Aisake Peni, a forward from the Devo Baba’a Rugby Club, has earned a spot in the extended squad of the Fiji Airways men’s 7s team preparing for the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles. The 21-year-old expressed his surprise at the selection, acknowledging the fierce competition for places within the squad.
“I didn’t really believe I would be called up because there are many talented young players out there,” Peni remarked following a training session at the University of the South Pacific grounds in Suva. However, he quickly expressed his commitment to seize the opportunity: “I was so happy and didn’t want to waste the opportunity.”
Peni began his rugby journey at Saint John’s College before transitioning from union to league at Ba DAV College. After finishing his studies, he decided to focus on rugby full-time despite the challenges he faced, including transportation costs back home. “Now in camp, everything is provided,” he noted, highlighting the supportive environment created for players.
The young forward first joined the national extended squad at 19 in Sigatoka and is back with even bigger ambitions. “Training with players I watched on TV is a dream come true,” Peni said, emphasizing the invaluable mentorship he has received from senior players, which has helped him adjust to the demands of high-level rugby.
As part of one of Fiji’s top clubs, the Devo Baba’a team, which has won the Fiji Bitter 7s Series, Peni is now working diligently to secure a place in the final team for Los Angeles. His story reflects the hopeful advancement of new talent within Fijian rugby as the country continues to build a strong future for its 7s squad.
With the encouragement of senior players and the support of the Fijian rugby community, Peni represents the bright prospects that emerging athletes can achieve through dedication and hard work. The journey ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but the anticipation for Peni’s potential contributions to the team remains high.
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