Vakurunabili ready to lead Fijian 7s
Experienced forward and Olympic Games gold medalist Josua Vakurunabili is excited to lead the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s side at the back-to-back Dubai tournaments as the World Rugby Sevens Series kicks off next week.
Vakurunabili is one of the senior players selected in the squad and will be assisted by his fellow mate and another Olympic Games gold medalist Waisea Nacuqu during the outing in Dubai next weekend and the following week.
The Wardens 7s player and Fiji Corrections Service Officer, Vakurunabili said “I know it’s a huge task leading the national 7s team and I will try my best to deliver as the competition is expected to be tough in Dubai”
Vakurunabili said leadership comes with responsibilities and he has been taught the key values of how to lead by his late father Ratu Luke Vidovi.
“This is an opportunity for me to prove that I can lead my team to victory and something that I learned from my late father, that a good leader prioritizes the welfare of his people,” said Vakurunabili.
“In the rugby field, it’s all about encouragement and getting the players together and that will be my role as a captain, to get seven players to think and play like they are one” said Vakurunabili.
The Olympic gold medalist has been part of the Fijian 7s team since 2016 and he has learned from some of the best leaders in Fijian rugby.
“I started off as a rookie back in 2016 and we had Osea Kolinisau, Pio Tuwai, Kalioni Nasoko and Jerry Tuwai who have taught me a lot on leadership and how to lead a great team,” added Vakurunabili.
“I ask fans for support and prayers as we head into our first outing in the series after two years” said Vakurunabili.
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s side leads Pool A with Australia, Canada and France. Argentina takes in charge of Pool B with USA, Kenya, Spain while Great Britain tops Pool C and is grouped with South Africa, Ireland and Japan.
The Fijian 7s team kicks off their campaign against France on the 26th of November at 8.22pm FJT, they then face Canada at 11.52pm before taking on Australia at 4.33pm on the 27th of November.