VODAFONE Fiji Sevens coach Ben Ryan is wondering why hard running Savenaca Rawaca was not considered for any nominations.
He tweeted – “Amazed Save Rawaca didn’t get any nominations.”
Rawaca has been a standout player and his dedication towards his country is so much that he has declined several contracts, Ryan revealed.
“As for Save Rawaca, for the Fiji boys to call him a beast is saying something. He’s a monster. He’s determined to stay and come to the Olympic Games,” Ryan said.
“It’s fair to say that all the top clubs in Europe want a piece of him and would pay him a princely sum, but at the moment he’s refusing them all and he wants to stay. He’s world class.”
Ryan is keeping his fingers crossed that players stay focused on the task which is the Olympic Games in Rio in 14 months.
“The boys now need to keep their feet on the ground and don’t deviate from the plan.
“Look at Semi Kunatani, for example, last year he was not the player he is this year.
“It takes time. Josaia Wini, Kitione, Amenoni Nasilasila, Vatemou Ravouvou as playmaker now… give them another 12 months of conditioning, and hopefully keep the distractions to a minimum,” he said.
“Osea Kolinisau and Isake Katonibau have been the glue all year really. I don’t know if Oscar’s going to be nominated for world player of the year, or in the dream team, but top points scorer, robust, empties the tank, he’s been fantastic, an absolutely outstanding leader. No reason to see why he can’t keep that going through to Rio.
“Katonibau has come back from a couple of years away from the game and has been very good indeed.
“He’s had two very strong tournaments this week, particularly in the two quarter-finals against South Africa; he stood up as a real man.”
Ryan and the boys return today with major celebrations planned for the capital on Thursday.
