British Army Lance Corporal Pita Ratukadreu is back in his home country, poised to appear in this weekend’s Coral Coast Sevens as part of the British Army 7s team. Ratukadreu gained attention and admiration last year when he received a surprise call-up to represent Fiji during the 2022 London Sevens, an opportunity that marked a significant milestone in his rugby career.
His debut for the national team came while he was preparing for another tournament in the UK. It was a moment that turned out to be one of the highlights of his athletic journey. “That year in 2022, we were gearing up for a tournament in London when I received the call to join the Fiji national side as a replacement. I couldn’t believe it,” he recalled, sharing how the realization of wearing the Fiji jersey was overwhelming.
Coming from a background of local rugby, Ratukadreu previously played for QVS Old Boys and Pacific Warriors Nairai, where he honed his skills in both 15s and sevens rugby. He expressed gratitude for being selected for the national side, emphasizing the wealth of talent in Fiji. “I was grateful to be called up to the national side, and all glory to God,” he said, reflecting on the humbling nature of his achievement.
As he gears up for the Coral Coast Sevens, Ratukadreu is hopeful that his journey will inspire young players across Fiji to remain dedicated to their sports. The tournament is expected to showcase some of the best local and international rugby talent, providing an opportunity for emerging players to shine.
Ratukadreu’s story is not just about personal success; it serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and commitment in the pursuit of dreams in the world of sports.
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