Glen Cakautini is over the moon after being considered as one of the 14 players named by Vodafone Fijian 7s coach Gareth Baber for the Paris-London leg of the World Sevens Series.

And the 25-year old Lomanikoro,Rewa native aims to impress Baber as the Welshman recruits new crop of players for the Rugby Sevens World Cup (RSWC) in San Francisco and the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast in 2018.

“I am happy to be part of the 14 member squad and I believe this is just the beginning for me.

‘I’m also targeting the Commonwealth Games and RSWC next year,” said Cakautini.

“I’ve made a lot of sacrifice, played with big clubs and major tournaments.

”I’ve been injured along the way and it’s all paid off and I’m grateful.”

The former Ratu Navula College student has been playing rugby since he was in primary school.

“When my mother died in 2009, it gave me the urge to survive on my own, to achieve my goals despite the challenges. I want to thank the Lord Almighty for getting me this far in my rugby career.

“I feel great and thankful to be part of the team and to train with Olympians. It is exciting just to be here and it has been really tough going through the training sessions that the senior players go through.”

Dranisinukula grateful

Forward Paula Dranisinukula, 27 was overwhelmed to be part of the team as well.

“I thank the Lord for this opportunity,” the Navuniivi, Navitilevu, Ra native said.

“Doors have opened for me when I went to the Singapore Sevens as the 14th player. I am really looking forward to hopefully making my debut in either Paris or London.

“I thank my wife for always being there for me. I also thank all the supporters, my family, my village, and my parents.”

 Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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