Katonibau and Jasa return, Viriviri dropped

Defending champion Fiji has recalled forwards Jasa Veremalua and Isake Katonibau for the Hong Kong 7s while former World Sevens Player of the Year Samisoni Viriviri has failed to make the cut.

Veremalua returns to the team after missing out the last leg of the World Sevens Series due to family commitments while Katonibau makes his comeback after being dropped from the 2016 Rio Olympics training squad.

Coach Gareth Baber while announcing the team today said he knows and understands what Hong Kong 7s means to Fiji and the Fijian people and he has selected a team that he believes will be able to compete with other top teams in the Series.

“We are happy to have two experienced players back in Jasa and Isake and I am confident that their presence will boost and give confidence to our younger players like Mesulame, Seta and Kalione,” said Baber.

Nemani Nagusa, Alivereti Veitokani and Masivesi Dakuwaqa  have also missed the final selection.

The Vodafone Fiji team leaves for Hong Kong on Thursday.

Vodafone Fiji 7s team- Mesulame Kunavula, Kalione Nasoko, Setareki Bituniyata, Jasa Veremalua, Apisai Domolailai, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Jerry Tuwai, Waisea Nacuqu, Amenoni Nasilasila, Vatemo Ravouvou, Osea Kolinisau, Joeli Lutumailagi, Nacanieli Labalaba, Isake Katonibau.

By Reginald Chandar