Fiji Airways men’s 7s halfback Pilipo Bukayaro is eager to return to the national squad for the HSBC SVNS World Championship, taking place on May 3-4 in Los Angeles. This tournament marks a significant event, as it is being held at Dignity Health Sports Park, the designated venue for rugby sevens at the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Bukayaro, who was not selected for the recent Hong Kong and Singapore 7s, attributed his absence to fitness concerns but is now fully committed to making the cut for the LA 7s. “I wasn’t fit enough, and that’s probably why I didn’t make the team. But now that I’m back in camp, I’m giving it everything to be ready,” he expressed after a training session at the High-Performance Unit.
The 24-year-old’s ambition is clear: he aims to secure a spot on the final roster for the high-stakes competition in Los Angeles. “I have no second thoughts; I want to make the squad that is going to the LA 7s championship,” he stated, showcasing his determination.
The national team has been in training camp for one week, focusing on refinements in areas that led to recent performance shortcomings. “We were told to work on our clarity and all of our weaknesses because this competition in LA is an important one for the team,” Bukayaro noted, emphasizing a collective effort to improve.
The Fiji team is gearing up to face formidable opponents, including New Zealand and Australia, with their first match scheduled against New Zealand on May 4. Their group stage will also see them compete against Spain, making the stakes high for the Fijian side.
The final squad for the LA 7s will be announced shortly, and with the team’s proactive preparations, fans are optimistic for a resurgence in performance and the potential to showcase Fijian talent on a global stage. This event not only presents an opportunity to compete but to inspire future generations of rugby players in Fiji.
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