Wadigi 7s kicks off in Lautoka; Scouters out for talent

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THE Wadigi 7s committee hopes to scout and groom more national players such as Napolioni Ratu to don the white jersey.

The tournament will be held at Nadovu Park, Lautoka today.

Tournament co-ordinator Paula Batina said with the selection of Ratu into the national team, it had set a platform for them to groom more young boys.

“Majority of these youths are unemployed and the reason we set up these sevens tournament is to attract our youths away from all criminal activities,” he said.

“With Ratu joining the national squad it has opened the doors to the young men to train hard and hopefully get selected into the squad.

“We have a lot of good talents but if we tap into these talents and work with them they might get lucky and help look after their family.”

Batina also added that this tournament will be dedicated to one of their long serving supports Panapasa Namoko who passed away a few weeks ago.

“There will be a one minute silence to commemorate his passing. Namoko is the chairman of Lautoka Rugby union and a big supporter of Wadigi 7s so we dedicate it to him.”

Thirty-two teams have been confirmed to take part and whoever wins will walk away with $5000 as prizemoney.

“For the past five years we have seen a major improvement on how we host the tournament and we hope next year 48 teams will compete and also an increase in the prizemoney.

“This tournament is also a testing ground for the national players who had been dropped from the Dubai squad. This is for them to have more game time and we welcome them and also we’re willing to help them.”

Teams such as Yamacia, Ratu Filise and Nawaka will be tough competitors in this one-day tournament.

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