The Senivalati Vunibola Nakorosule Invitational 7s tournament took place on Friday at the Nakorosule District School grounds in Naitasiri, drawing a wonderful turnout from the local community. This one-day event honors former rugby sevens player Senivalati Vunibola, who made history in 2011 as the oldest player to debut in the World Sevens Series at the Gold Coast Sevens.

Vunibola himself attended the tournament, where he expressed his appreciation for the event and the hard work exhibited by the young athletes involved. “I would like to thank all the players that are here this afternoon as the youths work hard to attain a bigger and better result,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of dedication and resilience among the younger generation. His presence served as a significant inspiration for many players, many of whom were experiencing him live for the first time.

The president of the Kaite Rugby Club, Erami Raileqe, who was instrumental in organizing the tournament, shared his admiration for Vunibola, recalling how he closely followed the player’s career during his prime. Raileqe noted the deep roots and positive influence of rugby in the community, emphasizing that such events foster not just athleticism, but also personal and communal growth.

The tournament highlighted the crucial role sports play in youth development and community bonding, akin to initiatives like the Vatukoro under-19 team, which showcases how participation in rugby can instill discipline and teamwork among youth.

In summary, the Senivalati Vunibola Nakorosule Invitational 7s not only celebrated the spirit of rugby but also reinforced the importance of nurturing young talent and fostering strong community ties. With continued support for such initiatives, there is great potential for future success in developing both character and athletic excellence among young athletes in the region. This event epitomizes the bright future that lies ahead as the community encourages its youth to thrive in sports and life.