FIJI RUGBY MEDIA RELEASE
The Cook Islands 7s Rugby team face a big challenge ahead of them as they prepare for the Fiji Water International Centennial 7s in Suva next month.
Due to the geographic spread of their players across three different countries namely New Zealand, Australia and the Cook Islands they have named a squad of 24 players who will have to train individually and be monitored remotely, this according to Cook Islands Coach, Chad Tuoro.
“Our preparations for the tournament faces a big challenge which is the geographic spread of our players across three different countries New Zealand, Australia and the Cooks. The final squad of 12 will be selected based on the reports I receive from their individual trainings and fitness testing.”
But Tuoro added that the players are excited that they will be competing on the international stage against quality opposition.
Tuoro who is a former NZ 7s rep that played from 2008 to 2010 and is currently the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Coach and player and Development player and also the Director of the Bay of Plenty 7s Rugby says that while most of their players are unknown in Fiji, they will be here to compete with one mission on their minds.
“Not sure if anyone is aware of any of our players, but our main aim from this tournament is to qualify for the 2014 Hong Kong 7s tournament.”
The Fiji Water International Centennial will be part of Fiji’s bid to host a leg of the IRB 7s series, which Tuoro says they are very supportive of.
“We are very supportive of a Pacific nation obtaining such an event.”
Tuoro is expected to name is final 12 soon for the Fiji Water International Centennial 7s tournament which will be held on 4 and 5 October at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.