5 new players named in Vodafone Fijiana 15s squad for WXV 3 tournament

5 new players have been named in the Vodafone Fijiana 15s squad who will be taking part in the inaugural WXV 3 tournament next week.

The 5 players on debut are Penina Turova, Mary Kanace and Iva Sauira who are all from overseas clubs while Loraini Senivutu and Una Lalabalavu are from local clubs.

New Zealand Military Police woman, Lance corporal Mary Kanace says it was a dream come true for her to represent her country.

Kanace says her aim while joining the Fijiana team is to give her best and execute every play that is required by the team.

Head coach Inoke Male says these 5 players have brought a breath of fresh air to the team, which is much needed as they prepare for the tournament.

Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua captain, Bitila Tawake and Vani Arei are also returning from their break.

FRU Board of Trustees Jenny Seeto says she hopes the Fijiana team have put their losses against Japan behind them and are focused on the task ahead.

Seeto says what is expected from the Fijiana squad is to do their best and get across to the WXV 2 next year.

Meanwhile, the WXV 3 tournament is a competition that will adopt a cross-pool format, with the fate of the bottom-rank team determined by a playoff against the next-best side from the World Rugby rankings.

Vodafone Fijiana 15s squad:

Bitila Tawake

Salanieta Nabuli

Loraini Senivutu

Tiana Robanakadavu

Penina Turova

Merevesi Ofakimalino

Unaisi Lalabalavu

Ana Korovata

Doreen Narokete

Nunia Daunimoala

Sulita Waisega

Karalaini Naisewa

Sereima Leweniqila

Mereoni Nakesa

Teresia Tinanivalu

Evivu Senikarivi

Salanieta Kinita

Vani Arei

Wainikiti Vosadrau

Adita Milinia

Adi Fulori Rotagavira

Merewai Cumu

Rusila Nagasau

Setaita Railumu

Jennifer Goodsir Ravutia

Merewairita Neivosa

Atelaite Buna

Luisa Tisolo

Mary Kanace

Iva Sauira.

The Fijiana 15s is pooled with Colombia, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Spain and Kenya.

The Fijiana will take on Colombia on the 13th, Spain on the 20th and Kazakhstan on the 27th of this month and will be held at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai.