Olympian and 2014 World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, Samisoni Viriviri, is ready to play for Fiji if given a chance.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday the soft spoken utility back said everything depends on what head coach Gareth Baber wants.

The Dratabu, Nadi, native said he still had got what it takes to help the Fijian men’s sevens team win the Tokyo Olympic Games gold medal.

The Tokyo Olympic Games will be from July 23 to August 8, this year

“I’ve been training well and if the time comes I’m ready to represent Fiji,” Viriviri said.

He was the secret weapon of the Ben Ryan’s coached side that won gold at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Viriviri was put at rover in the final against Great Britain and was the architect of the early tries that resulted in Fiji’s 43-7 victory.

Viriviri reiterated that playing in the Olympics is not for the feint-hearted but for those who can take on the challenge.

“Playing in the Olympics is a totally different ball game and the preparations should be different than any other tournament,” he said.

Form of old

Viriviri like Kitione Taliga, is slowly finding the form of old.

Last month, Viriviri was the unsung hero of the Police Blue side that won the first leg of the Super Sevens Series.

He scored crucial tries during the playoffs and his running lines saw him make try saving tackles in the final against Raiwasa Taveuni.

“I’ll continue to train with the Police side. I’m rested this week because I had a minor injury from the last tournament,” Viriviri said.

Good move

“Good preparations will determine a good performance that will set the par for a good game in a tournament.”

He also hailed Baber for allowing his squad to play in the local sevens tournaments.

“Baber is doing a great job in making sure the Fiji squad have all the important game time they need ahead of the Olympics,” he said.

“Especially, when the borders are closed and overseas competitions have been called off.

“It’s good to see the boys are working on their combinations and that is a good sign moving forward.

“Also it will help the boys in terms of their fitness and their knowledge of the sevens games,” Viriviri added.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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