Being selected for the McDonald’s All Star Team at the 2024 McDonald’s Coral Coast 7s holds a special place in Semi Kunatani’s heart.
Known as the ‘Beast’ in the 7s rugby arena, Kunatani extends his gratitude to former Wallaby George Gregan for handpicking him for this prestigious role.
“Mr Gregan chose me to represent him at the Fiji Coral Coast Sevens. It has been a while since my last competition at international 7s and for a legend in rugby like Mr Gregan to still consider me at the highest level of 7s competition is a special moment for me,” the Rio Olympics gold medallist said. ”
It has brought back good memories of how I started with my debut for Fiji 7s,” he added.
Kunatani expects tough competition which kicks off on January 18-20.
“I am expecting quite a tough competition at the Coral Coast 7s this year with a lot of upcoming talented young players and also to enjoy rugby with my new teammates,” he added.
The Naveyago, Navosa native looks up to Semisi Naevo and Vereniki Goneva as his two favourite rugby players and shares his highlights in rugby career.
“My first was being the first Olympian in 2016 and represented the Flying Fijians in 2019,” Kunatani added.
He now plays for the Tel Aviv Heat.
