugby journeyman Pio Tuwai, Suva fullback Enele Malele and Nadroga speedster Panapasa Qeruqeru will feature for Pacific Nomads at the McDonald’s Coral Coast 7s next week.
Tuwai confirmed to FijiLive that he stepped down from coaching to play at the three-day tournament alongside Eroni Vucago and Varasiko Tubananuku.
“Coral Coast is like a big tournament and I thought of playing rather than coaching.”
“I wanted to field a team but due to low player turn out; we decided to just play in a team.”
“It’s a good chance for extended Fiji 7s squad members and also the 15s players to come and play at the tournament. It’s the opening tournament for the year and we will have a tough contest.”
“I have been playing in the local tournaments and sometimes I just take time out for coaching but I’ve thought of playing in this tournament.”
“We also received some interest from players like Malele and Panapasa to join the team. These boys had been playing rugby throughout last year and they’ve put the boots on again so it’s a positive start for them,” he said.
Pacific Nomads is drawn in Pool MB with Ratu Filise, Wadigi Salvo and Tuva Rugby.
The Coral Coast 7s will be played from next Thursday to Saturday at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
