Interim Fijiana 7s head coach Timoci Volavola has drafted a new group of women for the side this season.

With only three seasoned players including Ana Maria Naimasi, Volavola hopes that this new side will restore the support for women’s sevens rugby following their winless run and 12th place finish at the Paris Olympic Games in August.

The former assistant national coach said most of the players from the past season had left. He will confirm his 12-member side on Thursday after their medical results is cleared.

He indicated that the new players have improved since the first week they marched into camp which was a positive sign for him.

“It is a very hard start seeing our results from last year, very challenging but I am taking the challenge,” he said.

“My aim is to bring back the support for the girls team.

“These are the girls that have answered my call and raised their hands to fight for a spot in the next leg.

“They’re (new players) willing to learn and they’re learning a lot, they are eager and listening to instructions accordingly.”

Despite the results from the past season, he is turning a new page.

He said he changed the team culture including the teams’ discipline and attitude on and off the field.

“We move on with the new girls, for the betterment of the Fijiana 7s in the future.

“Those who do not abide with my (team management) rules have to move out because they will bring an unhealthy environment to the team,” Volavola added.

“My first goal is to maintain the top eight in the core team.

“This will be the first major tournament for most girls and I’m going to drive them to work hard to stay on the core team.”

Fijiana are in Pool A with Australia, Ireland and China. Volavola said his side would need to recover well from the long travel before they face these teams.

“They (Australia, Ireland and China) all played well during the Olympics, it’s a new season, so all the teams are going to be up from the last year.

“For me and my girls, we’re going to go there and work so hard so that we can achieve our goal.”

Meanwhile, former sevens rep Emosi Mulevoro is assisting Volavola.

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj