Nakosi recalls 7s days
FORMER Flying Fijian Filipo Nakosi is calling out to rugby fans and enthusiasts in the Western Division to come out in numbers to the 37th Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s which starts tomorrow at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.
The robust winger, who currently plays for Castres Olympique in France’s Top 14, is one of the many rugby icons who came up through these local competitions before being noticed by overseas clubs.
“Just calling out to all rugby lovers out there in the Western Division to please come out in numbers and support your teams that will be competing at the Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s in Nadi,” the 31-year-old said.
Nakosi, who is elder brother of Flying Fijians winger Josua Tuisova, was born and raised in the province of Ba and is now an international rugby icon.
“I am a product of the Nawaka 7s because it was at this tournament where I met my agent who helped me secure a contract to play overseas,” Nakosi said.
“Growing up in Ba, I always played soccer before playing rugby when I got older.
“This tournament, the Nawaka 7s was one of the biggest tournaments we would always look forward to.”
According to Nakosi, he was part of the FSC Eagles under-19 side from Ba that won the Rokocoko Shield at the Nawaka 7s for two years.
“To all the teams who will be competing this weekend, I just want to wish you the best,” he said.
“Just know that all your hard work will not go to waste, and you will reap the sweat of your brow.”
The tournament starts tomorrow at 8am, with 48 men’s teams, 24 under-21, six under-18, and eight women’s teams competing.
The finals will be on Saturday.