Kelepi Dravu, a rising star in Fijian rugby, is gearing up to impress Fiji Airways Fiji 7s head coach Osea Kolinisau at the upcoming McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji Sevens tournament. The talented athlete from Waisa, Kubulau in Bua, will represent Uso Tasi, a team from the Solomon Islands that qualified for the tournament via the Super Sevens last December.
Having only played competitive rugby 7s for three years, Dravu has quickly gained recognition and admiration from his mentors. The ambitious young player expressed his dream of wearing the national jersey for Fiji and is eager to secure an overseas contract, potentially in France, to help achieve his rugby aspirations.
Dravu’s journey started with a life-changing phone call from his brother, which encouraged him to leave his village for Suva in search of greater opportunities. He revealed, “At the village three years ago, a brother of mine called asking if I wanted to play for their team. I knew that I had the talent to play rugby. I attended Immaculate Conception in Bua and from Year 9 to Year 13, I did not play a single game of rugby. I was heavily involved in athletics. I think I last played rugby in primary school before moving to Suva three years ago to pursue this dream.”
His talent has shone through in various teams, including Dominion Brothers, Village Boys, and Lavidi Brothers. Recently, team manager Jerry Tengemoana noted that Dravu was a standout player during the Super Sevens, catching the eye of coach Kolinisau. Dravu is hopeful that his participation with Uso Tasi will lead to further opportunities at the Coral Coast 7s, showcasing his skills on a larger stage.
This upcoming tournament presents not just a chance for individual brilliance but also highlights the potential for Dravu to contribute to Fiji’s rich rugby legacy. With determination and guidance, he aims to turn his dreams into reality and inspire others from his village to pursue their passions in sports.
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