Rugby sevens World Series

Fiji will have a new coaching set-up following the departure of Ben Ryan but as the reigning Dubai, series and Olympic champions they will start as firm favourites. The islanders will also play Wales and Argentina in pool A on the first day of the men's season on 2 December 2016.

Last season's second-ranked side South Africa, bronze medallists at the Olympics, start against African qualifier Uganda with further matches against last season's London champions Scotland and the USA.

The Manusina are among 12 teams competing for two permanent berths on the global circuit, alongside the likes of New Zealand, Australia and Fiji.

Team manager Toleafoa Mara Hunter says they've played in Australia, Malaysia and Hong Kong over the past 12 months but have struggled for matches against top quality opposition.

Pool play gets underway tonight and Hunter says fortunately they have a working knowledge of their opponents - Wales, Japan and Brazil.