“Putting them in the group is tough but this is a tough environment we will have to lose some good players for ambition because our goal is to defend our gold medal.
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Fiji s rugby sevens teams will spend close to four months separated from their families in their bid to achieve Olympic glory.
Fiji have not competed on the World Sevens Series since early 2020.
Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
The men s and women s nationals squads have spent the past eight weeks training in separate bubbles in Suva, following the latest outbreak of Covid-19 in the country.
Fiji men s coach Gareth Baber said they were fortunate to receive an exemption from the Fiji Government to continue their preparations for Tokyo. The players came in on the Monday thinking they were going home on the Friday and by the Tuesday/Wednesday it was clear that we had to stay together, he said.
Smith is still pinching himself. Getting an opportunity to learn from someone like that is incredible, he said of Robshaw, who is coming back from a dislocated shoulder suffered in his MLR debut in April. Just having him as a resource to watch film with, ask questions, be friends with as well … Being able to chat with him about life beyond rugby and what it s like to be a pro and an international player, he added. There s so much you can learn from someone off the field as well. He s certainly a big part of that, too.
The 35-year-old Robshaw won 66 caps for England, captaining the side 43 times. But he isn t the only big name wearing San Diego colours.
OPINION: All Blacks Sevens player Joe Webber argued that women's rugby players don't generate enough attention to demand better pay. Best check the numbers first.