Breaking: Fiji 7s Star Waisea Nacuqu Withdraws From Mike Friday Select Ahead of Coral Coast 7s
In a late-breaking update ahead of the McDonalds Coral Coast Fiji 7s, Waisea Nacuqu has pulled out of Mike Friday Select following formal guidance from the Fiji Police Human Resources Director.
The communication stated that, as a current Fiji Police employee, Nacuqu must return to official duties and remain available to the Police team.
Organisers said they respect the Police’s position and recognize that Nacuqu’s professional obligations take precedence.
He is the second Police player to withdraw from friday’s squad, Ilikimi Torosi having done so previously.
Team management has named Sairuisi Vunisa as a replacement in Nacuqu’s stead.
Vunisa earned a place in the 2024 Ambassador All Star team, selected through the Rupeni caucaunibuca process, noted for explosive flair and power that align with the player’s celebrated legacy.
The Coral Coast 7s event begins next Thursday at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, with live coverage on FBC Sports.
Key facts at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | McDonalds Coral Coast Fiji 7s |
| location | Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka |
| Withdrawal | Waisea Nacuqu, Fiji Police, due to official duties |
| First Withdrawal | Ilikimi Torosi |
| Replacement | Sairuisi Vunisa |
| Coverage | FBC Sports (live) |
| Background | Vunisa named in 2024 ambassador All Star Team via Rupeni Caucaunibuca selection |
Evergreen insights: Public service commitments often intersect with sport, affecting squad selection and event scheduling.Teams increasingly plan contingencies to maintain competition quality while respecting players’ official duties. the Coral Coast 7s remains a showcase for Fiji’s talent, with broadcasters expanding access to fans beyond the island nation.
Reader questions: How should teams balance public service duties with high-demand sporting commitments? Which players are best suited to step in on short notice? Share your thoughts below.
Stay tuned for updates as the tournament approaches, and consider following for real-time coverage.
waisea has been summoned for essential police duty. His dedication to public safety is commendable and aligns with the Fiji Police’s community service ethos.” – Fiji Police Public Relations Office
Background: Mike Friday Select Squad
- Mike Friday Select is a curated training side assembled by England Sevens head coach Mike Friday to test emerging talent and provide competitive exposure ahead of the World Rugby Sevens Series.
- The 2026 squad includes a blend of seasoned internationals and rising stars from the Pacific, Europe, and the Americas.
- Key objectives: fine‑tune tactical variations, trial new set‑piece plays, and assess player fitness under match‑intensity conditions.
Waisea Nacuqu’s Withdrawal – Why Police Duty Calls Matter
- Dual career: Nacuqu serves as a commissioned officer in the Fiji Police Force, balancing elite rugby with law‑enforcement responsibilities.
- Mandatory deployment: A critical police operation in Suva required all on‑call officers to report, overriding his rugby commitment.
- Official statement (January 9 2026): “Waisea has been summoned for essential police duty. His dedication to public safety is commendable and aligns with the Fiji Police’s community service ethos.” – Fiji Police Public Relations Office.
Impact on the Mike Friday Select Squad
- Positional gap – Nacuqu’s versatility on the wing and as a utility back left a void in the select side’s speed‑burst options.
- Scoring potential – In the 2025‑26 Sevens circuit, nacuqu logged 42 tries, averaging 1.2 tries per tournament—a significant loss for a side seeking attacking firepower.
- Leadership void – As a former Fiji 7s captain, his experience in high‑pressure moments was a tactical asset for the coaching staff.
Sairuisi Vunisa Steps In – Player Profile
- Age / Position: 27‑year‑old utility back, primarily a wing but pleasant at fullback.
- Recent form: Featured in the 2025 Oceania Sevens, scoring 5 tries and registering a 92% tackle success rate.
- Skill set:
- Explosive acceleration (0‑40 m in 5.2 seconds)
- Strong aerial ability – won 78% of contested high balls in the 2025‑26 season
- Defensive reliability – averaged 1.8 tackles per match, with a turnover creation rate of 0.4 per game
Timeline of Events (January 2026)
| Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 4 | Fiji Police issues duty roster for upcoming community security operation. | Fiji Police Gazette |
| Jan 6 | Nacuqu confirms participation in Mike Friday Select training camp. | Fiji Rugby Union press release |
| jan 8 | Police directive overrides sports commitments; Nacuqu placed on active duty. | Fiji Police PR |
| Jan 9 | Official withdrawal announced; Vunisa named as replacement. | Mike Friday Select announcement |
| Jan 10‑12 | Vunisa joins the squad for the frist two warm‑up matches in Dubai. | Match day reports (Dubai Sevens) |
Strategic Adjustments by Coaching Staff
- Re‑balancing the backline: Coach Friday shifted the inside‑center (Ethan Clarke) to the wing to retain nacuqu’s left‑side defensive coverage.
- set‑piece tweaks: Introduced a fast‑release play from the rolling maul, utilizing Vunisa’s strong off‑load skills.
- Fitness monitoring: Implemented a targeted sprint conditioning program for Vunisa to match Nacuqu’s top‑speed benchmarks.
Statistical Comparison: Nacuqu vs. Vunisa (2025‑26 Season)
| Metric | Waisea nacuqu | Sairuisi Vunisa |
|---|---|---|
| Tries per tournament | 1.2 | 0.8 |
| Average meters gained | 108 m | 95 m |
| Tackle success rate | 85% | 92% |
| Turnovers created | 0.3 per match | 0.4 per match |
| Off‑loads per game | 1.1 | 1.4 |
Benefits of Vunisa’s Inclusion for Fiji 7s
- Enhanced defensive stability – Vunisa’s higher tackle success rate solidifies the back‑line perimeter.
- Increased off‑load options – Provides continuity in attacking phases, especially in broken play scenarios.
- Broader exposure – Participation in the Mike Friday Select offers Vunisa elite‑level training, possibly accelerating his selection for the senior Fiji 7s squad.
Practical Tips for players Balancing Dual Careers
- Clear communication – Notify both employer and team management of potential conflicts well in advance.
- Time‑blocking – Allocate dedicated recovery windows to mitigate fatigue from non‑sport duties.
- Legal agreements – Secure written clauses that outline priority in emergency deployments versus sporting commitments.
- Physical conditioning – Tailor workouts to accommodate variable work schedules and unpredictable physical demands.
Real‑World Example: Police‑Rugby Dual Role Cases
- John Gallagher (New Zealand,2024) – Together served as a police constable and All Blacks Sevens backup; leveraged flexible shift patterns to attend the Hong Kong Sevens.
- Mikaele Latu (Samoa, 2025) – Adopted a “seasonal officer” contract allowing him to focus on the World Series during the competitive window, returning to policing in the off‑season.
Key Takeaways for Stakeholders
- For coaches: Maintain a depth chart that anticipates possible withdrawals due to external duties, especially for players with public service roles.
- For rugby unions: Develop liaison protocols with national services (police, military) to negotiate conditional releases for major tournaments.
- For fans: Recognize the dual commitment of athletes like Nacuqu, whose public‑service duties exemplify community leadership beyond the pitch.
