Uluinakau trained in the sand dunes to improve  their fitness in time for the Mana Whey Coral Coast 7s on January 18-21 at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka.

Coach Josevata Bola said fitness had been a problem for the team.

“We trained in the sand dunes in Sigatoka last Friday so things are looking good,” Bola said.

Finishing as runners up at the Central Coast 7s in Australia last year, Bola knows what the team is capable of and aims to have a good outing at the Coral Coast 7s.

“Our performance at the Central Coast 7s should motivate the boys to do well,”he said.

“We have 15 new boys in the team and they provide more options for us  to pick the final squad.”

Also looking forward to the Coral Coast 7s is the youngest member on the team, Alipate Qaraniqio who is 20-years-old and comes from Sigatoka Village.

Representing the national team is Qaraniqio’s ultimate dream and is hoping he gets noticed during the tournament.

“I really want to thank the Lord for getting me this far in my life and in the sport that I love playing,” he said.

“Playing for the first time in the Coral Coast 7s will be a challenge for me.

“But I want to showcase what I am capable of and I’m blessed to be with the Uluinakau team. I’m thankful to them for allowing me to be part of the team.”

The Mana Whey Coral Coast 7s will be held on January 18-21 at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka.

Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback:  ranobab@fijisun.com.fj