WALLABIES rep Tevita Kuridrani and other rugby players of Namatakula Village residing in Australia have been supporting their fellow villagers in the Ratu Filise 7s team prior to this weekend’s Central Coast 7s in Australia.
Big names such as Kuridrani, Sikeli Votonisiga, Etuate Gusuivalu, Alipate Tani, Kini Qereqeretabua to name a few provided accommodation, meals, donated rugby gear and offered some inspirational tips to help the team do well in their first Central Coast 7s event.
Team coach Etika Tovilevu said the assistance provided by Kuridrani and others would motivate the players to give their best at the tournament.
He said the side which included national 7s rep Amenoni Nasilasila was laced with ordinary village boys who would be using this event to showcase their talents with the aim of securing rugby contracts.
“The only big name in the side is Nasilasila while the rest of the players are ordinary village boys,” said Tovilevu.
“These boys have been inspired and motivated to play their hearts out following the visits and assistance made by some Namatakula boys playing in Australia.
“The village has produced some of the world’s star players such as Kuridrani, Noa Noadruku, Lote Tuqiri, Nemani Nadolo and surely these boys will use this tournament to showcase their talents and follow in the footsteps of these great Namatakula rugby greats.”
Tovilevu said the event would be an ideal opportunity for the players to be exposed to top level competition.
And playing against the Australian 7s team in their pool game, Tovilevu said was the best his players could have asked for.
“The main aim of this tour is for the boys to expose their talents,” he said.
“We are happy to be playing against Australia team in the pool game.”
The side defeated Australia in last year’s Coal Coast 7s quarter-final and the side will is expecting a tough battle this weekend.
Meanwhile, apart from Australia, Ratu Filise will be joined by six other Fijian teams namely BLK Police, Hideaway Hurricanes, Tabadamu, Uluinakau, Newtown and Daveta.
