Kunatani returns to where it all started for him
THE McDonald’s Fiji’s Coral Coast Sevens is a tournament former Fiji 7s star Semi Kunatani holds dearly to his heart.
Kunatani, who captains the Ambassador All Stars team, was discovered on the very ground of Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka while playing for Yamacia at the Coral Coast 7s.
The tall, lanky rugger quickly rose to fame since making his World Series debut for Fiji in 2013 and now, 11 years later, he is back to where it all started, helping the younger generation reach the peak of the sport.
Speaking to this newspaper, the 2016 Olympic gold medallist said he was grateful to founder Jay Whyte and his team for growing the tournament, providing a platform for aspiring players to surge onto the big stage.
“Looking back, this was the tournament where I was picked to join and debut for the Fiji 7s team in 2013. So, this tournament marks a lot of great memories for me because it is where my 7s career started.
“In my opinion, this year’s tournament is quite different from the past years. Everything from organising, to the ground marking and the small details all point towards a successful tournament and one that has levelled up from past Coral Coast tournaments.”
Kunatani, on Tuesday, took his team to Navosa, where his village laid the foundation of his rugby dream.
“We went up to Naveago, Naqalemare in Navosa where I told them about the challenges I had to overcome to make my dreams a reality. Kyle Brown said during the trip that he did not imagine and expect to see the conditions of where I grew up and where Fiji has reached in sevens rugby.
“With that, I owe the most gratitude to my parents, to my village, and tikina for the tremendous support they showed when I started building towards wearing that white jumper until where I am today.”
He last played competitive sevens rugby in August last year during the Denver 7s in the United States of America.
Kunatani was nominated by Australian rugby great George Gregan to join the All Stars team which is coached by former New Zealand 7s legendary mentor Sir Gordon Tietjens.