Fiji Airways Sevens extend­ed squad member Semi ‘The Beast’ Semi Kunata­ni is now focused on working on his endurance and speed.

The Naveyago, Nadroga Na­vosa native is part of the Heart International Barbarians side playing in the first leg of the Fun Flavour Super Seven Series at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka this weekend.

“I have faith and keeping my fingers crossed to play in the next leg of the World Rugby Sev­ens Series but first I have to ac­complish the programme set for me now,” he said.

Kunatani, now weighs 110 kilo­grammes; he has lost six kilos since marching into camp with the extended squad. He was 103 kilos when he was part of the gold winning 2016 Rio Olympics.

“I have a lot of homework to do; this includes dropping my weight, gain more endurance and pick up more speed.”

Kunatani last played for Ya­macia in the local sevens tour­nament in 2014 before he was drafted into the Commonwealth Games and 2016 Olympics.

He had scored a total of 37 tries in the 2014-2015 World Rugby Sevens series and was named in three World Rugby Dream Teams at Gold Coast, Las Vegas and Glasgow legs.

“It has been a while since I have been part of a sevens meet. It has been like more than six years.

“It is so good to be back, sevens is the best sport to play.

“Then there have been a lot of changes and new approach in the players’ strength and their participation.”

Kunatani has been away be­cause of injury.

“I have been working very hard the last two years after my in­jury,” he said.

“It is good to be back with the boys as we share knowledge from our experience.”

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj