Fuli names debutant in Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s squad for Vancouver and LA legs

Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s Head Coach Saiasi Fuli has announced an electrifying lineup with one debutant for the upcoming Vancouver and Los Angeles 7s tournaments.

National sprinter Heleina Young is the new inclusion and will be adding depth and speed to the experienced squad.

Coach Fuli said, “Heleina has shown remarkable progress throughout her rehabilitation, and now it’s her time to shine and display her talent on the field.”

“Young is a promising player and has been working hard in the past few months.”

Adding to the excitement, Olympic Games bronze medalist Laisani Likuceva makes her return to the squad after a well-deserved recovery period, and is expected to make a significant impact.

Fuli has also retained a core group of players led by Captain Ana Naimasi.

The team boasts a formidable lineup with players like Vani Buleki, Aloesi Nakoci, Raijeli Daveua, and Verenaisi Bari providing strength in the forwards, while Reapi Ulunisau, Lavena Cavuru, and Ilisapeci Delaiwau bring speed and agility to the backs.

The upcoming tournaments serves as a crucial preparation for the Olympics and an opportunity to improve their standings in the World SVNS Series.

“We are currently positioned 7th after a quarterfinal exit in Perth, the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team is eager to climb the rankings and bolster their points tally in the upcoming competitions,” said Fuli.

The team faces a challenging pool in the Vancouver 7s, pitted against table leaders Australia, along with Japan and the USA.

The Vancouver 7s is scheduled to kick off from the 23rd to the 25th of February.

Team List- Vancouver/LA 7s
1. Vani Buleki
2. Talei Wilson 
3. Aloesi Nakoci
4. Raijeli Daveua 
5. Verenaisi Bari 
6. Ana Maria Naimasi 
7. Reapi Ulunisau
8. Lavena Cavuru 
9. Heleina Young 
10. Meredani Qoro 
11. Maria Rokotuisiga
12. Ilisapeci Delaiwau
13. Laisani Likuceva