Years of dedication are beginning to bear fruit for Ratu Kadavulevu School’s head boy, Lemeki Ravukivuki, who has recently been included in the national extended squad for the 7s rugby team. This announcement follows his successful leadership as captain of the school’s under-18 team, which clinched the Vodafone Deans Trophy just two months ago.
Ravukivuki, a villager from Kabariki in Kadavu, is among two players from the RKS U18 squad selected to participate in the national training sessions. He expresses immense gratitude for the chance to learn from some of the best players, stating, “What I’m looking for is teamwork. I told the boys that I can’t rely solely on talent; we’re all x-factors. If we connect and work together as a team, then Dubai will be a very promising outing.”
Ravukivuki, along with his teammate Suliano Savenaca, is expected to be part of a development team set to play in Korea. This training is vital as both players prepare to showcase their skills on a bigger stage, especially with the national men’s 7s team scheduled to depart for the Dubai 7s this Sunday.
This promising trajectory mirrors the mission of Ratu Kadavulevu School, which has laid a strong foundation for nurturing talent in rugby. The recent successes of its teams, including their under-17 squad’s triumph in the Super Deans championships, demonstrate the school’s ongoing commitment to developing young athletes. With players like Ravukivuki and Savenaca stepping into the spotlight, the future of Fijian rugby looks hopeful and vibrant.
As the national team gears up for the Dubai tournament, the inclusion of emerging talents like Ravukivuki signals a bright future for Fiji rugby, with strong teamwork and dedication at its heart. The excitement surrounding these young athletes reflects the aspirations of not only the players themselves but also the entire Fijian rugby community, which eagerly anticipates their contributions on the international stage.