AFTER helping the Fiji Airways Fiji 7s team scoop the HSBC London 7s in style, robust superstar Josua Tuisova has set his sights on winning a spot in the Fiji 7s side for the Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco, US, next month. The Toloun-based player jetted into the country with his wife Tarusila and their baby boy Timoci Elijah Ratulevu Tuisova yesterday.
Tuisova nicknamed “The Bus” said he was honoured to finally don the Fiji 7s jumper again at Twickenham after helping the side win gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Tuisova said he was also happy to reunite with his loved ones as he prepared for another big event –– his wedding at the end of this month.
He will marry his sweetheart, Tarusila, in a full traditional ceremony before he joins the Fiji 7s team camp in preparation for the Rugby World Cup Sevens on July 20-22.
“I am looking forward to represent my country at the Rugby World Cup Sevens,” he said.
“My aim is to be included in the final 12-member team for the world cup and I will have to work hard to secure my spot. It is always a humbling experience to represent my country and I look forward to the world cup.”
National sevens coach Gareth Baber has set his eyes on Tuisova and his Toulon teammate Semi Radradra after their impressive outing at the London 7s.
He said they (Tuisova and Radradra) enjoyed their stint with the Fiji 7s team last week and was impressed with the players’ performance.
“The boys looked up to me and Semi in London and we told them not to change their mind-set, but focus on their own game,” Tuisova said.
“We told the boys in London that on the field we are all equal, but they always treated us with respect. “Even though we didn’t have the fitness level required in 7s we were excited to have played our part well.
“We told them before all our games that we will play only for seven minutes per game because of our fitness level and we are happy to have contributed to the win.”
Tuisova thanked his wife for allowing him to play for the Barbarians and the Fiji 7s team despite the recent birth of his son.
He also thanked his parents for their support –– he says their “life coaching” during his younger days made him the player he is today.
