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Fiji Rugby 7s: Farm Boy On World Stage

Itwill be a double delight for Isoa Tabua if he plays alongside his elder brother Sevuloni Mocenacagi in the fifth tournament of 2018/2019 World Sevens Series.
24 Feb 2019 10:42
Fiji Rugby 7s: Farm Boy On World Stage
Fiji Airways 7s rep Aminiasi Tuimaba with a fan at the Nadi International Airport on February 22, 2019. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

A farm boy from Nukuilau,  Tikina of Noikoro, Navosa, is hoping to make his debut for the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team at the USA Sevens in Las Vegas this weekend.

And it will be a double delight for Isoa Tabua if he plays alongside his elder brother Sevuloni Mocenacagi in the fifth tournament of 2018/2019 World Sevens Series.

He said being part of the extended squad since September, 2018 has paid off.

“I did not dream that one day I will be in the Fiji team with my brother,” he said.

“And it will be dream come true if we play together in Las Vegas as he is the one who always tells me to work hard. I knew that to don the white jumper I had to work harder as competition for the run-on team won’t be easy.”

He said his humble grooming from the farm to the World Rugby stage was possible through God’s guidance.

He applauded the 7s management for the belief and trust especially head coach Gareth Baber for all the advice and input.

“Please support us and pray for us because we represent all Fijians,” Tabua said.

Coach Baber said the Yamacia club rep deserved selection.

“Great work ethic similar to Sevuloni, l think he goes about his con- tact work in a different manner to Sevu,” he said.

“He is comfortable with the ball in his hands and pace as well. He is 6’4’’ and we are grateful to have individuals who are genetically blessed to move around the field too quickly.

“He comes from the similar mode as Meli Derenalagi, probably has not played 15s like Derenalagi but he shows similar traits.”

Fiji play Scotland at 11.22am on Saturday, Wales at 2.25pm and Australia at 7.52am on Sunday.

Fiji Airways Fijian 7s squad:

1. Mesulame Kunavula
2. Kalione Nasoko ( C),
3. Sevuloni Mocenecagi
4. Josua Vakurinabili
5. Meli Derenalagi
6. Isoa Tabua,
7. Paula Dranisinikula
8. Seremaia Tuwai,
9. Waisea Nacuqu
10. Terri Tamani,
11. Vilimoni Botitu
12. Aminiasi Tuimaba,
13. Alasio Naduva (awaiting visa)
14. Asaeli Tuivoka (awaiting visa)
15. Uluiyata Batinisavu

Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj

In an earlier report, we had incorrectly stated Isoa Tabua’s village. The error is regretted. 

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