VILIAME Mata and Apisai Domolailai have forced their way back into the 14-man squad for the Asian leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series after having recovered from their respective injuries.

Mata, who suffered a finger injury at the South Africa 7s, underwent a surgery and having to recover for the last four tournaments.

Domolailai had also suffered a knee injury during the trans-Tasman leg hence his exclusion from the Las Vegas and Vancouver 7s.

French-based player Semi Kunatani has also made a return to the 7s fold after his club commitments ruled him out for selection in the last leg.

Ryan said Mata had made good work of his time back in the squad training hence his selection for the next two tournaments.

“I’m thrilled that Bill gets a chance in HK. I remember two years ago, I met his dad at the stands and his dad asked me what Bill needs to do to get into the squad and we talked about how he wasn’t working hard enough off the field.

“He was being a bit lazy and we went around to his house and got him across to Nadroga to start training with them in 15s and harden him up a little bit. He is an outstanding player for the size of the man, the tallest in the world series I think at 6′ 7″. He is a big player and like Leone Nakarawa, gets the offload away and hits people hard and gets the turnover,” he said.

He added that selection for the next leg had proved difficult for him as he had to drop Pio Tuwai and Nemani Nagusa.

“It was a very hard decision for me to leave some of those players out of the 14-man squad and now I have got to leave two out for HK as well because there is a couple of knocks and niggles and obviously the eye issue as well so we will make a late decision on Thursday but whoever misses out will obviously play in Singapore,” he said.

The Hong Kong 7s is scheduled for April 8-10.

Fiji 7s squad:

Apisai Domolailai, Jasa Veremalua, Isake Katonibau,Viliame Mata, Masivesi Dakuwaqa, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Semi Kunatani, Amenoni Nasilasila, Seremaia Tuwai, Vatemo Ravouvou, Kitione Taliga, Josua Vici, Osea Kolinisau, Savenaca Rawaca