Super Opportunity For Our Young Players

Fijian 7s head coach Gareth Baber have proved that young players can be game changers.

Olympians like Jiuta Wainiqolo, Iosefo Masi, Sireli Maqala with some provincial players like Chris Minibi, Taniela Sadrugu, Talala Tokaibai, and Flying Fijians scrumhalf Simione Kuruvoli have set the platform in the biggest stage of them all.

Now with the inclusion of the Fijian Drua in the Super Rugby Pacific our young players have the opportunity to make it big.

With the Skipper Cup competition looming the challenge is for our provincial coaches to introduce new and young players to the competition.

Baber said it’s an asset to involve and introduce new players in a team.

“I know what a young players drive, ambition and energy brings to the team alongside experienced, tactical and technical old head players that know the game,” he said.

“I have a good understanding of what young people bring to a team and there’s always a balance you have to strike in recruiting into your team between the experience you need like Jerry Tuwai, Kalione Nasoko and my decision to take Semi Radradra to the Olympics.”

Baber Inspired

“Having people who have good leadership qualities, people who understands the pressure and the scrutiny where they can talk us through it and be a model for others,” Baber said.

“I’m so inspired by some of these young players with the energy and the drive in what they are able to create in a short period of time.

“Seen the surprise on their faces when they do it, like Iosefo Masi so Seremaia Bai spoke to me about this back row who play at rover in 15’s and played for Uluinakau he definitely has something.

“To see how his develop now and seen him in that podium he was still shocked on that podium but he was good for it playing in the competition with a broken arm.”

Fair enough that now is the time for our players to start adapting to professionalism.

As confirmed by Fiji Rugby Union High Performance Unit manager Simon Raiwalui the Drua system will touch all levels of rugby.

That’s a cue for all young rugby players to start setting their goals and making wise decision about their rugby career especially the Super Rugby.

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians halfback, Simione Kuruvoli, passes the ball during the Test Match against the All Blacks at Forsyth Barr Stadium on July 10, 2021 in Dunedin, New Zealand. Young players like Kuruvoli have proved themselves and could be selected to be part of the Fijian Drua in the Super Rugby Pacific 2022.