Three brothers have been named in the Fiji Sevens squad that will begin the defence of their World Series title next weekend.
Kavekini Tabu is the only new cap in the 14-man line-up, joining older siblings, Sevuloni Mocenacagi and Isoa Tabu in the side to compete in Dubai and Cape Town.
Sevuloni Mocenacagi is one of three brothers in the Fiji sevens squad. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Head coach Gareth Baber said the hard-working forward came from "good stock" and had earned his opportunity.
"He has a no-nonsence approach to the way he plays. He's disciplined with the way he plays, physical and he has a great work ethic," said the Welsh coach, who is beginning his fourth season in charge of the Olympic champions.
"Obviously, we have good talent to be able to play the tempo game that obviously we like to play here in Fiji and create questions for the opposition all the time but within that you need people who are disciplined and accurate in their game and that's something that Kave has brought to us as well and brought to his game and shown that's how he goes about his business...we're looking forward to him getting his opportunity to make his stamp on the HSBC Series and no better way than starting that in Dubai."
The Fiji sevens team have been training fo r the new season since September. Photo: Fiji Rugby
Fiji sealed their fourth World Sevens Series title in June, after winning the final two tournaments of the season in London and Paris.
Baber said it was a special moment for him as a coach and the players after a series of near misses.
"Losing the semi-final of the World Cup to New Zealand, coming short in the Commonwealth Games, not winning the [World] Series last year - all of those things sort of spur you on," he said.
"Obviously, living in Fiji and growing up in Fiji those guys know far better than I do just the privileged position that they find themselves in to be representing their country. The motivational factor is more to do with them having to see themselves their relationship with the power of the Lord and exactly what they want to achieve for their family and their country."
Fiji celebrate winning the Paris Sevens and the World Series title. Photo: AFP
Fast legs, slow starters
Fiji have won 10 of the 20 World Series legs over the past two seasons but haven't tasted success in the season opening leg in the UAE since 2016.
Eight of the Fijian squad were a part of the team that could only manage a fifth place finish 12 months ago, after being beaten by the USA in the Cup quarter finals, although they bounced back to win in Cape Town the following weekend.
World Sevens player of the year Jerry Tuwai. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
Baber said the biggest challenge for every team on the world circuit is consistency.
"Mental consistency in our players and being able to deliver under that pressure at those times with discipline. Numerous times last season we got that right and because of that we were blessed to be give the World Series. The year before we got huge amounts right but we were just short when it came to just finishing it off," he said.
"So, seeing them move from that to where we have gone this season (just completed) and what is going to be achievable this season, without any guarantees we know that all of those lessons are going to be necessary to move us on as individuals again and we will be keeping those challenges and that pressure on the group to ensure that happens."
Captain Paula Dranisinukula is back after missing the start of last season with a fractured leg.
Paula Dranisinukula will captain Fiji. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
Meanwhile, Jerry Tuwai will start the new season fresh from being crowned the World Rugby Men's Sevens Players of the Year.
The 30-year-old has been nominated for the top award in each of the past three seasons and is the only player in the current squad who was a part of the Olympic gold medal winning side in 2016.
"For these boys to see how some of them transformed over the period of time that we've been together and how they've developed, not just on the field but off the field as well, and how they now respond to being in the public eye and the expectation that does surround them, not just here in Fiji but elsewhere in the world, that gives me the greatest satisfaction," Baber said.
"I think probably winning the series showed them that they have gained a lot through that period of time that we've been together and there's no reason why that can't continue to grow."
Fiji will face Japan, Argentina and France in pool play in Dubai next weekend.
Fiji squad for Dubai and Cape Town:
Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Josua Vakurunabili, Isoa Tabu, Apenisa Cakaubalavu, Paula Dranisinukula (c), Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Vilimoni Botitu, Waisea Nacuqu, Jerry Tuwai, Alasio Naduva, Aminiasi Tuimaba, Napolioni Bolaca, Kavekini Tabu, Terio Tamani.
