Three players who won gold for Fiji at the 2016 Rio Olympics will feature for Jack’s Nadi in the inaugural Skipper Provincial Rugby 10s on Saturday.

Since the Olympics, Vatemo Ravouvou, Samisoni Viriviri and Kitione Taliga will play for the first time together for the jetsetters at Bidesi Park in the C J Patel sponsored event.

Ravouvou will feature at halfback, Taliga at first-five eight and Viriviri at outside centre.

Team manager Lasaro Rabaka said they have been preparing from last year.

“We have some well known and upcoming players who have been preparing from last year. We have our three Olympians Viriviri, Taliga and Ravouvou boosting the team.

“They are definitely likely to be on the run on team.

Nadi Rugby 10s team on January 10, 2018. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

“They gelled well into the Nadi team culture with strong performance in the club games last year and the off season before Christmas. They have boosted the morale team with their input and presence.

“Preparation has been well and the boy’s response has been positive for the Skipper 10s.”

He added only the toughest and fittest will survive 10s competition.

“It is a very tough competition and we respect other provincial teams.

Rabaka said the competition has come at the right time.

“This is the right time for our players to make an impression with Brisbane Global 10s in February and the Skipper Cup resuming in April.”

Also in the Nadi 10s squad are  Sainivalati Ramuwai, Inia Naqia, Fijian U20 rep Filimoni Botitu, Veniona Toga, Turuva Lumelume, Nadi football striker Semesa Muadonu, former Northland centre Mesake Tuinamena and veteran prop John Jackson makes a return since last playing for Nadi in 2010.

2018 Skipper Provincial Rugby 10s Draws

G1; 9am: Nadroga- Malolo; 9:22 Suva- Navosal 9:44 Nadroga-Naitasiri; 10:06 Malolo – Navosa; 10:28 Nadi-Namosi;  10:50 Suva- Rewa; 11:34 Nadroga- Navosa; 11:56 Malolo –Rewa; 12:18pm; Nadroga-Namosi; 12:40 Navosa- Rewa; 1:02 Naitasiri- Suva; 1:46 Nadroga vs Rewa,2:08pm; Namosi vs Suva, 2:30 Rewa- Nadi; 2:52 Namosi –Malolo; 3:14 Navosa-Naitasiri; 3:58 Nadroga-Nadi; 4:20 Rewa-Naitasiri.

G2; 9am:  Nadi –Naitasiri;  9:22 Rewa- Namosi

G1; 5:04pm; Semi Final 1; Pool A winner- Pool A 4TH place, 5:26pm; Semi Final 2 Pool A Runner Up vs 3rd Place; 6.32pm final.

Edited by Osea Bola

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