THE dream of representing Fiji at the world stage brewing as youngster Kelepi Dravu readies to wow Fiji Airways Fiji 7s head coach Osea Kolinisau at the upcoming McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji Sevens tournament.
Dravu, on his third Coral Coast 7s, will be playing for Uso Tasi- the Solomon Islands team that earned their qualification into the tournament through the Super Sevens in December last year.
The Waisa, Kubulau in Bua lad has only played competitive rugby 7s for three years and he has already garnered the praises of those who mentored him.
“My dream is to be given the opportunity to don the white jumper in the near future and represent our country.
“I also hope to get a contract overseas, maybe in France or to just simply get scouted for an overseas club that will help me fulfill my rugby goals,” he said.
This dream birthed after a phone call that saw him leaving his home in Bua for more opportunities in Suva.
“At the village three years ago, a brother of mine called asking if I wanted to play for their team. I knew that I had the talent to play rugby. I attended Immaculate Conception in Bua and from Year 9 to Year 13, I did not play a single game of rugby. I was heavily involved in athletics. I think I last played rugby in primary school before moving to Suva three years ago to pursue this dream.”
His talent recognised by his former teams in Dominion Brothers, Village Boys and Lavidi Brothers. Now Uso Tasi shares his vision.
Team manager Jerry Tengemoana said Dravu was the standout player for his team during the Super Sevens and has supposedly caught the attention of Kolinisau. The soft-spoken Dravu is grateful to be given the opportunity to join Uso Tasi, hoping it will open more doors for him at the Coral Coast 7s.
