Former Vodafone national sevens playmaker Peni Gaunimeke is eager to win his way back into the national training squad for the 2016/17 World Sevens Series.

The former Red Rock and Police 7s star played for Uro Kadavu during the Vodafone Tiliva Sevens tournament in Kadavu yesterday.

“I’m happy to come and play in Tiliva and it is also exciting to see a big crowd from villagers that were here for the past two days to support their teams,” he said.

“I know that this is going to be a big challenge for me and I’m hoping to showcase my talent and hopeful wear that white jersey again.”

Gaunimeke said he is focused on playing for his club and to help upcoming players.

“The last tournament I played in was during the Marist 7s where I played for Tabadamu as we won in the final. My expectation from this tournament is to win and show the people of Tiliva that we’ve got some new talents in the team who are capable of joining the national team in future,” he added.

Uro Kadavu coach Sireli Naqelevuki feels the tournament will create a good platform for the villagers to showcase their talent.

“I feel this tournament will allow raw talents to be exposed and with the inclusion of teams from outside of Kadavu, this will surely lift the standard of rugby on the island. One factor that I need to consider as a coach for my team is to keep the players organised during the game and play according to the game plan,” Naqelevuki added.

Meanwhile, Gaunimeke led Uro Kadavu to win the Vodafone Tiliva Sevens tournament. They beat 205 Dive Waisomo 17-12 in the Cup final.