Former national sevens rover and Nadi centre Sanivalati Ramuwai is targeting a spot in the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians side to the 2019 Rug­by World Cup in Japan.

And for the Matawailevu, Ra native the first step to his dream is to bolster the Westfield Barbarians side in the 2018 Fiji Bitter Marist Sevens tournament.

“The last time I played for Westfield at the Marist Sev­ens was in 2013 where we last won the two-day tourna­ment,” Ramuwai who had playing stints in Sri Lanka and France said yesterday.

“I made my debut for the national sevens team in the 2013/14 World Sevens Series under coach Ben Ryan.”

In 2013 Westfield Barbarians under the guidance of the late fitness guru Epeli Lagiloa won majority of the sevens’ tournaments in the country. That year a few members of the club joined the national sevens team. They were Ramuwai, Pio Tuwai, Samuela Saqiwa, Waisea Nacuqu and Vatemo Ravouvou.

The 28-year-old is expected to leave for France in June and participating in the Marist Sevens tourna­ment will boost his game time.

“After sustaining injuries, my main aim is to play in this local sevens tournament and lift my fitness and skill level. I’m expecting a tough competition come the Marist Sevens tournament and also the Martintar Sevens next week. There are a lot of talented players in the rugby sevens arena in the country,” he added.

The Fiji Bitter Marist Sevens tournament will be on March 23-24 at the ANZ Stadium, Suva.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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