A look at the foreign blood at this year’s Super 7s

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A look into the imports this year at Super 7’s

The Super 7s is set to make its debut in the Rugby crazy hill capital over the weekend, as Nittawela prepares to host both the club and schools’ competition. The club competition will once again be lit up by the inclusion of foreign blood, here’s a look at the teams and what the visitors will have to offer to the competition.

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Access kings

The Kings will be led by Dhanush Dayan this year. They have managed to draft three Fijians into their squad including Jone Avokia Vota, who is no stranger to the island nation. Aged 28, Vota represented the Fiji 7’s team at the 2012/13 IRB 7’s World Series in Hong Kong. He then signed with Navy in 2014 and played for the Western Warriors at the Carlton 7’s during the same year. Setefano Cakaunivalu, another Fijian in the Kings’ line-up, represented the Fiji 7’s outfit from 2003 – 2008. He represented Jaffna Challengers in the 2012 edition of Carlton 7’s and Navy SC as well. Abele Yalayalabua Atunis is the other Fijian in the squad.

Walkers CML Vipers

Led by Dhanushka Ranjan, the Vipers will field three Kenyan internationals this year. Oscar Ouma, aged 28, represented Kandy SC a few years back. He was a part of the Kenyan 7’s team who competed at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics as well. Samuel Joseph, who debuted for Kenya in 2015, is the other Kenyan international who is in the squad this year. Cyprian Kimmngtich is the third international player in the squad.

Etisalat Panthers

The Panthers will be led by veteran Fazil Marija and have managed to bag 4 Fijian nationals in their line up this year. Mulevoro Emosi, aged 27, represented Fiji at the 2016/17 IRB World Rugby 7s Series and 2016 Rio Summer Olympics as well. Samuela Saqiwa too has been an integral part of Fijian 7’s team from the year 2012. The experienced Seviyloni Lutu will also represent the Panthers this year. The former Fijian national cap has been in prime form this year in Fiji’s domestic competition,  being named Player of the Finals in the Island Chill Serua 7’s Cup. Serupepli Tutuva is the other Fijian who is in the squad.

EZY Wolves

Led by Sudarshana Muthuthanthri, the EZY Wolves will field 4 Kenyan nationals, all of whom are members of the current Kenyan national set up. Andrew Amonde, aged 33 has been leading the Kenyan 7’s side since 2012 while Nelson Oyoo and Dennis Ombachi, have represented Kenya at the IRB World Rugby 7’s and 2016 Rio Summer Olympics. Nelson was awarded with the DHL Master Class award in 2016. Billy Odhiambo, has been a part of Kenyan 7’s outfit since 2014.

KBSL Dragons

The Dragons have managed to draft 4 South Africans for this year’s competition. The veteran former Blitzbok Fabien Juries is the big gun amongst the drafts. The 38-year-old represented the national 7’s team during the years 2000-2010. He was also the third highest try scorer in the IRB 7’s World series as of 2014. Joel Booysen another South African was in the Blitzbok’s 7’s Academy in 2016. The other two players are Tython Franco Adams and Danie Roux.

Softlogic Warriors

The Warriors will field 3 Samoans this year. ED Teo Filo Fidow, will be the one to watch out for as he has been a part of the Samoan National 7’s team since 2016. Former Samoan National Fatua Otto will also bring in vast experience to this team; he was a part of the Samoan National 7’s team from 2010-2014. Lajaela Va is the other international in the squad.

Mobitel Eagles

Reigning champions, the Eagles led by Roshan Weerarathne, have included 4 international players in their roster this year. Iosefo Martin Mulipa, an American National 7’s cap represented the American national team, also coincidentally known as the Eagles, at the Dubai World Rugby 7’s in 2014/15. The other three international players are Matiyasi Tabu Leuta, Nasalo Jone Morawa and Joseva Bilo.

Cargils Gladiators

The runners up last year, Gladiators led by Richard Dharmapala have included 3 Fijian Nationals in their squad. Sevuloni ‘Tawake’ Naturudregadrega who is in the Fijian 7’s circuit and is also being considered to represent Fiji in the next IRB World Rugby 7’s series. Semi Nakaira, is another well-known name in the world of 7’s rugby. He has represented many clubs around the world and his most recent triumph was in Paris as his team Yamcia was crowned champions in Centrale 7’s last May. The other Fijian on the roster is Nasonia ‘Sonni’ Tuigaloa.