Former Vodafone Fijian Bati captain Petero Civoniceva was one of the seven players that were awarded the “Golden Cap” by the Rugby League International Federation in Leeds, London on Wednesday night.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday Fiji National Rugby League executive chairman Peni Musunamasi said as Civoniceva’s contribution as a Fiji Bati captain saw him attain the 51 Caps category.

“As executive chairman it was an honour to receive the Golden Cap on Petero’s behalf for his achievement and I’m glad that he is also giving something back to Fiji,” Musunamasi said.

“Together we can point FNRL to the right direction for the betterment and exposure of our talented youths of Fiji.”

The RLIF is recognising all of those very special players who have made 50 or more international appearances in their career.

RLIF chairman, John Grant presented the Golden Caps at a celebration dinner in Leeds

“We are honouring seven players who have reached the magical number of 50 international appearances in their career.

“Rugby league is a tough sport as we all know, and to collect together 50 or more appearances is a remarkable achievement and as the chair of the RLIF, it is a pleasure to be able to recognise those wonderful players with the award of a golden cap.

“I look forward to this number growing as more players get more opportunities to play more international rugby league.”

The recipients of the caps are:

Jim Sullivan: 1921 – 1934 54 Internationals  Wales, England and GB

Mick Sullivan: 1954 – 1962 50 Internationals England and GB

Ruben Wiki: 1994 – 2006 55 Internationals New Zealand

Adrian Morley:  1996 – 2012 53 Internationals England and GB

Darren Lockyer: 1997 – 2011 59 Internationals  Australia

Petero Civoniceva:  2001–2014 51 Internationals Australia and Fiji

Cameron Smith: 2006 – 2017 56 Internationals Australia

Edited by Osea Bola

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