Salabiau Sours High
There is no doubt that this is bound to be the start of the bigger things that will come Waisake’s way.” Sefanaia Seruvatu Former coach
Waisake Salabiau’s lifting the Most Valuable Player (male) trophy at the end of the two-day World Schools sevens tournament in New Zealand on Sunday was expected.
The former Marist Brothers Primary School (Suva Street) lock forward, was described as a hardworking student by his primary
school coach Sefanaia Seruvatu yesterday.
The Kiuva, Bau, Tailevu native played for the New Zealand school boys Under-18 sevens side that defeated Samoa 19-7 in the final at the Pakuranga Rugby Club grounds on Sunday.
Salabiau, 17, in 2018, was awarded a five-year scholarship to study at the Rotorua Boys High School in Rotorua, New Zealand.
Seruvatu told SUNsports that Salabiau
was destined for greatness.
“There is no doubt that this is bound to be the start of the bigger things that will come Waisake’s way,” Seruvatu said.
“He is disciplined, quiet, hardworking and an achiever, the sevens tournament is a good platform for him, the opportunity is there for him to sour internationally,” he said.
“I’m not surprised with his achievements; he is a role model not only to his Marist brothers but to aspiring young men eyeing professional and international rugby.
“He was an active student, never lazy to train every day, he always comes prepared.
“Waisake’s main drive to his success is his father Avenai Salabiau who is always supporting when he was at Suva St.
“His father was not like others who would just come to pick their son up after training.
“This guy would literally wait for Waisale to finish training then they’ll leave together, he was a hands on parent.
“Parental support like that speaks volume of the achievements of their children and this is one sterling example.
“I remember Waisake taking time to settle down in his new environment back in 2018; his father is always encouraging him. He has settled down and by next year when he completes his five-year scholarship he could be viewing some lucrative deals.”
Meanwhile the World Schools 7s recommenced last weekend after a two-year hiatus, with the participation of more than 30 U18 girls and boys teams from New Zealand, Australia, Japan and South Africa.
“World Schools is a top-quality tournament where teams challenge themselves against some of the best talent from across the world,” former Australian sevens and Waratah coach Michael Hodge said.
Hodge’s squad included several standouts from the Rugby Australia U18 programmes, including Oscar Jorgensen, cousin of Waratah Max, and Rocco Gollings, son of England Sevens legend and Fiji national sevens head coach Ben.
The schoolgirls’ final was won by Japan SDS, they beat the Australian U18 side, 24-19.