Hard hitting Army forward Kavekini Tanivanuakula is aiming to make a comeback to the Fiji Airways Fiji Men’s 7s team for the upcoming Singapore 7s tournament.
The Ba-born Bukuya player was sidelined for six months following a severe shoulder injury but has vowed to return to his best.
Speaking after the national team’s scrimmage against the British Army side at Albert Park last Tuesday, Tanivanuakula credited his recovery and recall to the national squad to his faith.
“I was out for six months due to my injury but through God’s providence I’ve recovered and it’s been a call to work on my fitness,” he said.
He also acknowledged his parents as his greatest motivators, who have supported and guided him throughout his rugby journey.
Tanivanuakula played at the Coral Coast Fiji 7s tournament twice wining both times, first for the Army in 2023, and last year for the Fiji Blues.
“Our preparation has been good, and we’re working to improve in several areas, such as communication and defence,” he said.
Head coach Osea Kolinisau had rated the tournament highly and is eager to see both young and returning players step up against quality opposition.
“It’s especially important to give them the chance to gain series-level experience,” he explained.
“We have the USA, the British Army, overseas teams, New Zealand, and Australia here, so it’s a great opportunity for the young players to get a taste of what the series is like.”
The Ba native has played at the tournament twice, representing two different teams, and walked away with the title both times, in 2023 and last year.
However, as fate would have it, Tanivanuakula and the shadow Fiji 7s team, the Fiji Babas did not make the quater-final stage of the competition.
Kolinisau’s development side let their title defence slipped out of their hands when they could’t make the top. This alone speaks volume of the tough competition and calibre of other players.
