Saravanua will join the Fiji Sevens team after Counties Manukau rounds off its tour of Australia on January 13.

Saravanua, who has been eyed by Serevi to add speed out wide to the Fijian team, will return to the country in time for selection for the Fiji International Sevens in Lautoka.

The FIS will be held at Churchill Park on January 19 and 20.

Serevi said Saravanua has been in contact with him.

He said Saravanua had been performing well recently for his Ponsonby Club.

"Simi was part of the team which won the 2006 Singapore Sevens last month," Serevi told the Fiji Times.

"They beat Fiji's Davetalevu club 19-17 in the Final. He has been selected in the Counties Manukau team to tour Australia for the next two weeks. Simi will return to Fiji straight from Australia. This will give him time to prove himself to the selectors at the FIS for a spot in the Fiji team."

Saravanua is among several overseas-based players named by Serevi to prepare for the third and fourth legs of the IRB Sevens World Series, which begins with the Wellington Sevens in February.

Other players include Japan-based Semisi Naevo and Australia-based Serevi Kubu.

Serevi said overseas players cannot be neglected when it comes to selection because Fiji must always have the best available players for national duties.

"I'm happy that some players are keeping contact. This is important."

Serevi hopes to mix up the players at training in a bid to look for the best combinations. The national team will break camp on Friday.

Another training camp is scheduled early next month.

Fiji trails joint leaders South Africa and New Zealand in the 2006/2007 IRB Sevens World Series. The national side has 24 points, while South Africa and New Zealand both have 36 points.

Fiji training squad: Setefano Cakau, Aminiasi Nava, Mosese Volavola, Epeli Dranivasa, William Ryder, Lepani Nabuliwaqa, Neumi Nanuku, Vimaele Tuidraki, Napolioni Nalaga, Etonia Naba, Mesake Davu, David Batiratu, Asivorosi Tarakinikini, Tomasi Mawi, Alusio Buto, Nasoni Roko, Raymond Rodan, Sakenasa Aca, Apisai Salabogi, Epeli Vuniwaqa, Daniele Tabuakuru, Serevi Kubu, Watekini Vunisa, Simione Saravanua, Akariva Satavu, Gabiriele Lovobalavu, Semisi Naevo, Isimeli Koniferedi, Josua Rauluni, Orisi Sariki, Waisale Serevi.