The Fiji Airways Fiji men’s 7s team received a significant boost ahead of the Perth 7s this weekend with the confirmation that Iowane Teba has been cleared to play. The forward, a key component of the Fijian attack, has fully recovered from a knock sustained during the Singapore tournament and participated in a full scrimmage session this week, according to head coach Osea Kolinisau.
“Teba ran again yesterday in a scrimmage session. He’s full-on running 100 percent. Teba is good to go this week, which is good news to us,” Kolinisau stated, alleviating concerns about his availability for the demanding leg of the HSBC SVNS series.
The news comes as a welcome relief for Fiji fans still celebrating the team’s title win in Singapore last week. That victory underscored Fiji’s resurgence in the series and Teba’s return to full fitness further strengthens their chances of continued success. His presence adds another dimension to the Fijian attack, known for its speed, power, and offloading ability.
Kolinisau also reported minimal injury concerns within the wider squad, suggesting a relatively clean bill of health as they prepare for the challenges ahead. This represents particularly encouraging given the physical demands of the sevens format and the quick turnaround between tournaments.
The Perth 7s represents a crucial opportunity for Fiji to build on their momentum and solidify their position in the series standings. The team will face a challenging pool stage, opening their campaign against Argentina at local time. They then take on Spain at , followed by a tough encounter against South Africa at .
Teba’s journey back to full fitness highlights his dedication, and resilience. He was previously named player of the tournament at the 2025 McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens, earning the Jonah Lomu medal as the top try scorer with six tries. This performance cemented his place in the Fiji Airways Fiji men’s 7s squad for Perth, as recognized by Kolinisau.
The recognition from Kolinisau underscores Teba’s importance to the team’s strategy. His consistent performance throughout the Coral Coast Sevens, and now his swift recovery, demonstrate a commitment to excellence that resonates throughout the squad. The coach’s initial decision to include Teba in the external squad prior to the Coral Coast Sevens, and subsequent reinstatement based on his performance, speaks to a meritocratic approach to team selection.
The Perth 7s will also be a test of Fiji’s defensive capabilities, an area Kolinisau has emphasized as a key focus for improvement. While the team’s attacking prowess is well-documented, a solid defensive foundation is crucial for success in high-stakes tournaments. The coach’s focus on defense, communication, and decision-making reflects a holistic approach to preparation.
The Fiji men’s 7s team’s success in Singapore and the return of key players like Teba have generated significant excitement among fans. Kolinisau acknowledged the unwavering support of the Fijian public, offering a simple message: “Keep supporting the boys and keep praying for the boys.”
Fans in Fiji can follow all the action live on FBC TV, providing a direct link to the team’s pursuit of further glory on the world stage. The Perth 7s represents not just a sporting competition, but a source of national pride and unity for the people of Fiji.
Iowane Teba’s career began in 2021, making his international debut for the Fiji national rugby sevens team at the Dubai 7s. He has since become a consistent performer for Fiji, featuring in tournaments such as the Hong Kong Sevens in April 2023 and recently overcoming injuries to earn a spot in the SVNS world series event in Singapore. His selection for the 2024 Paris Olympics further demonstrates his growing stature within the sport, and his contribution to the Fijian team which reached the semi-finals of the men’s rugby sevens tournament.
