Winning the 2022 Melrose Cup has brought back memories of the Rugby World Cup Sevens victory in 2005 for assistant coach Viliame Satala.
The Namoli villager was part of Wayne Pivac’s team which included sevens wizard Waisale Serevi, Semisi Naevo, Apolosi Satala, Ifereimi Rawaqa, Jone Daunivucu, Vilimoni Delasau, Marika Vunibaka, Nasoni Roko, William Ryder Sireli Bobo and Neumi Nanuku that won the 2005 RWC 7s.
Satala said he told national head coach Ben Gollings that this year’s team was a new version and remix of the team that played in 2005.
“This victory brings back the memories of the 2005 winning team,” he said.
“I feel happy and it was a privilege for me to coach this bunch of young players.
“I reminded them that it had been 17 years since we last won the Melrose Cup. I encouraged them throughout the week on how we won that tournament in 2005.
“It was just to pump them up for last week’s world cup.” As the saying goes, behind a great man is a strong woman.
Satala said his wife, Laisa Cili Satala, had been very supportive is coaching career after his glamorous playing prowess.
“My wife has been very supportive in my rugby career,” Satala said.
“She has been by my side all the time.”
