Former 7s star Ilai Tinai guides village youth through rugby

Former Fiji men's rugby 7s star playmaker Ilai Tinai is helping prepare the Na­vunisalusalu team for next week­end's Fiji Sports Council (FSC) Vatulele Grassroots 7s tourna­ment at Sigatoka's Lawaqa Park.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday Tinai said many of the players are unemployed and living in the vil­lage.

He is hopeful that rugby would help them become better citizens.

"I've encouraged them to play sevens rugby because of the rise in crime rate, substance abuse and drug issues in Fiji," he said.

"I want to keep them from being idle and help them stay engaged through rugby. I will be guiding them as their coach."

Tinai who hails from Lomanikoro in Bua said the Navunisalusalu players are from the interior of Naitasiri.

"We have set our plan for this season and we've been competing in grassroots tournaments. Next week's tournament in Sigatoka will be our second outing this year. Our first grassroots tournament was at the Waidina 7s."

Tinai said the team aims to par­ticipate in as many local tourna­ments as possible.

"Our plan is to take part in all sev­ens tournaments around Fiji. Our door is open to any youth who is interested in playing 7s rugby. Any­one who is staying home and wants to join us is welcome to do so. We usually train at Ram Lakhan Park in Samabula at 10am every day. If you have the skills, talent and are not being exposed, we invite you to come and join us," he said.

Like any other team in the coun­try; the Navunisalusalu 7s side con­tinues to face challenges ahead of next week's tournament.

"One of our biggest challenges is sponsorship. We're currently short on financial support, but our team managers are working hard to se­cure sponsors. The boys have also been contributing through soli to help fund our transport to tournaments," Tinai said.

"Another challenge is time man­agement and preparation because of where our players live. Many are from the interior of Naitasiri but they are trying their best to at­tend training. From next week, the team will camp in Suva to further develop their skills before going to Sigatoka."

He said preparations for the tour­nament is progressing well.

"We have some talented players. We are looking forward to next week's tournament. We are work­ing hard to prepare the boys physi­cally, mentally and spiritually," he added.

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