Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s head coach Richard Walker is excited to introduce two promising new players, Adi Salote Nailolo and Alfreda Fisher, for the upcoming HSBC Singapore 7s tournament. Both athletes secured their positions on the team after impressively excelling in local 7s competitions.
Transitioning from a 15s rugby background, Nailolo and Fisher have quickly adapted to the 7s format, showcasing their skill and determination. Walker highlighted their performances at the Coral Coast 7s, noting that Nailolo excelled in ball carrying and maintaining her presence in the game, while Fisher demonstrated her prowess around the ruck, excelling in both defensive tackles and offensive plays.
Fisher, who holds the record as the youngest captain of the Fijiana XV team, brings significant leadership experience to the squad. As she adapts to this new rugby era, both players have been welcomed enthusiastically by their teammates. Captain Verenaisi Ditavitu encouraged them to embrace this opportunity while upholding the team’s spirit. “Like I always say to all the girls in my team, be the best versions of yourself and be good role models for your teammates,” she remarked.
Fijiana will kick off their tournament against Australia at 3:26 PM on Saturday, followed by a matchup against the USA at 6:30 PM, and will conclude the pool games against Japan at 9:56 PM. The inclusion of Nailolo and Fisher is expected to bolster the team’s performance as they look to make a strong impact in this prestigious event. Their journey reflects the evolving nature of women’s rugby in Fiji, promising a bright future for the sport.