A trip to the village allowed Sosiceni Masiwaka the opportunity to showcase his rugby skills.  It paid off when he was selected to be part of Team Fiji 7s rugby team to the Commonwealth Youth Games in Apia, Samoa next month.

The 18-year-old is from Nukubalavu, Cakaudrove. He was playing in a tournament in Naidi when he was sighted.

“I attend John Wesley College so my school couldn’t participate in Vanua Levu so I joined the QVS tens team.

“It was that performance in Vanua Levu that caught the eyes of the selectors,” Masiwaka said.

They participated in a tournament in Naidi where he was pulled aside by rugby manager Paula Biu.

“When I returned to Suva, I did not think much about the tournament.

“But then the rugby manager started looking for me and thought I went to QVS, before one of the boys we played with told them I attended John Wesley,” he said.

The year 11 student said he was surprised when he was chosen in the extended squad and was the first person in his family to ever represent the country in any sport.

“I come from a family of seven siblings this has helped me be a better athlete because my brothers and sisters always push me to be better,” he said.

Sosiceni said this was a stepping stone for him to be a better athlete and person.

“I will grab this opportunity and try my best to make it to the senior team and hopefully one day I get to wear the white jersey.”

The 7s team is currently training at Pacific Harbour under the watchful eyes of Vodafone Fijians 7s head coach Ben Ryan.

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