Fiji men’s rugby sevens head coach Osea Kolinisau has included Fijian Drua development players, Isikeli Basiyalo and Aisea Nawai in the extended squad for the Hong Kong Sevens tournament.

“They were in the Fiji Under-20 team last year and I’ve been in contact with Jacko (Glen Jackson), the Fijian Drua coach who wanted some of his young boys to get game time,” Fiji sevens head coach Osea Kolinisau said in Suva yesterday.

“I told him it’s not a guarantee but we’ll have a look at them to see if they fit in. They’ll both fight for their position and see if they are good enough then I won’t hesitate in selecting them.” Kolinisau said the youngsters possess a lot of power and speed.

“Apete Narogo was the best player at the Nahehevia Sevens tournament,” he said.

“He is really strong at rover and he could play at prop as well. We want to see him contest for the rover’s position. He’s been playing well for the Ubuntu team.”

The team will have a three-week preparation for the Hong Kong tournament, which is on March 28-30.

“It gives us a lot of time to have a look at the new boys where they fit in and look at our weakness and also where we can do better,” he said.

“Ilikimi Torosi was injured in the game against South Africa.

He’s following the protocol to return to play and a few other boys had niggling injuries so they didn’t join the squad.”

Kolinisau said he is expecting a full squad of players by next week.

“A few of the players are down with the flu. Two or three other boys might had the flu already; so we didn’t want to force them since it was the call by the physio department for them to rest.”

Kolinisau reiterated that he wants all the players to be fit and healthy for selection.

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