The presence of Fijian players continue to be felt by the New Zealand 7s rugby team after four of them made the cut into the 30 member squad that is preparing for the next leg of the IRB 7s.

After the provincial 7s last weekend where former Fiji 7s coach, Gordon Tietjens guided his side to win for the 11th year in a row, Tietjens has named Lote Raikabula, Tomasi Cama Jnr and new comer Nathan Hughes with Waisake Naholo as the Fiji boys in his squad.

Hughes plays for the champion Auckland team while Naholo is in the Taranaki team.

Tietjens said the trial camp, which starts next Tuesday, was an important part of identifying and developing future talent.

But while players were competing for 2012 contracts, they should also take a look at the bigger picture and know that with hard work over the next few years they could make the Olympics.

Seasonal players like Toby Arnold, Scott Curry, Frank Halai, Solomon King and DJ Forbes are in the team.


Story by: Dreu Vukailagi