Fijiana and Kenyan Rio squads

Fiji's women's squad for the Olympics in was officially announced this morning, while Kenya's was released unofficially yesterday evening. We'll update this article with more feedback from Fiji and official details from Kenya as they are received.

Published by John Birch, July 16th, 2016

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Fijiana and Kenyan Rio squads

Kenya - looking stronger than they were in Clermont (Photo:Ragahouse)

Fiji

It is a mark of the importance of sevens to Fiji that the squad announcement was made live on national TV by the Fijian Prime Minister.

The squad selected largely takes the team back to the opening rounds of Dubai and Sao Paulo, where Fiji reached the quarter finals. Nine of the Dubai squad and eight from Sao Paulo are included in the squad for Rio. Of the players given opportunities in later rounds only Merewai Cumu and Asena Rokomarama make it to the final squad. Rajieli Daveua, who has not played in this year’s World Series, takes the 12thspot.

Jiowana Soto and Talica Vodo both miss out, despite playing in all five rounds of the World Series, though Soto travels as a reserve.

Fiji squad:1. Asena Rokomarama; 2. Lavenia Tinai; 3. Litia Naiqato; 4. Luisa Tisolo; 5. Merewai Cumu; 6. Rajieli Daveua; 7. Rebecca Tavo; 8. Rusila Nagasau; 9. Timaima Ravisa; 10. Timaima Tamoi; 11.Viniana Riwai; 12. Ana Maria Roqica (captain). Travelling reserve:. Jiowana SotoCoach: Chris Cracknell; Assistant coach: Iliesa Samusamuvodre; Manager: Matthew Dooley; Physio Jennifer Khalik

Kenya

Kenyan has revealed the details of most of their squad for Rio.

Catherine Abilla, who lead the team in Clermont, will captain the Lionesses with Janet Okello assistant captain.

The Kenyans impressed in that World Series appearance, beating Japan to finish 11thdespite injury problems. Key players who missed the trip to France included Philadelphia Orlando, Linet Moraa and Camilyne Oyuayo.  Their inclusion suggests Kenya may be even stronger in Rio, although it is balanced by the absence of Sinaida Aura.

Another real bonus is the inclusion of the coach, which may seem odd, but only a week ago the Kenyan Rugby Union was reported to be under pressure from NOCK – the Kenyan Olympic Committee – to only send one coaching team to cover both the men’s and women’s teams, which would inevitably mean the women’s team left at home. But today's annoucement not only includes Shamiah as team manager, but also says that Sarah Atieno and Pysio Ben Mahinda will both be going with the team, although assistant Coach Kelvin Wambua stays at home as NOCK are sticking the World Rugby minimum of 12 players and three officials.

Janet Owino, Catherine Abilla (captain), Philadelphia Olando, Linet Moraa, Janet Okello (assistant captain), Sheiia Chajira, Camilyne Oyuayo, Celestine Masinde, Doreen Remour, Stacy Awuor, Rachel Mbogo, Irene Otieno

Officials: Mike Shamia (coach), Sarah Otieno (team manager), Ben Mahinda (physiotherapist).

Squads announced:

AustraliaBrazilCanadaColombiaFranceJapanNew Zealand

To be announced:

Great BritainSpainUnited States

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