FORMER Fiji age-group player Adriu Durutalo is hoping to stamp his mark in the USA team at the Wellington 7s this weekend.
The former Northland rep is making a return in the Matt Hawkins-skippered side and wants to put on a good performance in the third leg of the 2012/13 HSBC IRB Sevens World Series to keep his place in the team.
Durutalo is keen to play for the USA in the RWC 7s and the Rio Olympic Games in 2016.
He said his aim to play in these two major events was well on track.
"It's going on well and I think us as a team is also getting there. The interest of 7s rugby is growing in the US," Durutalo said.
"Most athletes are doing cross over to play rugby 7s now. Gold medal is a gold medal and everyone wants to play in the Olympics."
Durutalo, who made his debut in the IRB 7s series last year, said there were other Fijians in the US playing well and might make the team in the future.
He said it was all about having the desire and determination to play the sport.
"It's all about playing the sport I guess no matter which country or team you play for," Durutalo added.
"It's just been a year for me in the US and I'm still trying to adjust my life there. I do miss my family and friends back home."
Meanwhile Durutalo hopes to meet up with his old friends in the Fiji team whom he played against in the Digicel Cup competition.