THE great man behind New Zealand’s 7s success is 2013 Rugby World Cup 7s winner Tomasi Cama Jr.
The former World Rugby 7s series player of the year has played a huge role behind the scenes in providing vital tips for head coach Chris Laidlaw to help New Zealand win the Melrose Cup.
Part of Cama’s job descriptions is to scout and identify talents for the women and men’s New Zealand development program After hanging his rugby boot, Cama was drafted by his former coach Gordon Tietjens as a team video analyst, he later co-coached the team before being confirmed as the assistant coach.
He said he was proud to be involved with the New Zealand 7s team and was humbled by his Rugby World Cup Sevens achievements.
“It’s unbelievable to win the Melrose Cup twice as a player and now as a coach,” said Cama.
“I do get nervous as a player before every game we play but the closer we get to kick-off the confident I get knowing that I have to get out there and do the work.
“And to do that in 2013 with a bunch of boys that worked so hard to win the cup was special.
“This time around as a coach I don’t get nervous before games because I believe in the work we’ve done in our preparations, the details and the game plan that suits us to counter certain teams and for the players to get out there and execute it is very pleasing to see especially in the semi-final and the final. “Both very special moments to win the tournament as a player and a coach,” Cama Jr said.
The 37-year-old made his debut for the New Zealand 7s in 2005. He represented the All Blacks 7s team for 10 years.
He has won gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, the Melrose Cup, HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series winner and the 2012 World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year.
He is the son of former Fiji 7 player Tomasi Cama.
