Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Ben Gollings' message to fans as his first Fiji Sevens side named

Fiji's Jerry Tuwai offloads against the USA Photo credit: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby

Former England star Ben Gollings has told Fiji rugby fans his appointment as national sevens head coach should not be seen as bringing immediate success warning it is “not a sprint, it’s more of a marathon and a journey”.

ADVERTISEMENT

Golling’s first challenge brings him back to Europe with Fiji taking part in the Malaga and Seville 7s tournaments to be held on January 21-23 and January 28-30. This follows a disappointing showing in Dubai which took place before Gollings was appointed to succeed Olympic gold medal winning coach Gareth Baber who is now part of the Edinburgh coaching team.

Gollings has started the process of getting to know his squad which has been boosted by the return of Jerry Tuwai following his wedding. Gollings said: “It’s taking stages at the moment. The main focus is the two tournaments in Spain — Malaga and Seville. It just getting to know the players and starting to understand them.

Video Spacer

Champions Cup Chaos, Eben Etzebeth drama & we speak to Zach Mercer | Le French Rugby Podcast | EP 12

Video Spacer

Champions Cup Chaos, Eben Etzebeth drama & we speak to Zach Mercer | Le French Rugby Podcast | EP 12

We catch up with England international Zach Mercer to find out all about the Covid cases in the Montpellier camp, their European ambition, how he’s thriving on and off the field in France, being back on Eddie Jones’ radar after a chat at a recent Top 14 game and much more. Plus, we discuss the lay of the land in the Top 14 and how the regulations in France are affecting rugby and the Champions Cup. And, we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week…
Use the code FRENCHPOD10 at checkout for 10% off any full price item at Meater.com

“We will build it from here. I am honoured to be here and to be appointed in this role. I’ve always had a quite close connection with Fiji — both playing and through friends I have. I am excited and really happy to be here.”

Two new players are expected to make their debut for the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s side after being named in the travelling squad to Spain. Army half-back Filipo Bukayaro and forward Jiosavani Soro are the new men and Interim sevens coach Saiasi Fuli, who took the squad to Dubai, said: “They are two talented and hardworking players and they have been playing consistently for their clubs.

“Bukayaro in the long term is a good replacement for Jerry Tuwai hence that is the reason we have roped him plus he has proven himself to be in the traveling squad to Spain.

“As for Soro, he is one of the hardworking forwards in Fiji. He has played for Tabadamu 7s, Tailevu plus Naitasiri 15s side. He is very good in aerial balls, technical work in the contact and breakdown area.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Fuli said that Tuwai’s return had brought immediate dividends and added: “We released him for his wedding. He has been training hard and leading by example. His inclusion will provide valuable experience and depth in the squad.

“We did a lot of reviews and then outlined the priorities of our work on. These players are well-conditioned and are ready to go back, play and provide positive results.”

Josua Vakurinabili remains the captain and will be assisted by Tuwai and Waisea Nacuqu.

Fiji Airways Fijian 7s squad :
Josua Vakurinabili
Joseva Talacolo
Jeremaia Matana
Elia Canakaivata
Jiosavani Soro
Tevita Daugunu
Jerry Tuwai
Filipo Bukayaro
Waisea Nacuqu
Kaminieli Rasaku
Filipe Sauturaga
Iowane Teba
Manueli Maisamoa

ADVERTISEMENT

O2 Inside Line: This Rose | Episode 1

New Zealand v Ireland | Rugby World Cup 1995 | The Vaults

Behind the scenes with the NEW ZEALAND women's sevens team in Perth | HSBC SVNS Embedded | Episode 5

Argentina v Australia | HSBC SVNS Perth 2025 | Men's Final Match Highlights

New Zealand v Australia | HSBC SVNS Perth 2025 | Women's Final Match Highlights

The Dupont Ploy: How France went from underdogs to Olympic gods | The Report

Former rugby player is truly an NFL superstar | Walk the Talk | Jordan Mailata

Boks Office | Episode 33 | Dupont's Toulouse Too Good

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

R
RedWarrior 6 minutes ago
Many England fans echoing the same gripe following Six Nations loss

The English defense was excellent in the first half. This is considering Ireland's attack has improved significantly since the Autumn with former Leinster attack coach Goodman. Ireland were beaten by NZ in the Autumn, are behind SA and arguably behind France so de facto 4th in order (rankings take time to catch up) As Eddie Jones said Ireland are still in that elite group so England's domination in the first half is noteworthy.

I believe they have spent the time since the Autumn largely on defence. On broken play they were relying on Smiths instint along with some jiggery pokery. For Smiths early line break a Twindaloo blocked Baird which left the gap for smith. It looked like he did Aki, but Baird was a little late arriving and clever play by Tom Curry allowed the gap for Smith. Earls line break was Smith spotting Baird coming out and beating him with a beautiful pass to Earl.

We saw the rehearsed plays for a couple of Ireland's tries. The Aki try was just identifying that England tended to hide Smith on the wing creating a vulnerability which Ireland exploited with one of Akis great finishes.

Although Ireland were relaxing at the end the two English tries were good enough quality and we may see more of it next week (Scotland will also have taken note).

Although on the easier side of the draw Borthwick almost took England to a RWC final.

But in common with the top4 you need to have firepower to get those tries in big games. Can Borthwick manage that? I don't think so.

Next week even if England have a great first half again, you would be looking at France converting 3 of those Irish chances and pushing on after the break.

Can Borthwick develop a plan to beat France in the next few years. If the answer is no England need to find someone who can.

9 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING Tom Lynagh: 'I've never felt English... my dad's happy with that' Tom Lynagh: 'I've never felt English... my dad's happy with that'
Search