Eighteen-year-old Suliano Savenaca, hailing from Cakaudrove with ties to Yaqeta in Yasawa, is thrilled to be training alongside some of Fiji’s elite rugby sevens players. Selected as one of two players from the Ratu Kadavulevu School’s under-18 squad for the Fiji 7s development team, Savenaca views this opportunity as a remarkable milestone in his budding career.
Expressing gratitude for this experience, Savenaca shared his excitement about working with players he has admired from afar. “I’m thankful for this opportunity. Most of these players I only see on TV, but to be training with them is like a dream come true,” he stated. He acknowledges the support of his coaches and aspires to one day represent Fiji on the international stage.
The rigorous training sessions have been challenging for Savenaca, but he appreciates the camaraderie and mentorship from his teammates. “The training has been really tough, but I like to thank the team for keeping us motivated and helping us learn new things,” he remarked.
Savenaca is particularly enthusiastic about traveling with the team to Korea for an upcoming sevens tournament, viewing it as a significant opportunity to advance his career. He credits his success to divine guidance and encourages other youths to heed their parents’ advice and remain disciplined in pursuing their goals. “My message to the youths like me is to listen to your parents, and you will come a long way,” he advised.
As the final squad for the Dubai 7s is set to be announced, the excitement surrounding Fiji’s rugby community continues to build, highlighting the potential of emerging talents like Savenaca and his teammate Lemeki Ravukivuki, who is also part of the extended Fiji 7s squad. Their selections reflect the school’s commitment to nurturing young athletes and the ongoing development of rugby in Fiji.
With determination and dreams of glory, these athletes are not just preparing for immediate challenges but are poised to inspire the next generation of rugby players in Fiji and beyond. The sense of hope surrounding their journeys illustrates a bright future for Fijian rugby as they pursue their aspirations on the international stage.