Learning From Jerry Helps Me Become Better: Bukayaro

Plucky Fijian Barbarians halfback Filipo Bukayaro was surprised when named the 46th Fiji Bitter Marist 7s Play­er of the Tournament on Saturday night.

The Natewa, Cakaudrove, native who shares maternal links to Lave­na in Taveuni, dedicated the award to his dad, Napolioni Bukayaro.

The former Ratu Kadavulevu School student also hope to make his international debut at the HSBC World Sevens Series in Sin­gapore, which is from April 9-10.

“Before the final, I prayed so I could play to my best,” he said.

“I did not dream of being selected the best player, this was a surprise. This award is for my dad who came from the village to watch the Marist 7s.

The 22-year-old was selected into the national 7s squad after the fourth leg of the Fiji Rugby Un­ion sanctioned Fun Flavour Super Sevens Series where he played for Army Green.

He indicated that Olympic Games double gold medallist, Jerry Tu­wai, had been his inspiration.

“We both come from the Tikina of Natewa. I have learnt a lot from senior players in the squad, es­pecially Tuwai as we play in the same position.

“He teaches me a lot of things about the game. He is straight for­ward with me whenever I do not do certain things right.”

Bukayaro was one of two new players named along with Tuwai in the team that was to play in Spain, but it did not eventuate due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have been training for about 10 weeks now, preparing for the Singapore 7s and my aim is to maintain my performance during training and also while playing,” he said.

Bukayaro started his rugby ca­reer with the Dominion Broth­ers Under-21 side that went on to win the Wairiki 7s tournament in Taveuni. He joined Army soon af­ter that.

He attended Nasinu Secondary School and later moved to RKS where he was part of the rugby team that lifted the Deans Trophy in 2017.

Bukayaro attended Wainikeli District School and Natewa Dis­trict School for his primary school education.

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj