For the first time a system is in place where rural and island teams can thoroughly iden­tify, select and nurture talented rugby players who could be draft­ed into the Fiji men’s and women’s training squads.

This has seen the setting up of the Grassroots Sevens tournament, which could become a beacon of hope for rural, village and island rugby teams.

The tournament is put together by former Fijian 7s and Flying Fijians star winger, Sireli Bobo.

Bobo is one of the many star players who was first identified playing for a village team in rural sevens tournaments.

9081034/9420087 teams interested can call these mobile numbers.

Speaking to SUNsports, yesterday, Bobo said the tournament, which is set for November 11-12 at Thomson Park in Navua, was designed for de­veloping teams only.

“There will be no big teams (or big names) playing in the tournament. This tournament is designed to be the talent identification for rural and island players, who can join the national sevens side. The goal for this tournament is to get these teams (and players) recognised by the selectors.”

Bobo said star players like Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Marika Vunibaka and Vilimoni Delasau were all iden­tified from a rural team.

So too, is the latest 7s sensation, Kaminieli Rasaku. He was first identified at a sevens tournament

in Ra while playing for the Roko­vuaka Youth 7s team before he was invited to play for Uluinakau Babaas.

“I believe this tournament will produce more x-factors who will don the national 7s colours,” Bobo said.

“There are talented players out there in the islands and rural areas who wants an opportunity to make it big. We want to identify and de­velop the next William Ryder, Vili­moni Botitu, Sireli Maqala or Sem­isi Naevo.

“The problem here is that we are so focused on the big sevens’ tour­naments that we tend to forget about these small teams. They have the players that can make it big, all they need is somewhere to start.

“On many occasions these small teams just participate in bigger sevens tournament at the same time losing in pool play. Most times these big teams overshadow this small team’s performance in bigger tournaments where they just reach the pool games.

“This tournament will allow teams to show their full potential and what they are made out of. This will be a tournament for these de­veloping teams and at the same time give the selectors an opportu­nity to see and identify the talents.”

Bobo has urged developing teams to come out and play in the tourna­ment.

“To all the rural teams please come out and participate in this tournament. Who knows the next Iosefo Masi or Elia Canakaivata might come from your village.”

He said they were hoping to get 32 men’s team to battle for the $5000 prize money. Sixteen women’s team will also have a chance to win $5000 while eight Under-21 teams will contest the $1000 prize money.

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