The festive season poses unique challenges for athletes, especially for the Lavidi Brothers rugby team as they gear up for the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s. Captain Sefanaia Vuli expressed the difficulty of maintaining a training schedule during this time, noting that many players missed sessions while visiting their villages to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
The much-anticipated Coral Coast 7s will take place from January 16 to 18 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, showcasing 16 teams in the men’s division. Vuli highlighted that family gatherings, festive feasting, and socializing, including traditional kava drinking, disrupt consistent training efforts, although they succeeded in attending training sessions at the scenic Sigatoka sand dunes.
Former national sevens player, Vuli, aspires to reclaim a spot in the national squad, having previously played for the Kaiviti Silktails before returning to rugby union. He reiterated the need for consistency in fitness levels among teammates, recognizing the Coral Coast 7s as one of Fiji’s most competitive tournaments. With the team’s former captain, George Bose, now representing the national side, Vuli hopes his teammates will also seize the opportunity to showcase their skills on the national stage in Sigatoka.
Additionally, national sevens squad members Iosefo Namoce and Livai Ikanikoda will bolster the Lavidi Brothers’ lineup. The team has shown promise, having recently finished as runners-up at the R.C Manubhai Nataleira 7s tournament.
In summary, despite the challenges presented by the festive season, the Lavidi Brothers remain committed to their training and have a hopeful outlook for the upcoming Coral Coast 7s, where they aim to demonstrate their talent and ambition.
This situation underscores the balance athletes must strike between personal celebrations and competitive sports, as they prepare to represent not just their teams but their aspirations for future opportunities.
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