Vodafone Flying Fijians prop Peni Ravai described 2015 as a memorable year for him.

The Natuva, Vugalei, Tailevu native believes his hard work has finally paid off.

“A good and memorable year playing in the Pacific Nations Cup and then Rugby World Cup was a dream come true,”he said.

Ravai, 26 commended the work of local coaches and overseas coaches.

“During the RWC I worked on my scrum techniques and skills, my fitness greatly improved and next year I will continue to lift my game fitness.

“I have learnt a lot from my senior teammates, particularly the front rows.

“I want to thank Vodafone Flying Fijians head coach John McKee and scrum coach Alan Muir for helping me this year. And also former Flying Fijians coach Inoke Male and Alifereti Mocelutu for giving me my first chance to play for Fiji.”

He earned his first cap in 2013 during Europe Tour.

Scrum

There were a lot of praises in the scrums and lineouts and Ravai attributed this to being taught the right way.

“We spent time looking at and improving our technique by scrummaging against one another. 

“We worked on strength and pressure in a real scrum situation,” he said.

“Main message during training to us was concentrate on correct technique, bind high, open chest and don’t look down.

“Frans Ludeke is a great lineout coach as he showed us different options totally new to me.

“Muir brought with him more experience to the scrum coaching role and he helped me to fine-tune my scrummaging skills. I also have learnt a lot from local coaches. They helped me to get to the World Cup.

“The difference is overseas coaches teach us the building of pressure during the scrum or to hold the scrum for a longer period of time.”

Plans

Ravai plans to continue his fitness programme while waiting for the right overseas contract next year.

“I’m still busy training now waiting for the right overseas contract to come up.

“There are a few options for me for next year but I’ve yet to decide. The Pacific Rugby Cup is coming up so I am busy preparing myself for that.

“I want to wish everyone a merry Christmas and in particular my family in Natuva Village.”