Army forward Kavekini Tanivanuakula is determined to make a triumphant return to the Fiji Airways Men’s 7s team for the upcoming Singapore 7s tournament after being sidelined for six months due to a serious shoulder injury. The Bukuya native, born in Ba, is focused on getting back to his peak performance level and credits his recovery process to his strong faith.
In a recent scrimmage against the British Army team held at Albert Park, Tanivanuakula expressed his gratitude for his recovery, stating, “I was out for six months due to my injury but through God’s providence, I’ve recovered, and it’s been a call to work on my fitness.” He attributed much of his motivation to his parents, who have been a constant source of support throughout his rugby career.
Tanivanuakula has a notable history at the Coral Coast Fiji 7s tournament, having won titles with both the Army in 2023 and the Fiji Blues the previous year. He reflected on the team’s preparations, emphasizing the importance of honing communication and defensive strategies ahead of the tournament.
Head coach Osea Kolinisau is enthusiastic about the upcoming competition, emphasizing the need for both experienced and young players to rise to the occasion against formidable opponents. “It’s especially important to give them the chance to gain series-level experience,” he stated, noting the presence of teams like the USA, British Army, New Zealand, and Australia, which presents a valuable opportunity for players to understand the intensity of series-level play.
Despite his impressive track record, Tanivanuakula’s involvement with the Fiji Babas team last season resulted in a challenging outcome, as they failed to progress past the quarter-finals. This experience has heightened the awareness of the fierce competition in the league, highlighting the caliber of players they will face.
The intended comeback of Tanivanuakula symbolizes hope and resilience, embodying the spirit of recovery and determination in sports. His commitment to returning to the field reflects the broader narrative of athletes overcoming adversity and aiming for excellence.