Napolioni Ratu Raring For Chance In Hong Kong

Debutant Napolioni Ratu is ready to put his body on the line for the Fiji Airway Fijian 7s team at the Hong Kong 7s on April 5-7.

The 22-year-old Viwa, Yasawa na­tive is among the 14-member team that departed our shores yesterday morning for the Hong Kong/Singa­pore leg of the HSBC World Sevens Series.

“I had dreamt on a couple of occa­sions to be part of the sevens team,” Ratu said.

“It took me some time as there were awesome players in there but I did not lose hope and said to myself that there is a lot of work needed.”

The Gareth Baber-coached side will be defending their title in Hong Kong, a victory that could spark a push for the overall HSBC World Sev­ens Series.

Ratu was scouted by Baber while playing for Wadigi 7s last year and was drafted into the side.

“This is a tough job to play in Hong Kong and I will do my best. I thank the supporters from home and the Wadigi club executives.”

He is the cousin of former national sevens rep Jone Daunivucu.

Baber said Ratu has been with the team since the off-season.

“As a young man, he is learning as well. His movement to get into the team hasn’t been a straight line; it is never a straight line,” he added.

“Anybody tells you that it is a straight line in development it is not.”

He added that he had several con­versations with Ratu about the game.

“I think off the field there is no problem,” Baber said.

“I have found that the Fijian boys are most communal, most friendly, team oriented people I have ever met.

“It comes from the society here in Fiji. It is a big jells to have on a rugby field.”

Edited by Sheldon Chanel

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