The Taveuni Grassroots under-20 team is gearing up for an exciting challenge as they head into the McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji Sevens tournament, commencing tomorrow at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. Under the guidance of former national sevens standout Sireli Bobo, the team is determined to make a significant impact despite having only two weeks to prepare.
Bobo expressed confidence in his team’s readiness, stating, “This is only our second week of preparations, but we won’t use that as an excuse when we compete in one of the biggest sevens tournaments in the region. We have prepared thoroughly, just like all the other teams, and our goal is to go out there not merely to make up the numbers, but to win the $10,000 prize money.”
The tournament’s rules specify that players must be born in January 2006 or later, which has led the team to retain only three players from the Fiji Sports Council Grassroots development program. The rest of the squad has been assembled quickly, with talents recruited from Ba, Namosi, Ratu Navula, and Tailevu.
Facing a formidable pool in the competition, including the defending champions, the Broncos, and RKS—who were finalists in the Grassroots Sevens competition—Bobo is realistic about the challenges ahead. However, he remains optimistic about the potential for his young team to create notable upsets.
“There will be no easy matches in a prestigious tournament like this,” Bobo cautioned. “But as I said before, we are confident in our preparation despite the limited time together. Our aim is not just to participate but to win the youth category.”
As the players prepare for their matches, the atmosphere is buzzing with anticipation, and the Taveuni Grassroots team is ready to showcase their skills and determination on one of rugby’s grand stages.