Coming To Learn
There is a possibility the Japan national men’s rugby 7s team will be participating at the Duavata Sevens tournament at the Ra Sports Complex in Rakiraki, next weekend.
The side arrives into the country this Sunday and will be doing a couple of scrimmage sessions in the West.
The Japanese side is here to prepare for the USA 7s in Los Angeles which is from August 27-28 and followed by Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town, South Africa, on September 7-9.
At the USA 7s, Japan is in Pool A along with Australia, Spain and Argentina.
Japan had booked in early to play in the Fiji Bitter Nahehevia 7s tournament at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka scheduled for August 11.13; the tournament has been deferred to give way to the Inkk Farebrother challenge between holders Nadroga and B-division winner Yasawa.
Speaking to SUNsports Duavata Sevens tournament organizer Vetaia Koro said with news that the Japanese side is going to play in their tournament (August 12-13) has created a lot of excitement.
“There is a lot of buzz around the province of Ra when people heard about Japan’s inclusion. This is the main Japanese side with the likes of Kameli Soejima, Moeki Fukushi, Sitaleki Taufa and Kazuma Nakagawa,” Koro said.
“I believe they are here to test their combinations for the Los Angles 7s tournament. Another important tournament that they are preparing for is the Sevens Rugby World Cup in South Africa.
“They are here to get some quality game time and we thank them for choosing Fiji and the Duavata Sevens tournament. They will add a lot of experience and depth in the tournament and our clubs will learn a lot from them.
“There so much hype, they are the talk of the town right now.
“This is a great opportunity for fans to see international players play.
“Their participation has even roped in more teams from the area. For us the organizers, this is a big boost for us to have an international team participating in the Duavata 7s competition.”
Koro said the Japanese team’s logistics manager called him a few days ago and asked for a space in the tournament.
“We didn’t hold back, we offered them a spot,” he said.
“The Japanese players with their head coach Koichi Umeda are going to be the tournament favourites as fans are looking forward to seeing them.”
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