Heleina Young is raring to go at the Vancouver 7s and the soft-spoken sprinter says that arriving at this defining moment has been a dream come true.
The former Saint Joseph Secondary School student joined the Fiji 7s team in training earlier this year after she did not renew her contract with the Queensland Reds Super Rugby team.
She has since had shoulder surgery and has recovered well.
“The journey has not been easy. I’ve had to work hard because every one of these girls wants a spot on the team. We all want to make it so the competition has been very tight. But to make it to the Vancouver and Los Angeles Sevens tournaments is a huge achievement, a dream come true.”
Recovering well from injury, coach Saiasi Fuli says Young is ready.
“She had her shoulder injury and she’s recovered well and is raring to go.”
Making a return is Laisani Likuceva whose last appearance was in 2022.
“She got married and had a baby and has done well with recovery and is superb in her work rate,” Fuli said.
Fuli has also retained a core group of players led by Captain Ana Naimasi.
The team boasts a formidable lineup with players like Vani Buleki, Aloesi Nakoci, Raijeli Daveua, and Verenaisi Bari providing strength in the forwards, while Reapi Ulunisau, Lavena Cavuru, and Ilisapeci Delaiwau bring speed and agility to the backs.
The upcoming tournaments serve as a crucial preparation for the Olympics and an opportunity to improve their standings in the World SVNS Series.
“We are currently positioned 7th after a quarterfinal exit in Perth, the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team is eager to climb the rankings and bolster their points tally in the upcoming competitions,” said Fuli.
The team faces a challenging pool in the Vancouver 7s, pitted against table leaders Australia, along with Japan and the USA.
The Vancouver 7s is scheduled for February 23-25.
Team List- Vancouver/LA 7s
1. Vani Buleki
2. Talei Wilson
3. Aloesi Nakoci
4. Raijeli Daveua
5. Verenaisi Bari
6. Ana Maria Naimasi
7. Reapi Ulunisau
8. Lavena Cavuru
9. Heleina Young
10. Meredani Qoro
11. Maria Rokotuisiga
12. Ilisapeci Delaiwau
13. Laisani Likuceva
The team had their last training session today.
Related Articles:
