Vatemo: Ready To Step Up
Vatemo Ravouvou has set his target on making the team for the Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco next month.
A member of the 2016 Rio Olympics gold medal team, Ravouvou said they need to bounce back after losing the 2017/18 World Sevens Series to South Arica in Paris on Monday.
He was among the members of the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team that were hosted at the South Sea Island by the South Sea Cruises yesterday.
“I cannot wait to play in my first RWC Sevens,” Ravouvou said.
“The World Sevens Series title was there for us to win but we dropped the ball in Paris last weekend.
“But we need to move on and look at the next big picture which is the RWC Sevens. “I’m ready to step up.”
The playmaker vows to work on his fitness before the team return to camp next week.
“I’ve to work hard on my fitness and kickoff. I’ve played in the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, World Sevens Series and I want to play in the RWC Sevens as well,” Ravouvou said.
He only missed the Singapore Sevens this season.
“It has been a long run and all the teams are tough. But to win five tournaments out of 10 is remarkable.
“But we need to get the job done. My aim is to play my part if selected.”
He said the inclusion of overseasbased players like Leone Nakarawa, Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra and Semi Kunatani should boost competition for the RWC Sevens spots. “They are professional rugby players, strong and always bring a new dimension to the game.
“We are all Fijians and whoever is selected gets all our support.”
The squad return to camp next week to sort out their visas and medicals.