Nawavu back for Nawaka Sevens
Former national sevens forward and Nawaka native Sailosi Nawavu will field a young Wallis and Futuna side in the Fiji Bitter Nawaka Sevens tournament.
The two-day event will be played at Prince Charles Park, Nadi, from February 16-17.
Nawavu, who has spent more than a decade in Wallis and Futuna, continues to develop rugby talents in the French island.
This is only the second time he has returned to the Nawaka Sevens since he left 10 years ago. “For me, it’s part of the plan, to build-up Nawaka rugby,” he said. “I’m really happy to return and reconnect with my village team and bring this young team.
“It was not the same team that I coached to the Pacific Games in Solomon Islands last year.
“There is a lot of work that we need to do for the Wallis and Futuna team; our fitness and mentality and we look forward to the tournament here. It will be a great experience and exposure for these young men,” Nawavu added.
Nawaka is known for breeding national sevens stars over the years like Sainivalati Laulau, Esala Labalaba, Sakaraia Nacaka, Manasa Qoro, Savenaca Aria, Nawavu, Semisi Naevo, Api Naevo, Norman Ligairi and the most recent is Meli Derenalagi. Nawavu indicated that not many players have made it to the national scene recently compared to their days of playing rugby. The Nawaka Sevens will accommodate 48 men’s teams, eight women’s teams, 24 Under-20 teams, four Fellow Fijian teams and eight Under-18 teams. A sponsorship of $40,000 by Paradise Beverages was signed in Suva on Tuesday.