IRB Sevens Series- Tuwai returns

Giant forward Pio Tuwai is looking to nail down a place in Iliesa Tanivula's Fiji Sevens team, having missed the first two legs of the HSBC Sevens World Series 2010/11 through injury.

Tuwai was one of Fiji's outstanding players on the last World Series and his presence would certainly be a major boost to their title defence at the NZI Sevens in Wellington on 4-5 February.

The lanky forward told the Fiji Times that he has fully recovered and is prepared to take on the best in the world at Westpac Stadium.

"I am ready to give my best if given the chance to be in the team," said Tuwai, who made his World Series debut at the 2009 USA Sevens in San Diego.

"I have been training hard after my recovery and I am eager to win back my spot."

Tuwai was one of Tanivula's best players when Fiji defeated Samoa 19-14 in the Cup final in Wellington last February and, although the competition for places in Fiji is fierce, the 27-year-old is hoping that his experience can secure him a place.

"To win my spot back I need to play above and beyond expectation," said Tuwai, who will play at the Fiji TV Provincial Sevens this weekend in Sigatoka and has been in training with the national squad for the past few weeks.

"The Sevens tournament this weekend will be my best chance to prove my worth.

"I am ready for the best and like all other players I will be out to win a spot in the national squad for the Wellington event," he added.

So far this season, Fiji have reached two Cup semi finals and currently lie in joint third place with Samoa, behind leaders England and second-placed New Zealand.

Source: IRB

Watch highlights of victorious Fiji last year in wellington.