Ten members of Fiji's Rio 2016 team are included in the provisional Gold Coast 2018 squad ©Getty Images

Fiji have announced a preliminary rugby sevens squad for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, with 10-members of the Rio 2016 Olympic team included.

The Fijian team proved dominant at Rio 2016, with the country ultimately beating Great Britain in the final to secure their first-ever Olympic gold.

Fiji sevens head coach Gareth Baber has named an extended 45-man squad for the Commonwealth Games.

Apisai Domolailai, Jasa Veremalua, Semi Kunatani, Viliame Mata, Leone Nakarawa, Kitione Taliga, Osea Kolinisau, Josua Tuisova, Vatemo Ravouvou and Masivesi Dakuwaqa are among the Olympic champions hoping to secure places in the squad.

The preliminary selection also includes Apete Daveta, Peceli Nacebe, Inia Rokomatu, Jone Koronisagana, Kalione Nasoko, Leo Naikasau, Mesulame Kunavula, Netani Vakayalia, Paula Dranisinukula, Banuve Tabakaucoro, Josua Vakurinabuli, Samu Bale, Seremaia Tuwai, Viliame Bolalailai, Waisea Nacuqu and Alasio Naduva.

Alekesio Vakarorogo, Alivoso Rauto, Amenoni Nasilasila, Tevita Anare, Apenisa Cakaubalavu, Batinisavu Uluiyata, Elia Canakaivata, Eroni Vucago, John Stewart and Vasikali Mudu will also hope to secure places in the team.

The preliminary squad is completed by Tira Patterson, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Eroni Sau, Semi Radradra, Nikola Matawalu, Samisoni Viriviri, Samu Saqiwa, Alikesa Kalougata and Eroni Setutu.

Competition for places will be high, with the squad set to be reduced over the coming months.

Fiji will hope to earn rugby sevens gold at the Commonwealth Games for the first time ©Getty Images
Fiji will hope to earn rugby sevens gold at the Commonwealth Games for the first time ©Getty Images

Several members of the provisional squad currently represent overseas club teams, which would mean permission would need to be granted for them to be able to compete in Australia.

"Overseas clubs are under no obligation to release players," Baber told the Fiji Sun.

Fiji will be hoping to win rugby sevens gold at the Commonwealth Games for the first time, having ended as runners-up to New Zealand at Kuala Lumpur 1998 and Manchester 2002.

They also won bronze at Melbourne 2006, which proved their most recent participation in the rugby sevens tournament at the Games.

Fiji did not take part at Delhi 2010 due to the country’s membership of the Commonwealth being suspended, due to a military coup.

Their suspension was lifted in time to compete at Glasgow 2014, but too late for their rugby sevens team to compete.

Gold Coast 2018 will take place between April 4 and 15, with both rugby golds set to be awarded on the final day at the Robina Stadium.