FIJI-born rugby player Joseva Ravouvou is ready to make his debut for the New Zealand 7s team at the mecca of sevens in the Hong Kong 7s which is all set to kick off on Friday.
Ravouvou was born and raised in Mavua, Nadroga in Fiji and migrated to New Zealand when he was 21 years old.
“I feel blessed and honoured to be part of the New Zealand 7s team,” he told this newspaper.
“I loved playing rugby while I was growing up.
“It is a dream come true for me to be selected to play for New Zealand 7s team.”
He played for Lelean Memorial School on the wing in the school rugby competition in 2010 before moving to New Zealand. He has played for College Rifle Rugby and Sports Club and he has also played for the Auckland in the Mitre 10 Cup earlier this year. He said he was excited to play against Fiji if given the chance by coach Clark Laidlaw.
“I am definitely looking forward to playing against my brothers from Fiji,” he added.
“It should be an exciting game. There are heaps of talented rugby players in New Zealand, so I really had to work hard and push myself to even get noticed.
“I am not sure how I got selected in the side but I guess they (coaches) must have seen something in me. When I came to New Zealand I was only 21 so I started playing for the local rugby club and worked at the same time. My goal is to keep playing rugby and hopefully to be blessed with the more overseas opportunities. I look forward to the support and prayers from families and friends back home.”
New Zealand plays Wales in its first match at 11.32pm (Fiji Time) on Friday.
