Four local teams, the Fiji Barbarians, Island Breeze, Tabadamu and Uluinakau will be featuring in this weekend’s Central Coast 7s.
With the opening round of the World Sevens Series in Dubai a little more than a month away, the Central Coast tournament provides the perfect opportunity for some fine tuning, as players look to impress national selectors.
Pool A has the Australian National 7s team, Tabadamu, ACT Brumbies and Stars Rugby 7s USA.
Pool B has Fiji Barbarians, Island Breeze, Sunnybank and Aus Universities.
Former Fiji 7s forward Pio Tuwai and the Stallions will be pooled with last year’s runners-up Uluinakau, West Harbour and University of QLD in Pool C.
Tuwai will be playing alongside Samoa’s playmaker Tila Mealoi, Queensland Country player Veresa Mataitini, Sanivalati Ramuwai and Leone Cama.
NSW Waratahs, Aussie Development and Iconz and are in Pool D alongside Toloa Old Boys from Tonga.
Meanwhile, the Fiji Barbarians 7s team has three Olympic Gold Medalists and four regular-season campaigners.
They include Apisai Domolailai, Jerry Tuwai, Vatemo Ravouvou, Mesulame Kunavula, Sevuloni Moceinacagi, Paula Dranisinukula, Waisea Nacuqu and Banuve Tabakaucoro.
The new players are Apenisa Cakaubalavu, Elia Cakanakaivata, Samu Bale and Alekesio Vakarorogo.
Defending champions Australia 7s team will take on the ACT Brumbies in the opening match at 12.20pm tomorrow while Fiji Barbarians will take on the Island Breeze at 12.40pm.
The final will be held at 7pm Sunday.
