To be named captain of the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team to the HSBC World Sevens Series was something Tevita Daugunu never dreamed of.

“It was unexpected,” he told SUNsports yesterday as they flew out to play in this weekend’s Singapore 7s tournament.

The Saqani, Cakaudrove, native, said what made him confident was the support of the senior players in the squad.

“I was not pressured because experienced players like Josua Vakurunabili, Jerry Tuwaiand Waisea Nacuqu backed me up,” he said.

Daugunu is the older brother of Wallabies and Reds winger Filipo Daugunu, who played his 50th Super Rugby game last Saturday.

“For me, my dream was to represent Fiji.”

“After the (Sevens) World Cup and Commonwealth Games, then maybe I will try out Super Rugby or go for an overseas contract.”

Fans Expectations
The Fijians won the Singapore 7s tournament in 2018. Now they are in Pool D alongside Ireland, France and Japan.

Daugunu said, they are aware of the expectations of their fans.

“The main message that we are being reminded of was to deliver according to the expectations of our fans,” he added.

“Our fans don’t care if there are new players in the team or a new coach or management, all they want is for the team to win.”

“That is why we are well-prepared and ready to go and deliver our best so that we can produce good results,” Daugunu added.

Why Daugunu?
Head coach Ben Gollings said Daugunu has been captaining the side during this time and has been fantastic.

“He has shown great leadership qualities and he will certainly be assisted by season campaigners and experienced players in the squad” said Gollings.

The Singapore 7s will be on Saturday and Sunday followed by the Vancouver 7s in Canada on April 16-17.

Fijian 7s squad: Josua Vakurinabili, Joseva Talacolo, Jeremaia Matana, Tevita Daugunu {c}, Elia Canakaivata, Iowane Raturaciri, Pilipo Bukayaro, Waisea Nacuqu {v/c}, Jerry Tuwai, Iowane Teba, Kaminieli Rasaku, Vuiviawa Naduvalo, Josevani Soro, Tira Wilagi

Feedback: mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj