FIJI Airways Fijian Drua winger Jiuta Wainiqolo is grateful to be chosen for the Fiji 7s extended squad preparing for the Oceania leg of the 2019-2020 World Rugby Sevens series in Hamilton, New Zealand and Sydney, Australia.
The former Ratu Kadavulevu School under-18 winger said this was the greatest gift for him for the New Year.
“Dua na ka noqu marau niu sa mai lewena na timi ni lewe ya vitu. (I am so happy to be part of the sevens squad),” Wainiqolo said.
“I am grateful to the selectors for giving me this opportunity. It is a dream come true.”
When he returned from the November tour playing against the Barbarians in London, Wainiqolo was invited to be part of the Fijian 7s team to play in the Dubai Invitational 7s tournament.
The rugby league convert and former RKS centre was part of the Fiji Drua team that played in the National Rugby Championship last October.
The Nayavuira, Ra lad said his mentor was former Fijian rugby international and former Nadroga speedster and rugby league legend, Noa Nadruku.
“I love his dazzling footwork and the way he played.”
Fiji 7s coach Gareth Baber hopes Wainiqolo could quickly adapt to the 7s playing pattern.
“Jiuta is an outside back. I have had a good look at him and will see if he jels into our system as soon as possible,” said Baber.
The Fiji 7s team meets Samoa in its opening Hamilton 7s match at 12.47pm on January 25 at the FMG Waikato Stadium.
