FIJIAN rugby players could be playing for the Russia national sevens team if they can impress the Russia 7s team officials.
Former Fiji 7s captain/coach and now Russia 7s coach Waisale Serevi yesterday told The Fiji Times that Russia had always wanted to include Fijian players in their sevens team in the past.
But after seeing how the Fijian inclusion into the Russia 7s training squad combined well during the Marist 7s, Serevi said he was positive they could be playing for the Russia national 7s team very soon.
The maestro was impressed with the performance of his Russia Red team, and with the inclusion of four Fijian players created some upsets in the tournament to reach the cup quarter-final stage.
“What I’ve witnessed in these past two days is the amount of raw talents being displayed and can be the missing links to some of the national teams and clubs around the world,” said Serevi.
“I was impressed with the Fijian boys that played for the Russia Red team and how they’ve connected with the Russian players, and if the New Zealand team could use Fijian players in their national team, then playing for Russia is possible as well.
“The Russia team has always wanted Fijian players to play for them and if that opportunity opens up then why not!?
“I have seen some players that might be playing for Russia in the future.”
The Russia Red 7s team defeated Waimanu Gold in the first elimination 24-0, then they thumped Nawaka 17-0 in the second elimination to qualify to the main quarter-final. They lost to Ratu Filise 31-10.
