Army forward Kavekini Tanivanuakula is making a triumphant return to the rugby field after a six-month recovery from a serious shoulder injury. He is set to rejoin the Fiji Airways Fiji Men’s 7s team for the upcoming Singapore 7s tournament, bringing with him a story of resilience and gratitude.
Hailing from Ba and representing the Bukuya community, Tanivanuakula attributes his recovery to divine intervention. Reflecting on his journey back to fitness, he stated, “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.”
Making his national team debut at the Dubai 7s in 2024, he is eager to make an impact upon his return. His parents serve as his primary motivation, encouraging him to fulfill his responsibilities. “My parents have been my biggest motivation, who advise me on a daily basis,” he shared.
As Tanivanuakula focuses on improving his game fitness and communication with teammates, he is determined to give his best performance on the field. His experience includes winning the Coral Coast Fiji 7s tournament twice, competing for both the Army and the Fiji Blues, which underscores his competitive spirit.
With the Fiji team preparing for the Singapore 7s, Tanivanuakula highlighted the need to enhance communication and defense strategies. “Our preparation has been good, and we’re working to improve in several areas such as communication and defense,” he noted. He expressed immense pride in representing Fiji again, stating, “It will be an honor, and I will give my 100 percent on the field.”
The tournament will also see the debut of two new players: Douglas Daveta from Malolo rugby and Nacani Boginisoko from Dominion Brothers. The Fiji team faces fierce competition in Pool A against South Africa, Great Britain, and Spain, starting with a match against Great Britain on Saturday at 4:32 PM, followed by games against Spain and South Africa later that day.
In tandem, the Fijiana 7s team is gearing up to compete against the Cape Town champions, including Australia, the USA, and Japan. With the event fast approaching, there is palpable excitement for thrilling matches in both the men’s and women’s tournaments, reflecting a spirit of hope and perseverance in the face of challenges.