Jerry Tuwai and Fiji were overrun by New Zealand in the Cup semi finals. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
Defending the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics is the focus for Fiji men's sevens team head coach Ben Gollings.
Fiji has won back-to-back Olympic Games gold medals in the sevens rugby competition in 2016 and 2020.
Despite having not won a HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series title in the last 17 tournaments, Gollings has told the media from Canada that the work continues.
And part of his plan now includes recalling double Olympic gold medallist Jerry Tuwai, if he is up to par, and some players from the Fijian Drua franchise.
Gollings revealed that he has been in discussions with Tuwai and they will continue talks when the Fiji sevens team returns to Suva from the Vancouver Sevens tournament this weekend.
fijivillage.com reported Gollings saying Tuwai understands that he will need to get into top shape if he is to be considered for the national team.
"Everybody needs to be on form. We are connecting and communicating and we will continue to have those conversations now as we move forward," Gollings told the broadcaster.
It is welcome news to Fijian sevens fans who called for the Englishman's removal as coach when hesaid in January that Tuwai would need to prove himself in local sevens tournaments if he was to be re-included in the sevens squad.
Tuwai had opted out of sevens rugby late last year to start his boxing promotion business and his ambassadorship role for local company Vinod Patel.
In January, Tuwai made a public statement against Gollings, saying the coach was right for the role, adding the pressure of the job was too much for the former England rep to handle.
The Fiji Rugby Union Trustees Board stepped in late last month to meet Tuwai and Gollings.
Chairman Peter Mazey later announced they had requested the two to work together.
Gollings said he respects Tuwai's experience but said they agreed that the three-times former World Rugby Sevens Player needs some game time to help him with his form.
He said it was nothing against Tuwai as everyone in the team needs to be on form to be selected.
Tuwai has been assisting Fijiana women sevens' team coach Saiyasi Fuli.
Fijian Drua captain Mele Derenalagi in his sevens rugby playing days in 2020. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
Drua discussions
Gollings has also been in touch with the Fijian Drua, discussing the possibility of some key players to be released for the Olympic Games campaign.
Drua head coach Mick Byrnes told media in a news conference at the team's Nadi base on Tuesday they will continue discussions.
"He has had chats with us and we shared our team lists and there's been players and things discussed," he said
"At this stage there's nothing confirmed or nothing down the track but we certainly talked about it.
"Come the end of this season some of our players will obviously have the opportunity to the Olympics or continue their journey with the Flying Fijians."
Drua captain Ratu Meli Derenalagi and centre Iosefo Masi both started their careers with the Fiji sevens team.
Others in the mix can include tough forward Vilive Miramira and speedster Selesetino Ravutaumada.
Napolioni Bolaca challenges the New Zealand defence during the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, Rugby Sevens Men's Gold Medal Match. Photo: AFP
Bolaca leads
Meanwhile, back from injury and named to lead the Fiji men's at the Vancouver Sevens tournament this weekend is playmaker Napolioni Bolaca.
The Yasawa man was out of rugby action for almost 12 months but has returned after recovering from urgent knee operations in New Zealand last year.
Gollings has named Bolaca as his skipper saying the player has been taking the lead in a lot of ways during their preparations, eventhouh he was still on the mend.
He told fijilive that the player has shown a lot of experience and a high level of professionalism.
"He has actually worked really well and has been chosen to lead the team in this tour," Gollings said.
"He's got a voice that the players listen to and we are excited to see him develop."
Bolaca won gold medal with Fiji at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Fiji and Samoa are the two Pacific Islands teams in the competition.
Fiji meets Spain, Canada and Argentina in Pool A, which kicks off on Saturday morning, New Zealand time.
Samoa has Australia, France and the United States of America in Pool B.
The Fijiana women's team has USA, Australia and Japan in Pool B of their competition.
