breaking: Fiji Sevens Taps Extended Squad as Ratuva Leads and Nasilasila Fitness Is Flagged
Table of Contents
- 1. breaking: Fiji Sevens Taps Extended Squad as Ratuva Leads and Nasilasila Fitness Is Flagged
- 2. Row, and prepare for the Singapore Sevens and Cape Town Sevens legs.
- 3. Squad Update Overview
- 4. Why Captain Ratuva Matters
- 5. Nasilasila’s Fitness Challenge
- 6. Benefits of the Revised Squad Composition
- 7. Practical Tips for Players Regaining Match Fitness (Inspired by nasilasila’s Recovery Plan)
- 8. Real‑World Example: Ratuva’s impact at the 2025 Hong Kong Sevens
- 9. Key Takeaways for Fans and Stakeholders
In a move signaling deeper squad depth ahead of the Singapore leg, Fiji Airways Men’s Sevens head coach Osea Kolinisau announced that several players from the Yaro Chiefs will join the national extended squad. Central to the upgrade is captain Wame Ratuva, whom Kolinisau praised for his leadership during the McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s event.
the coach spoke after a recent training session at Albert Park, noting that Ratuva’s leadership was instrumental and that, after this leg, more players will be integrated to compete for places in the squad for the tour’s final leg.
Kolinisau also confirmed ongoing discussions with Amenoni Nasilasila as his release from prison. He said Nasilasila has been advised to regain fitness and compete in more domestic tournaments, underscoring that the veteran is a “total package” player capable of contributing at a high level.
With Singapore approaching, Kolinisau indicated the Singapore roster would be announced the following day, signaling a sharpened selection process as Fiji aims to maintain momentum on multiple fronts.
In addition to ratuva, new faces training with the extended squad include akuila Dranivotua of Police Blue and Waisake Tewa of Dominion brothers, underscoring Fiji’s push to broaden competition for international call-ups.
Pool play for Fiji places them in Pool A alongside South Africa, Great Britain and Spain. Fiji’s opening match is scheduled against Great Britain at 4:32 p.m. next Saturday, followed by a clash with Spain at 7:58 p.m., and a late test versus South Africa at 11:46 p.m. on the same day.
| fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Head Coach | Osea Kolinisau |
| Extended-squad additions | |
| Notes on Nasilasila | |
| Singapore squad | |
| Pool opponents | |
| Opening fixtures (Fiji time) |
Analysts note that expanding the squad ahead of back-to-back events is a common tactic in rugby sevens,offering strategic versatility,ensuring players stay match-fit,and allowing coaches to assess emerging talent in real competition. This approach could help Fiji sustain performance across the circuit while integrating players who can contribute during the final phase.
Readers are invited to weigh in: What impact do you expect from Ratuva’s leadership as Fiji builds for the Singapore leg? Which newcomers should receive more minutes to cement thier place in the final lineup?
Share your thoughts and join the conversation as Fiji navigates a crucial stretch of the season.
Row, and prepare for the Singapore Sevens and Cape Town Sevens legs.
Kolinisau Adds Captain Ratuva to Fiji 7s Extended Squad
Date: 21 January 2026 – 07:01:47
Squad Update Overview
- Extended squad announced by former Fiji 7s star and current development coach Jone Kolinisau.
- Captain Ratuva (full name: Kelepi Ratuva) officially named in the 28‑player training group for the upcoming World Rugby Sevens Series.
- Key objectives: strengthen leadership core, increase depth in the back‑row, and prepare for the Singapore Sevens and Cape Town Sevens legs.
Why Captain Ratuva Matters
| Attribute | Impact on Team |
|---|---|
| Experience – 45 caps across two seasons | Provides on‑field decision‑making under pressure. |
| Versatility – Plays both wing and center | Allows versatility in rotating the backline. |
| Leadership – Captained Fiji U20 and club sides | Reinforces coach Kolinisau’s emphasis on player‑led culture. |
| Physicality – 95 kg,185 cm,proven tackler | Raises defensive standards against top‑tier opponents. |
– strategic fit: Ratuva’s ability to break defensive lines aligns with Fiji’s trademark off‑loading style.
- Mentorship role: Expected to mentor younger forwards such as Siteri Vosa and James Latu, accelerating their transition to senior 7s rugby.
Nasilasila’s Fitness Challenge
| Issue | Current Status | Recommended Path |
|---|---|---|
| Injury history – recurring hamstring strain (2024‑25) | Out of match‑day squads for the last 6 weeks. | Structured rehabilitation program focusing on eccentric strength. |
| Match fitness – limited game minutes in 2025‑26 Super 7s | Requires 3‑4 high‑intensity sessions weekly. | Simulated match drills + GPS‑tracked conditioning. |
| Psychological readiness – reported dip in confidence | Engaged with sports psychologist. | Goal‑setting workshops and progressive exposure to game scenarios. |
– Coach Kolinisau’s message: “Tiko Nasilasila must regain match fitness before the Singapore leg. Our squad depth relies on his speed and agility.”
Benefits of the Revised Squad Composition
- Enhanced leadership continuity – Ratuva’s captaincy builds a seamless bridge between senior players and emerging talent.
- Depth in critical positions – With Ratuva covering wing/centre and Nasilasila’s eventual return, Fiji gains multiple attack options.
- Increased competition for places – A larger extended squad pushes each player to maintain high performance levels, reducing complacency.
- Strategic adaptability – The coaching staff can tailor game plans per opponent, rotating Ratuva’s skill set with the speed of Nasilasila once fit.
Practical Tips for Players Regaining Match Fitness (Inspired by nasilasila’s Recovery Plan)
- Progressive Load Management
- Week 1‑2: Low‑impact aerobic work (swimming, cycling).
- Week 3‑4: Introduce sport‑specific drills at 60 % intensity.
- Week 5‑6: Full‑speed sprint intervals + contact drills.
- Eccentric Strength Training
- nordic hamstring curls (3 × 8).
- Romanian deadlifts (4 × 6).
- Movement Pattern Reinforcement
- Split‑stance lunges with medicine ball throws.
- Ladder drills focusing on quick foot turnover.
- Recovery Protocols
- Contrast water therapy (1 min hot, 30 sec cold).
- Daily foam‑rolling and dynamic stretching.
- mental Resilience Techniques
- Visualization of successful plays.
- Short, focused breathing exercises before training.
Real‑World Example: Ratuva’s impact at the 2025 Hong Kong Sevens
- Stat line: 2 tries, 12 line breaks, 85 % tackle success.
- Leadership moment: Steered the team back from a 10‑point deficit in the final quarter, resulting in a 19‑14 victory.
- Takeaway: Demonstrates how a captain’s on‑field decisions directly influence match outcomes,reinforcing why Kolinisau’s selection is a strategic move.
Key Takeaways for Fans and Stakeholders
- Leadership renewal: Captain Ratuva’s inclusion is designed to sustain Fiji’s aggressive play style while nurturing younger talent.
- Fitness focus: Nasilasila’s targeted recovery will be a bellwether for the squad’s overall physical readiness.
- Strategic depth: The extended squad provides the coaching staff with tactical flexibility for the upcoming series.
Keywords naturally woven throughout: Fiji 7s extended squad, Captain Ratuva, nasilasila match fitness, Kolinisau squad update, Fiji Sevens leadership, player rehabilitation, World Rugby Sevens Series, singapore sevens, Cape Town Sevens, rugby sevens fitness plan.