Army Eyes Podium Finish at Nawaka 7s
The Ram Sami Army side is focussed on a podium finish at the Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s which kicks off at Prince Charles Park, Nadi, today.
Yesterday the side was presented with training vests and t-shirts in preparation for the two-day tournament.
As winners of the McDonalds Coral Coast 7s and runner-up at the Fiji Bitter Welagi 7s in Taveuni two weeks ago, the men from Nabua hope to return to the Queen Elizabeth Barracks with $10,000 in their bag.
Manager Inia Ledua said the side wants to main its consistency.
“The ultimate aim of every team in every tournament is to win and Army is definitely on that note as well,” Ledua said.
“We are going in not just to make up the numbers; we are going in as top competitors, hopefully for the podium finish as well.”
The Army side with stars in the likes of winger Alasio Naduva, Anasa Qaranivalu, Inia Tawalo and rising winger Rokoua Rasaku has been steadily performing on par.
With Qaranivalu, Tawalo and Rasaku now in the Fijian sevens extended squad, Army is still hopeful of finishing at the top this weekend. The three are part of the Fiji Shadow side.
“The two-year development programme designed back then is now bearing.
“The sacrifices of these young men have enabled us to achieve what we have achieved at the Coral Coast and Welagi tournaments.
In the absence of the Republic of Fiji Military Force rugby president Major Elia Rokowailoa said: “We are very grateful to Ram Sami’s assistance.
“This support greatly assists their performance. On behalf of Army rugby, we are so thankful to Ram Sami for their continued support. “Ram Sami Business Development Manager Abdul Shameer said: “On behalf of the managing director, Prashneel Sami, we thank the team for allowing us to support them. “Sevens is big in Fiji and many people have grown from the Army team to the national sevens side. We have good examples here: Major Rokowailoa and Dale Tonawai (coach).
“The consistency is there for the Army team and we wish them all the best.”