Here to learn: Nawalu
Japanese 7s start preparation for 2020 Olympics as they play in the Oceania 7s
The Japan rugby sevens team are in the country to play in the Oceania 7s tournament as they prepare for next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo.
The Japanese side jetted into the country yesterday and are led by technical coaching staff Paulo Nawalu. Nawalu is a former national 7s and fifteens halfback. He played at the 1984 Hong Kong 7s where they beat New Zealand 28-0 in the Cup final and later played at the 1987 Rugby World Cup where they reached the quarterfinals.
“The bigger picture here is to find reps to represent Japan at the Olympic Games in 2020,” he told SUNsports.
“It is nine months from now. We did this for the Rio Olympics as we came to the Marist 7s so that is similar to this.
“We are here to mix around with those that know sevens. And play with top teams here.
“This is also a good built-up for the Oceania Sevens as well. We are in the Western side and we are going to play against teams like First Landing, BLK Stallions and Drifters.
“What the team lack is the natural skills so we are here to learn. The best way is to play with local teams and get into the tournament.
“We got to get lot of experience before the Olympics.”
Nawalu who has been with the Japan Rugby Union, mainly developing 7s since 1991 has seen the sport grow there.
He feels there is more to do and there is no other better place to prepare then in Fiji.
At the 2016 Olympic Games, Japan narrowly missed out on the bronze medal which was won by the Blitzboks. But the Japanese had upset New Zealand before bowing out 20-7 to Fiji in the semi-final.
The side depart for Suva on November 4.