Fiji Water Flying Fijians hooker Tevita Ikanivere was surprised about being given the captaincy role for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup that will kick off next Friday.
Ikanivere takes over the captaincy role from Waisea Nayacalevu who is unavailable for this tournament due to club commitments.
The 24-year-old says he never saw it coming but he is grateful to coach Mick Byrne for selecting him to lead the team and he is looking forward to the opportunities and the challenges that lie ahead.
Ikanivere says it is very exciting especially because there are a lot of new boys in the team, and he is looking forward to making some history with them.
He adds he is lucky to have a good leadership group like Peni Ravai, Albert Tuisue, Meli Derenalagi, Temo Mayanavanua and Eroni Mawi and also a lot of experienced players that have played two or three Rugby World Cups which he always goes to for advice and especially the coaches because they have been through it.
Ikanivere says he feels it will not be really difficult because the players all know each other well so he is just looking forward to going out to play with the boys next week.
The 30-member Flying Fijians squad will have their first training camp tomorrow.
They will take on Samoa at 6pm next Friday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
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