The New Caledonian men’s rugby 7s team are here to learn more about the sport. Arriving at Nadi International Airport yesterday, the team officials stated that they have high hopes of doing well in this weekend’s Oceania Sevens Championship.

The New Caledonian side are in Pool B where they face Australia, Samoa, Cook Islands, and Solomon Islands.

Debutant player, Matthew Masimitoga said, they have found themselves in the pool of death with heavy odds stacked against them.

“It is good to be here and for many of us it’s our first time,” he said.

“We are looking to have a good experience and the weather should be alright. We are expecting things to be tough against Australia and Cook Islands. Our target is to win a match at least and move on I guess.”

Masimitoga said it is a good learning curve for them.

“All are local boys from New Caledonia, and we’ve been training for two months and we’re trying to know each other’s play since we are from different clubs.”

The side will be banking on 25-year-old winger Seifo Siega to do the damage out wide.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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