Fijian Drua development player Sikeli Basiyalo is making significant strides with the Fiji Airways men’s sevens rugby team during the Asian leg of the HSBC SVNS. Recently, he participated in the Hong Kong Sevens, where the team narrowly lost to France in the Cup semi-final, showcasing their competitive spirit.
Head coach Osea Kolinisau expressed pride in Basiyalo’s performance, emphasizing the team’s potential for future successes. “I was stoked for the young man and it was disappointing that they did not get to the final and win it,” said Jackson. He reflected on how close the match was, stating they were seconds away from victory, indicating that had they made it to the final, anything could have happened.
Basiyalo’s inclusion in the national sevens setup is part of Fiji’s strategy to nurture young talent and integrate players from the Drua into higher levels of competition. His rapid adaptation to the pace of sevens rugby, reflected in his previous comments about the challenges of the format, demonstrates his eagerness to learn and grow as a player.
Other young talents from the Drua, such as Elia Canakaivata, Meli Derenalagi, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, and Ponipate Loganimasi, are also making their mark, as Fiji prepares for the upcoming Singapore Sevens this weekend.
This ongoing focus on developing emerging players promises a bright future for Fijian rugby, blending youthful energy with experienced veterans as they strive for excellence in international competitions. Fans are hopeful that this mix will lead to stronger performances as the squad continues to build toward success in future tournaments, raising anticipation for upcoming events, including the Hong Kong Sevens at the end of March.
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