With a few more weeks to the start of the 2015/2016 World Sevens Series in Dubai, Vodafone Fiji 7s coach Ben Ryan has moved up the intensity of training to another notch for his 26 players who have joined camp on Tuesday.
Ryan has earlier stated that he has had discussion with some overseas based players including Leone Nakarawa, Lepani Botia, Nemani Nadolo and Nikola Matawalu about their chances of making it to the Olympics in Rio.
He adds that no spot is guaranteed for any player and everyone will have to work hard to be selected.
Ryan says he is working on the leadership skills of all the players.
He adds that he has seen improvements from where they left off last season.
Also joining the training squad is former Fiji 7s captain and Nadroga skipper Nemani Nagusa.
Nagusa is likely to fill in the vacuum left by France‑based Semi Kunatani as Ryan continues his search for aggressive forwards.
Another player that can fill the void is Nadi openside flanker Meli Rokoua who was also named in the training squad.
Also making a return to the national 7s team is former rep Donasio Ratubuli, Mitieli Nacagilevu, Jone Vota, and Jone Qoro.
Nadroga flyhalf Alivereti Veitokani has also forced his way into the training squad and will provide tough competition for Kitione Taliga and captain Osea Kolinisau for the fly half position.
Wardens’ flyer Abele Yalayalatabua and Nadroga speed merchant Savenaca Rawaca will battle for the winger's berth.
Other notable names included are Pio Tuwai, Isake Katonibau, Jasa Veremalua, Apisai Domolailai and Viliame Mata.
The Dubai 7s will be held on the 4th to the 6th of next month.
The 26 players named in the training squad are:
Abele Yalayalatabua (Wardens) Alivereti Veitokani (Nadroga) Amenoni Nasilasila (Yamacia) Apisai Domolailai (Hideaway Hurricanes) Donasio Ratubuli (Yamacia) Emori Waqa (Tabadamu) Emosi Mulevoro (Army) Isake Katonibau (Army) Jasa Veremalua (Hideaway Hurricanes) Jone Qorovarua (Yamacia) Jone Vota (Tabadamu) Kitione Taliga (Wardens) Luke Tirimaidoka (Nadroga) Meli Rokoua (Nadi) Mitieli Nacagilevu (Nadroga) Nemani Nagusa (Nadroga) Osea Kolinisau (Covenant Brothers) Pio Tuwai (Westfield Dragons) Sakiusa Gavidi (Nadroga) Savenaca Rawaca (Nadroga) Seremaia Tuwai (Marist) Sevuloni Mocenacagi (Yamacia) Vatemo Ravouvou (Westfield Dragons) Viliame Mata (Gaunavou) Waisea Nacuqu (Westfield Dragons) Waqa Robanakadavu (Yamacia)
