Friday 24 November 2006

I'm back

Australia-based Senirusi Rauqe has vowed to do his country proud and help Fiji retain the IRB World 7s Series on his return to the team after a six-year absence.

Speaking to Teivovo at the Digicel Fiji 7s I Tatau on Thursday, Rauqe said he was grateful to the selectors for having faith in him.

“Since 2001, I have been trying to make a comeback, and now my prayers have been answered,” Rauqe said. “I will play my best for my fellow countrymen.”

Player/coach Waisale Serevi expressed delight at Rauqe's work with the team: “His height and pace give us lots of options in the forwards.”

But Rauqe, who plays club rugby for Manly in New South Wales, felt that not all had welcomed his selection into the squad at age 33.

“Some of my friends doubted my ability to return and that made me work even harder," he said. "I did just that and today I am with the  final squad.”

A towering 2m05 (6'9") speedster, Rauqe will be tasked with gaining possession at kick-offs as former 7s captain Semisi Naevo serves a ban till the end of this year.

Rauqe also played alongside Naevo some years back and recalled a young promising player.

Flying Aussie... Rauqe played for Australia at the Japan 7s in 1998

“Semisi Naevo is a great player and I liked being in the same side as him. But he was not as mature then as he is now,” he said.

“My first match with Semisi was my last for Fiji – at the 2001 Wellington 7s. But I am back now and I can’t wait to take to the field.”