Army winger Alasio Naduva has joined the Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team in Las Vegas before the tournament kicks off today.
This has been confirmed by Coach Gareth Baber.
There was a delay in Naduva’s departure because he was waiting for his US visa.
Fiji wing and former Natabua sprinter Batinisavu Uluiyata had left earlier this week as a replacement for Naduva.
Meanwhile, the 16 competing nations at the HSBC Las Vegas Sevens were given a true Las Vegas welcome last night as tens of thousands of fans showed their support for the teams ahead of this weekend.
. @fijirugby flying their flag high on stage #USA7s pic.twitter.com/tZ0BHiqGo6
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) March 2, 2018
Las Vegas is set to host crowds of over 50,000 at the Sam Boyd Stadium where the teams will be looking to secure valuable points which will help them climb the series standings and improve their Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 seeding’s ahead of San Francisco in July.
Incredible night welcoming the teams to the #USA7s at the parade of nations pic.twitter.com/vvokCEXle7
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) March 2, 2018
The tournament has been swept up by both South Africa and Fiji in recent years, winning the last five between them, so teams will be looking to end their usual stronghold.
South Africa's Branco du Preez returns to the scene of happy memories in Las Vegas, having played his 50th tournament at the Sam Boyd Stadium last year as the Blitzboks claimed the title.
Fiji, on the back of their win in Hamilton ‑ their first in New Zealand since 2010 ‑ will be eager to build on last year’s runners‑up position in Las Vegas.
Speaking at the Parade of Nations, Fiji captain Jerry Tuwai says Las Vegas is a very special tournament for the team.
Tuwai adds that they are focusing on Russia in their opening game.
Tuwai believes that they have a lot of new boys in the squad and so the Hamilton Sevens gave them a big boost and they are excited for this weekend.
Fiji will play Russia in their first pool match of the Las Vegas 7s at 12.06pm today and we take on France at 3.07pm, Fiji then play their final pool match against Kenya at 8.36am tomorrow.
The Cup quarters start at 1.26pm tomorrow, the Cup semis will be held at 9.12am on Monday while the Cup final will kick off at 12.30pm Monday.
