Seafarers rugby sevens players made the most of all opportunities when they competed in the Fijian Cup last month. Player Scott Wake, pictured in the centre of the back row in the black visor, says it was exciting seeing how big the game is over there.
Visiting the iconic Sigatoka Sand Dunes where the Fijian rugby sevens players train was just one of the highlights of tauira Scott Wake’s recent trip to Fiji as part of the Seafarers rugby sevens club.
Scott was one of 24 players from the Seafarers men’s and women’s teams that attended The Fijian Cup in November.
For Scott – who has just finished his second year of a Bachelor of Science, majoring in physiology with a minor in pharmacology – going to Fiji was an eye-opening experience.
“It was exciting to be able to play and experience the difference in the game in Fiji compared to New Zealand. And also to see how big the game is over there,” he says.
“The highlights for me were making the quarter finals against some quality home sides, enjoying and learning about the local community and culture when we stayed at a village outside of Nadi, and our trip to the Sigatoka Sand Dunes where the Fiji sevens and 15s teams do conditioning trainings.”
The Seafarers enjoyed visiting the Sigatoka Sand Dunes where the Fijian rugby sevens players train.
Coach of the Seafarers men’s team, Scotty Opetaia, describes the trip as being one filled with opportunities for the players.
“It was a great opportunity for interaction, it was a great opportunity to play sevens in the home of the sevens, and the outreach to the community was massive for our students as well.
“To expose our players to that calibre of sevens was awesome. One of the teams we played had won the Malaysian Cup the week before, and then they also won the Sydney Sevens as well.
“And the girls played against two Fijian players who were silver medallists in the Olympics. So they were rubbing shoulders with some pretty good players.”
The men’s team reached the quarter finals, while the women’s team reached the semi-finals.
Jekope Maiono, coach of the women’s team and founder of the Seafarers, says it was an excellent result.
“I am so proud of our girls. Despite a lack of competition in Otago and a lack of game time, they managed to train well and they played exceptionally well in Fiji.”
All the Seafarers’ games were broadcast on Sky TV, so family and supporters back home were able to follow their progress.
And offer the occasional advice, Scotty says.
“Having the games televised was amazing. Like, for some of these players, that will be the first time and potentially the last time they’ll be on TV.
“I spoke to a couple of players and their parents were messaging with comments like, ‘Oh, I saw you on TV, how amazing was that?’ And then little conversations like dad said I should do this, and mum said I should do this, and you look good in those colours.”
Scott enjoyed the chance to show a wider audience the Seafarers brand of sevens, he says.
“And I was proud that family and friends could support us back home.”
The trip also gave players a glimpse of Fiji that most tourists never see, Jekope says.
“This visit was truly special, offering a cultural experience that will leave a lasting impression on our players.
“At the same time, it was an opportunity for the people of Fiji to meet our students and learn more about the University of Otago. By engaging with the community, we are planting seeds of aspiration and inspiration, encouraging dreams of studying with us in the future.”
Taking part in the Fijian Cup this year was the culmination of two years of training, planning and, most importantly, fundraising.
“It was a whole journey to get to the destination,” Scotty says.
“Big shout out to our sponsors this year because they've been awesome – Bayleys’ David Cashmore, Webb Farry Lawyers, Recovery Room, Mane Investment Properties and all the parents who have supported our team. And OUSA have been massive with us.”
The Seafarers have two tournaments coming up, including the Seafarers Sevens on 8 February,
The Seafarers’ door is always open to new players, Scotty says.
“If you want to try your hand at sevens, get in touch. And you know, it will be a whānau away from the study whānau. We've always had the kaupapa like, if you've got a lab or you've got study or an assignment, we understand. Training can’t come first.”
For Scott, who also plays rugby union for the Otago University Rugby Football Club, he’s enjoyed the chance to put his style of rugby out there on the sevens pitch and the opportunity to meet new people.
“Jekope and Scotty have done an unreal job of producing a great club culture and environment for anyone to come into the fold and experience what Seafarers sevens is about.
“Our teams are full of great people who are always willing to help each other improve and leave it all out on the field.”
– Kōrero by Internal Communications Adviser Laura Hewson