FORMER Fiji 7s player Jonetani Dobui has urged youths to work hard and always listen to advice given if they want to make it to national level rugby.
The police officer who hails from Muani Village on Kadavu is based on Taveuni. He was part of the police team that was posted to the 15th Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s carnival over the weekend.
He said 7s was now a profession which paid well.
“My advice to the players is if you want to play then you need to work hard, listen and sacrifice,” Dobui said.
“Playing 7s nowadays is now a source of income and not everyone will excel in school, but all I can say is work hard to achieve your dream.
“You need to discipline yourself — your timings, your training, your diet and other things to keep yourself in line.”
He said he wasn’t well educated but through sports he travelled the world and also secured a job with the Fiji Police Force.
Dobui has played alongside Wardens coach Sailosi Naiteqe, Mesake Davu, Mikaela Lewere, Filimoni Bolavucu, Simione Saravanua and Nasoni Roko to name but a few for Fiji.
He joined the national side in 2003 and travelled to London for the Cardiff 7s.
He also played in the South Pacific Games and later joined Red Rock from there he joined Police.
He was the first police officer to start the Canine unit on Taveuni and has spent 12 years on the island.
In regards to this weekend’s competition, Dobui said team work would be important if Fiji was to win in Dubai and Cape Town on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
The Dubai 7s will be held this weekend and the Cape Town event next week.
In Dubai, Fiji is pooled with Argentina, New Zealand and Uruguay.
“For our Fiji players preparing for the Dubai and Cape Town 7s, play together as a team.
“I know there are new players but you need to work together if you want to win.
“Stick to the game plan and play your hearts out.
“I wish the players and the management the best of luck.”
