SPORTS

Big Role To Play For Ratu

Baber believes the Yasawa native is the future of 7s rugby in the country.
11 Jan 2020 15:28
Big Role To Play For Ratu
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s rep Napolioni Ratu (with ball) trains with Suliano Volivoli at the Uprising Beach Resort, Deuba on January 9, 2020. Photo: Simione Haravanua

Filling the shoes of playmakers like sevens legend Waisale Serevi, William Ryder and Vatemo Ravouvou to name a few is a hard ask.

Fiji is known of producing magician in the game where they create something out of nothing that often leave fans around the world mesmerised.

The odds are stacked against Fiji Airways Fijian 7s playmaker Napolioni Ratu who is coach Gareth Baber’s contenders for the role.

“I’m very confident in Ratu as a young man I saw him at the Waidigi 7s tournament about a year ago. He is developing in a space of a year,” he said.

“I’m pleased to have him and Waisea Nacuqu with Livai Ikanikoda vying for that position.Teri Tamani can also play in that position.”

Baber believes the Yasawa native is the future of 7s rugby in the country.

“He’s got the whole thing, we just got to allow him to get where he wants to be.

“Naps got the speed, kicking skills and the footwork that can leave a defender for dead.

“He came to prominence in the final against New Zealand in Paris where he was player of the match.

“We’ve done a lot of hard work developing players including Ratu.”

He made his debut for Fiji at the 2018/2019 World Sevens Series and was the best player at the Singapore 7s.

Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj



Advertise with us


Get updates from the Fiji Sun, handpicked and delivered to your inbox.


By entering your email address you're giving us permission to send you news and offers. You can opt-out at any time.


Subscribe-to-Newspaper