Lance Corporal Pita Ratukadreu of the British Army is making headlines once again as he prepares to return to Fiji this weekend to compete in the Coral Coast Sevens as a member of the British Army 7s team. This follows his recent remarkable call-up to the Fiji national rugby team during the 2022 London Sevens, which was both unexpected and a significant milestone in his rugby career.
While training in the UK with the British Army, Ratukadreu was invited to step in as a replacement player for the Fijian national side. This experience marked a pinnacle moment for him, allowing him to fulfill a dream many aspire to. “Receiving that call was surreal,” Ratukadreu shared. As he joined the national team during a tournament in London and experienced the jersey presentation, he felt an overwhelming sense of achievement.
Prior to his life in the UK, Ratukadreu built his rugby foundation in Fiji, where he played for teams such as QVS Old Boys and Pacific Warriors Nairai. His experiences in both 15s and sevens rugby instilled the discipline needed for success on an international stage. He expressed gratitude for being selected for the national team, attributing his success to a higher power.
As he heads back to Fiji, Ratukadreu hopes his story will inspire young athletes to remain committed to their dreams. The Coral Coast Sevens is anticipated to showcase an exciting mix of local and international talent, serving as a fertile ground for the growth of rugby in Fiji. Events like these highlight a promising future for Fijian rugby and motivate the next generation to pursue their aspirations just as Ratukadreu has done.