Bolaca Wants More Game Time

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua first five eight Napolioni ‘Naps’ Bolaca wants more game time. Bolaca was one of the five Fijian Drua players who arrived last week head of others in preparation for their only Su­per Rugby Pacific home match against the Highlanders at the ANZ stadium on Saturday.

Tuesday 26 April 2022 | 16:00

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua utility back Napolioni Bolaca flicks a pass during training. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games gold medallist is hopeful of making the Match 23 squad for Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Highlanderers at the ANZ Stadium in Suva. Photo: Stephen Tremain Photography

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua utility back Napolioni Bolaca flicks a pass during training. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games gold medallist is hopeful of making the Match 23 squad for Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Highlanderers at the ANZ Stadium in Suva. Photo: Stephen Tremain Photography

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua first five eight Napolioni ‘Naps’ Bolaca wants more game time.

Bolaca was one of the five Fijian Drua players who arrived last week head of others in preparation for their only Su­per Rugby Pacific home match against the Highlanders at the ANZ stadium on Saturday.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games gold medallist and Yasawa flyer made his de­but against the Brumbies in the Super Rugby Pacific early this season.

“I want more game time, at the same time work on extra fitness, that is im­portant to get the thumps up for selec­tion,” Bolaca said.

“I am not losing hope as I have been keeping up and working hard. We are all competing hard for selection,” he said.

“To be in the Super Rugby is a big leap, it is very much professional. It is tough­er than the Skipper Cup. It is more of a thinking game.

“I was elated to put on the Drua jersey against the Brumbies, the atmosphere was a different story.

The former Fiji sevens rep added that he made a lot of changes to his normal preparation routine when representing Fiji in Super Rugby.

While there are changes to his diets, training and sleeping he has been able to hold his fort well.

Eight months away from home has been tough on Bolaca.

“It has been tough to be separated from my family for eight months.

“Lucky we have the Messenger (Face­book), this has allowed me to communi­cate regularly with my family.

“To be home now, is a relieve I am thankful to be here a few days earlier than the others.

Bolaca urges all Fijians to turn up at the ANZ stadium in numbers to sup­port and cheer for the Fijian Drua.

“Do support the Drua team. I will give my best to make supporters and my family proud if I am given a chance to run on against Highlanders.”

The Fijian Drua versus Highlanders match kicks off at 4.35pm.

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj



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