Tuvalu to debut new faces at rugby 7s
A new selection criteria has come into effect for the Tuvalu Rugby Men’s 7s side as they work to continue professionalising the game on the island.
In the lead up to the Pacific Games this year, new selection procedures in place has resulted in a few players missing out for not making the selection cut-off dates.
Rugby 7s kicks off on Friday 12 July from 10am at Marist St Josephs Sports Stadium in Lotopa (Credit: Oceania Rugby)
Tuvalu men’s 7s coach, Elenoa Kunatuba, who has been with the team for just under a year now says she will field seven debutants this weekend who have shown great commitment in their preparation and training.
“We select the players according to their potential back at home as well as their commitment and hard work,” Kunatuba said.
“The Pacific Games comes only one every four years and for them to debut at this level is exciting,” she added.
In the last couple of months, Kunatuba said she has seen a gradual improvement in the commitment of the individual players, which she says is a key indicator for success.
“Just for them to come out of their shells to perform beyond their expectation is something I’m looking forward to,” Kunatuba commented.
She said that the main challenge has been trying to test out the ability of players in both their physical and mental capacity in readiness for this level of experience and exposure.
“I think we just need to settle down on game day and we should be ok,” Kunatuba added.
Tuvalu will play their first match against Tonga on Friday.
This article is published from Oceania Rugby with permission.
