Fijiana Olympian bronze medallist Viniana Riwai has been assisting the Macuata women’s sevens team in their preparations for the Fiji Bitter Wairiki tournament which starts today in Taveuni.

Riwai missed out on the recent Dubai sevens as she has signed a contract to play in Japan starting next month.

Coach former Fijiana rep Motu Lalagavesi said: “We are using this opportunity to play against more exposed and experienced teams.”

“This is also a chance for our players to showcase their talents,” she said.

“ The girls know that there will be a lot of teams from Viti Levu coming over and the competition will be tough.

“We’ve been invited to many tournaments but we always declined due to lack of funds.

Lalagavesi has had to pay for the team’s registration fees for the Wairiki sevens tournament.

“I’ve asked the players to pay for their fare while I also take care of the meals and accommodation.”

During rugby season headcount at Lalagavesi’s residence usually jump up to 25 people.

Now that her house was destroyed by Tropical Cyclone Yasa; players make their arrangements to get where the team is training.

“We have been training at Subrail Park, we have been working on our weak areas and at the same time help develop the players’ playing skills,” she added.

The former Fijiana XVs rep said she has coached a handful of players from Macuata who have advanced ahead to play in the national women’s teams – sevens and 15s.

The Macuata women’s 15s rugby team won the 2020 Vodafone Vanua Championship title

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