Ropate Rere Debuts, Suliano Volivoli Returns for Perth 7s
“I was emotional when my name was announced. Everything that is happening right now is a fulfilment of the dream and all that I have been working hard for,” Rere said.
Monday 22 January 2024 | 15:20
From left: Kaminieli Rasaku, Ropate Rere and Josua Vakurinabuli at Nadi International Airport on January 21, 2024. Photo: Mereleki Nai
Debutant Ropate Rere, said it was the result of hard work after he was selected to be part of the Fiji Airways Sevens side for the Perth leg of the HSBC Sevens Series in the coming weekend.
The Ben Gollings coached side left Nadi International Airport yesterday morning for Western Australia for the three-day HSBC sevens from January 26-28.
The 24-year-old Bua farmer was emotional when his name was announced on Saturday at Lawaqa Park at the end of the McDonald’s Fiji’s Coral Coast Sevens.
“I was emotional when my name was announced. Everything that is happening right now is a fulfilment of the dream and all that I have been working hard for,” Rere said.
“This is the first time I will play in the World Series. I have always watched the Fiji team on television, and I always tell myself that one day I will play and travel with them in the World Series.
Today (yesterday) I am travelling with some of the big names in the sevens team. I am so happy.”
According to Rere, being a school dropout at Year 10, did not limit the God-given talents he has. He always believed that he would one day wear the national white jersey.
“I thank God for the talents that He has given me to reach this far.”
The former Bua College student replaces Manueli Maisamoa on this leg.
Rere, played for Dominion Brothers and was part of the national side that won gold medal at the 2023 Pacific Games in Solomon Islands last year.
Policeman Suliano Volivoli is among the two players returning to the side after missing out in the last two legs.
He said it was through hard work that he strived to be chosen for the Perth 7s.
“This is an important tournament for me because I was dropped in the last two legs, Cape Town and Dubai 7s. After I was dropped from those two legs I pushed myself to work and train hard to make the team to Perth.”
Waisea Nacuqu and his family members at Nadi International Airport on January 21, 2024. Photo: Mereleki Nai
Gollings said the key for the side is to allow players to play at such level and give them game time.
“This is the way the World Series is in the top of the challenge. It’s great, we want to be tested against the likes of Samoa, France, and New Zealand,” Gollings said.
“For us it’s good to keep our head in the game and we know we’ve got to put in some big performances to reach the quarter-finals,” he said.
The national Fijiana side also flew out for the same series.
Fiji: Josese Batirerega, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Jeremaia Matana, Suliano Volivoli, Josua Vakurinabili, Joseva Talacolo, Pilipo Bukayaro, Terio Veilawa, Waisea Nacuqu, Ponipate Loganimasi, Kaminieli Rasaku, Ropate Rere and Vuiviwa Naduvalo.
Fijiana: Rejieli Daveua, Vani Buleki, Aloesi Nakoci, Verenaisi Bari, Elenoa Adinaimata, Lavena Cavuru, Reapi Uluinasau, Ana Naimasi, Ilisapeci Delaiwau, Meredani Qoro, Younis Bese, Talei Wilson and Viniana Riwai.
Feedback: mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj
