Dual international Lote Tuqiri is soon to be added to the Rugbytown Walk of Fame in Sigatoka.

The 36-year-old, who grew up in the nearby village of Namatakula, will accept the accolade during the Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast 7s in January.

“Being asked to join several legends of the game on the Walk of Fame is a real honour,” said Tuqiri who played at the highest level for more than 15 years.  “Coming from the Coral Coast it is always nice to visit home and I look forward to seeing friends and family at the tournament in January.”

Waisale Serevi, David Campese, Jonah Lomu, Ben Gollings, Viliame Satala and Karl Te Nana are the other names on the Walk of Fame, a Hollywood-style series of plaques on the main street of Sigatoka.

“We are thrilled to add one of the Coral Coast’s famous sons to the Walk of Fame,” said Jay Whyte, Founding Chairman of the Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast Sevens.

“Lote has achieved so much in his career in both rugby union and rugby league and is an inspiration to the youngsters of his village and in fact to all the people of Fiji.”

Tuqiri moved to Australia in his teens and joined the Brisbane Broncos as an 18-year old.  After representing Fiji at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup, he played for Queensland and Australia before switching to the Waratahs in 2002, playing in 67 Tests for the Wallabies.

The winger played in two Rugby World Cups, scoring in the final against England in 2003, and also at the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games rugby 7s with fellow Wallabies Scott Fava, Matt Giteau and Chris Latham.

Sixteen men’s and 16 women’s teams will participate in the sixth Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast 7s on January 14-16.

Bayleys Fiji Coral Coast 7s

Feedback:  oseab@fijisun.com.fj