Alifereti Nainoca grateful for opportunity to learn from senior players

Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s player Alifereti Nainoca says he is honoured to be part of the squad travelling to New Zealand this week and is eager to learn from the senior players in the team.

Speaking in the iTaukei language, the 25-year-old from Mavua Village, Nadroga, says he usually plays 15s rugby and has been learning a lot since joining the 7s training squad.

He says his dream goes beyond representing Fiji and he hopes to secure an overseas contract one day to support his family back in the village.

Nainoca started playing rugby for his village team before earning a place in the Nadroga Senior team for the Skipper Cup.

He says he feels privileged to train alongside players he once only watched on television.

Meanwhile, coach Osea Kolinisau praised Nainoca’s adaptability, saying he is a rare player who has transitioned impressively from 15s to 7s rugby.

Nainoca is among the 14 players who will represent Fiji at the Ignite 7s Tournament in Tauranga, New Zealand, this Saturday and Sunday.