Rugby league clubs noticed his blistering speed, power and footwork during the World Nines at the Bankwest Stadium in Sydney, Australia, last weekend.

And Vodafone Fijian Bati head coach Brandon Costin confirmed a few NRL clubs have showed interest on signing up local-based winger Maika Tudravu.

But the Army Bears speedster wanted to have a crack in the World Sevens Series for the Gareth Baber-coached Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team.

The Suva –based soldier said he’s ready to make the switch to sevens rugby if given the opportunity.

“I understand how much of a boost it will be for my playing career to be part of the national sevens team and play in the World Sevens Series,” Tudravu said.

“Sevens rugby is the biggest sport in the country and every young players dream is to don the white jersey. To be given the opportunity to play sevens is an honour and I would love to play for Fiji.”

He said at the moment he’s looking at whatever opportunity that may come his way either in rugby league or union.

“I’ve been playing rugby all my life. I started playing rugby league last year so the switch would not be that hard because I know the game inside out.

“I believe I’m fast so I would like to use it in sevens because with a lot space anything can happen when you have speed to burn.”

The World Nines tournament was an opportunity for the Army Bears speedster to get the much needed experience with the big boys of rugby league.

“I was excited to play for the Bati and at the Nines where I played against the best rugby league players in the world. It was a good exposure for me and a lot of learnings but the experience was something else to be playing in front of thousands of people. There was only one thing in my mind and that was to get the ball and score tries, which I did in all our games.”

Meanwhile, the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s squad continues training today at Albert Park for the Oceania 7s Championship at the ANZ Stadium, Suva on November 7-9.

The World Sevens Series kicks off in Dubai on December 5-7 and Baber’s men are Pool A with France, Argentina and Spain.

The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s are in Pool B with Australia, Spain and Ireland.

Edited by Osea Bola

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