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Fiji’s selection merry-go-round continues with four changes to the squad for the Hong Kong and Adelaide Sevens.

Nasoni Roko, Fiji's all-time leading try scorer in the IRB Sevens World Series, has been recalled alongside James Brown, Turuva Lumelume and Patrick Osborne who have all been given a chance to make up for the islanders' disappointing exit at the World Cup in Dubai.

Roko last played on the World Series in Edinburgh in 2008 but his experience will be needed with youngsters Vereniki Goneva, Osea Kolinisau, Peni Rokodiva, and Emosi Vucago in a side shorn of its World Cup stars.

Delasau, Satala, Naevo, Daunivucu, Nalaga and Nanuku all return to their clubs in Europe and Japan. Fiji coach Iliesa Tanivula has named an initial squad of 16 ahead of the Cathay Pacific / Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens and Adelaide Sevens, and will narrow it to 12 after a training camp next week.

“We had a number of players from the previous [World Series] tournament who are injured and have not been cleared as yet to take the pitch, so we have had to make some changes," said Tanivula.

New Zealand-based James Brown comes in to replace William Rasileka who is suffering from a hamstring problem, Nadi’s Turuva Lumelume replaces Watisoni Votu and Patrick Osborne replaces Waisale Suka, who has left the set-up to take up a rugby league contract.

“The new boys coming in should be able to adapt well," added the coach. "A handful have actually been part of the training or development squad so they have a fair idea of what is required of them both on and off the field.

"James Brown was part of the Fiji Under 19 World Cup team to Dubai (in 2006). He is currently part of the Canterbury Crusaders Development team, thus should not have any problem to adapt as well.”

Another flyer who hopes to strut his stuff in Hong Kong will be Tom Varndell. The Leicester Tigers winger lit up Dubai last week going in for seven tries in four matches, before IRB Sevens Series leaders England fell short in the quarter-finals to Samoa.

Varndell will be heading back to the stadium where he lifted the trophy in 2006.

“Hong Kong and Dubai are my favourite tournaments but Hong Kong is on another level. The fans are awesome and the atmosphere is amazing. Hong Kong is the tournament of the series and I can’t wait to go back there and be involved.”
England also face Japan and China in the pool stages and for coach Ben Ryan the event could not come quicker.

“I love the Hong Kong tournament, it’s just unbelievable. We are fortunate that we have this tournament now as it’s our chance to win extra points and get us back on track with the World Series.

“We have very hungry players who want success in Hong Kong and Adelaide and by the time the tournaments are over want to be in the title race for the World Series and firmly in the number one spot.

“England have never been in this position at this stage of the competition so we are heading in the right direction.”

Fiji Training Squad of 16:

Forwards: Jolame Bera, James Brown, Seremaia Burotu, Waqabaca Kotobalavu, Turuva Lumelume, Apisai Naiyabo, Suliasi Ramasima, Pio Tuwai Backs: Niumaia Cakacaka, Patrick Osborne , Vereniki Goneva, Osea Kolinisau, Nasoni Roko, Peni Rokodiva, Orisi Sareki, Emosi Vucago

England Sevens squad for Hong Kong and Adelaide:

Kevin Barrett, Tom Biggs, Chris Cracknell, Isoa Damudamu, Josh Drauniniu, Ben Jones, Ben Gollings, Ollie Phillips, James Rodwell, Charlie Simpson-Daniel, Tom Varndell, Rob Vickerman.