The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team is heading into this weekend’s Dubai 7s with high confidence, intense competition and no major injury concerns as the 2025/2026 HSBC World 7s Series kicks off.
These are the words of Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s coach Richard Walker as the team prepares for the tournament.
Speaking to the media this week, Walker confirmed that while the team is monitoring a couple of minor setbacks, the squad is effectively at full strength.
The Dubai tournament will see Atelaite Buna make her debut, while experienced players — including Bankstown Bulldogs winger Adi Vani Buleki and halfback Reapi Uluinasau — return.
Walker says their presence has lifted standards across the group.
He also noted that the unpredictable nature of Dubai’s opening leg always challenges teams, who often trial new systems and combinations.
The Fijiana 7s will open their Dubai campaign against the USA tomorrow at 7.20pm, followed by France at 9.59pm and New Zealand at 1.27am Sunday.
The women’s semifinals begin at 9.12pm Sunday, with the final scheduled for 3.35am Monday.
Meanwhile, the Fiji Men’s 7s team take on Argentina tomorrow at 9.10pm, before facing South Africa at 12.16am Sunday and France at 4.12am Sunday.
The men’s semifinals start at 10.06pm Sunday, and the final will be played at 4.11am Monday.
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