Road to the Olympics

Fiji Airways Fiji men’s rugby sevens rep Solomone Nakulanisa Rauqe’s dream of playing at the Paris Olympic Games in July starts in Vancouver, Canada, next weekend.

Rauqe was one of the two players that forced their way into Ben Gollings’ 13-member squad for the Vancouver and Los Angeles tournaments.

“I want to make my way to the Olympic Games,” Rauqe said.

He hails from Tavualevu Village in Tavua with maternal links to Nasavu Village in Bua.

At the HSBC SVNS he will be coming head-to-head with another Tavualevu native Akuila Rokolisoa, who is the New Zealand sevens rugby playmaker.

Fiji Airways Fiji men’s riugby sevens debutants (left-right) Viliame Nakausa and Solomone Nakulanisa Rauqe at Nadi International Airport on February 12, 2024.. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

The vanua of Tavua is known for producing top sevens’ players like 1997 Rugby World Cup Sevens winner Manasa Bari, Senirusi Rauqe (former Fiji and Australia sevens rep), Luke Nabaro (former Hong Kong sevens rep) and Seremaia Burotu.

His namesake Solomone Nakulanisa (Snr) was the former Tavua Football Association president and coach.

Rauqe had played for Maravu Taveuni, Devo Babaas, DXC Barbarians and Saunaka at the 2024 McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens in Sigatoka.

“When my name was announced I joined the (national sevens training) squad straight away and I’m happy to be part of the team to the series,” he said.

“I will work hard and make sure that I will be a member of the team in the remainder of the seven series.”

Stay with your dream 

Meanwhile, another debutant Viliame Naikausa said he grew up watching his grandfather and former Flying Fijians captain Greg Smith play for Fiji.

Naikausa’s grandmother Annie is Smith’s sister.

“I used to watch my grandfather play for Fiji and I told myself that I would wear the white jersey one day, so here I am going for that dream,” he said.

The rugby league convert said things have happened so fast for him.

“It’s an honour and privilege because I’m representing my country,” he said.

“I will do anything for it. I’ll try to make everyone in the country proud. It’s my first time to take part in a big international sevens tournament.

“I did not know that I would be here to play for Fiji.”

Naikausa started playing sevens rugby with Ravuka Sharks (club from Yadua Village) in Nadroga. He switched to rugby league last year to play for the Kaiviti Silktails.

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj

https://poll.app.do/embed/government-ministers-illicit-drugs