Training during the festive season presents unique challenges for athletes, as expressed by the captain of the Lavidi Brothers, Sefanaia Vuli, who is gearing up for the upcoming McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s. The tournament will take place from January 16 to 18 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, with Lavidi being one of the 16 teams competing in the men’s division.
Vuli noted the disruptions in training due to many players traveling to their villages to celebrate Christmas and New Year, indicating the difficulty of maintaining a rigorous training regime amidst family gatherings and festive activities like feasting and drinking kava. Despite these challenges, the team managed to conduct training sessions at the Sigatoka sand dunes, which Vuli deemed essential for their preparation.
Having previously played for the national sevens squad and experienced a brief period with the Kaiviti Silktails, Vuli has aspirations of returning to the national team. He remarked on the importance of fitness consistency and the collective performance of the team, acknowledging that the Coral Coast 7s is among the toughest tournaments in Fiji.
With former team captain George Bose now part of the national side, Vuli expressed hope that the current squad could also showcase their talents effectively during the tournament. His personal goal this year is to rejoin the national sevens team, demonstrating his readiness to seize any opportunity that arises.
Additionally, the Lavidi Brothers’ roster includes national sevens squad members Iosefo Namoce and Livai Ikanikoda, contributing to the team’s competitive edge. Recently, the Lavidi Brothers finished as runners-up at the 31st R.C Manubhai Nataleira 7s held in Nausori, reflecting their potential as they head into the Coral Coast 7s.
This determination to overcome the festive season’s distractions and focus on their training underscores the resilience and dedication of the Lavidi Brothers, offering hope for a successful performance in the upcoming tournament. As athletes pursue their dreams, their commitment not only inspires their teammates but also galvanizes the community’s support for rugby in Fiji.
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