The Manawatu 7's team will have the services of former New Zealand 7's rep Nigel Hunt for the Digicel Suva International 7's next Thursday.

Hunt is not a stranger to local rugby fans as he has partnered the likes of Lote Raikabula and Tomasi Cama Jnr in the past IRB 7's series when they played against Fiji.

It is not the first time he is travelling to Fiji but it will be his first time to play on Fijian soil.

Manawatu is the top favorites from Pool C which also has Papua New Guinea, Suva and Wardens.

They will arrive in the country on Tuesday with most of the players in the side having played in the New Zealand Provincial 7's.

The Digicel Suva International 7's gets underway on Thursday at 4.40pm with PNG under the leadership of Waisale Serevi playing Wardens which is coached by Josateki Savou.