"Interested"

Two members of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua team have shown their interest in representing the Fiji men’s rugby sevens side in the Paris, Olympics in France.

The Olympic Games is from July 26 to August 11 and Fiji has won the sevens rugby gold medal at the 2016 and 2020 events.

The players are winger Taniela Rakuro and openside flanker Kitione Salawa.

Rakuro confirmed to SUNsports on Saturday that he has set his eyes on representing either the Flying Fijians or the Fiji men’s sevens side at the Olympics.

I will commit to whichever team approaches me first, first come first serve basis, he told SUNsports.

It’ll be a dream come true, if I can represent either one of these two teams in July.

The Flying Fijians are playing a Test match against the All Blacks on July 20 in San Diego, United States of America.

Rakuro had dedicated their 24 - 17 win against Moana Pasifika to his family and the fans.

I’ll thankful to God for giving me the stamania and strength to showcase my talent in the match against Moana Pasifika, he said.

Rakuro scored two tries in the win and was impressive throughout the match with his ability to burst through tackles and his strong defence.

When I got the ball from Iosefo Masi, I was confident that I was going to score a try to make the team and fans proud, he recalled.

Rakuro said they would have to win their remaining games to have a chance in the quarterfinals.

We also want to win our away games as well to prepare for the final stage.

When we don’t get selected for the Match 23 for the Fijian Drua, it’s good to lift our fitness in the Skipper Cup competition to lift our playing capabilities in rugby.

Rakuro said the team would need to work together as a unit to get their first away win of the season.

I hope to lock this position in the remaining games as we have a lot of classy wingers like Selestino Ravutaumada and Epeli Momo who has experience in France, he said.

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua winger Taniela Rakuro dives to score his second try against Moana Pasifika on April 27, 2024. Photo: Josua Buredua

I was recruited from the Skipper Cup right to the Fijian Drua set-up so I’m working harder to keep my spot. Similar sentiment was echoed by Salawa who indicated he would need to work harder to be considered for the Flying Fijians Test against the All Blacks.

I’m not sure yet but a lot of people want me to try out for the Olympic Games but if it is God’s will for me to be in the Olympics then I will follow suit, he said.

I would like to take a crack at the Olympic Games but if I don’t get selected then I will see other options like the Flying Fijians.

Salawa was part of the Fiji men’s rugby sevens training squad for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Salawa said Drua head coach Mick Byrne has urged them to work hard for the remaining games to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.

We will need to improve our defensive structure and maintain possession in our next match, he said.

We will need to work together, cut out the offloads and maintain the ball if we are to reach the semi-finals as well.

Salawa said the team had regrouped after their 38-15 loss to the Hurricanes in Suva two weeks ago.

I like to thank the fans for their massive support especially to the ones that travelled down to Lautoka, he said.

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