IT all comes down to dedication and hard work, as 23-year-old, Apete Narogo from Nakorovou, Serua, secured a spot in the Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s squad for the upcoming HSBC SVNS Dubai 7s.
Head coach Osea Kolinisau has named a 13-member squad which includes both experienced players and newcomers like Narogo.
Narogo, who comes from Semi Radradra’s Ubuntu team, has been vying for a spot since earlier this year alongside Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s Isikeli Basiyalo and fly-half Aisea Nawai.
In an interview while still in the extended squad, Narogo expressed gratitude for the chance to wear the white jersey and play for Fiji.
“It was a blessing from God that I have been called up to join the Fiji 7s squad, it was one of every Fijian boy’s dream, to wear the white jersey and represent the country, and this was a blessed opportunity for me,” said Narogo.
“My rugby journey started off after I left school in Form 7 at Lomary Secondary School, most of the time I used to miss school to go for rugby competitions.
“Even though I reached Form 7, the passion of playing rugby was in me, so I joined the Dominion Brothers rugby team and the Ubuntu team, from there I just moved forward with the level of competition.”
Narogo is set to play alongside seasoned players like Terio Tamani, Pilipo Bukayaro, Jeremaia Matana, Joseva Talacolo, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Ilikimi Torosi Naruma Vunaki, and Alusio Rauto Vakadranu, providing power in the front row.
George Bose, Vuiviwa Naduvalo and Ratu Manueli Nete Maisamoa will provide speed in the backline.
The team will begin their Dubai 7s campaign against Argentina at 9.10pm on the 29th of this month. They will then take on South Africa at 12.16am the following day and play France in their last pool match at 4.12am.
The team will present their I-Tatau today before departing the country on Sunday.
