The Jet Bar-sponsored Nawaka rugby 7s team aims to continue their remarkable rise in local competitions when the side competes in the first leg of the Fun Flavour Fiji Rugby Super Sevens Series which kicks off at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka tomorrow.
Head coach Male Ranawai said he was confident of an improved performance from his band of young warriors after a stellar outing during last December’s Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s on Taveuni.
“It’s true that past glories count for nothing in the unpredictable game of rugby sevens,” he said.
“The boys have been preparing since the last fortnight under the watchful eyes of the team’s trainer Master Epeli Vukivuki at the Nawaka District School ground.
“We had instilled a training program to gear up for the upcoming 7s tournaments in the country.
“It’s very important that we play well so that we can contribute future rugby stars to the national team.
“We aim to beat all our pool opponents although they’re very strong local sevens clubs.
“Our goal is to feature in the main quarterfinals and we’re looking forward to the tourney.”
Ranawai added the team would be laced with youngsters and a couple of senior players.
“It’s a great opportunity for the young players to display their talents and probably get noticed by the national selectors at the ground.
“Only two senior players being Simione Nawai and Viliame Turaga will feature for the team.”
Nawaka is pooled with the darlings of the series Raiwasa Taveuni, Police White and Fire in Pool B.
The three-day tournament kicks off tomorrow with a 12-team women’s competition while 16 men’s teams start their campaign on Friday.
The finals will be played on Saturday with the winners presented with a trophy each.
