Japan U18 Side in for Coral Coast 7s
Travelling more than 7000 kilometres to plays sevens in Fiji is worth the travel says coach Kobuki Yusuke.
The Japan Under - 18 sevens side arrived yesterday at Nadi airport to be part of the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens tournament that kicks off tomorrow at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
Yusuke said they have been preparing for a year and their aim has been to win the youth division.
“This is the first time for the team to be part of the Coral Coast 7s,” Yusuke said.
“We have had five training camps the last 12 months preparing for this tournament.
“Our aim is to win the final. We are ready for this competition. He admitted that 12 players are Under 18 while the rest are 17.
“To be here is an honour, to play
against Fijian players as we know that sevens rugby here is religion. Fiji is respected for its record; making it a priviledge to play against the world’s best.
“We are grateful to the organisers for including us, this is an opportunity
for us to give our best, learn from the best and beat them.” Meanwhile Eroni Nabulagi of Vitogo, Lautoka is part of the Japanese side.
“I am looking forward to play against my former school mates.
Nabulagi attended Queen Victoria School for Years 9 and 10 before attending Natabula High School for Years 11 to Year 13.
He is on a three year scholarship in Japan.
“I am ready for this weekend’s game. I am looking forward to play against other teams in this 7s tournament.”
Meanwhile reigning youth champions Tuva is back to defend the Outrigger Youth Division in the 11th edition of the Coral Coast sevens. Apart from the Japan U18 side there is also the Aussie Youth, last year’s losing finalist Dominion Brothers and the AJ Pallets Ba River that participated in the World Youth 7s tournament in New Zealand last month.
Tuva heads Pool A with Waisale Serevi’s King 7s Select, Namaqa Grass Roots and Natabua Breez. Dominion Brothers top Pool B with Ralagi 7s, Japan and SRS Nukuvura from Navosa.
Pool C has the Aussie Youth 7s, AJ Pallets Ba River, First Light Taveuni and NNN Tuburua from Navosa. The Fiji U20s coached by Viliame Satala and Jerry Tuwai, lead Pool D with McDonald’s Vueti Cakau, PSM Brothers and Coastal Cuvu Blues. The three-day tournament entry is free of charge.