Years of dedication and perseverance are now yielding rewards for the British Army Rugby Sevens team, thanks to the vision of those who laid the groundwork for this journey. Notable former players such as Apolosi Satala, a 2005 World Cup 7s champion, and Isoa Damudamu, a former England 7s representative, played pivotal roles in the inception of the side during their tenure.
The initial discussions and plans to establish a British Army 7s team intended to compete in Fiji emerged while both Satala and Damudamu were still playing. Leading the squad as head coach is Joe Nayacavou, a former Scotland 7s player with an impressive record of participating in 38 World Series events. Under his guidance, the British Army team is set to participate in the McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s, commencing in Sigatoka this Thursday.
Nayacavou, who was part of the 2016/17 London Sevens championship team and also played in the 2018 Commonwealth Games, emphasizes the significance of competing in Fiji. “Even though the game itself was invented in Scotland, we believe that Fiji is where you come to test the best,” he remarked. The players felt the intensity of the Suva heat over the weekend, an experience they must adapt to as they prepare for competition in Sigatoka.
The British Army team is scheduled to face Elia Canakaivata’s Drua in their opening match at the Coral Coast 7s on Thursday at Lawaqa Park, with the game kicking off at 11:40 AM. Fans can catch the excitement live on FBC Sports, marking a noteworthy moment for the team as they embrace the spirit and challenge of Fijian rugby sevens.