Akuila Momo who will be making his debut for the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team at the Hong Kong 7s this weekend says this is an answered prayer and he can not wait to don the white jersey.
As the oldest of five siblings, Momo carries not only the weight of his aspirations but also the hopes and dreams of his loved ones.
Momo says the family at home were very happy and that is what makes him happy; seeing them being proud of him.
He says his parents have sacrificed a lot for him, from paying his bus fare to and from training and always supporting him financially.
The Nalotawa, Ba man played soccer from class 1 to 8, and later played rugby during his secondary education at Ratu Navula.
He faced some major setbacks during his time in secondary school as he was not selected during the Deans trials, but that did not dampen his spirits as he switched to rugby league where he played in the U18 team for Petero Civoniceva.
Momo says that was the point of realisation that he had a rugby talent and was determined to pursue his dreams of representing Fiji in sevens.
His talent caught the attention of the selectors at this year’s Coral Coast tournament.
He adds that the transition from club rugby was very new to him and it took a bit of adjusting, especially with discipline and diet.
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s rover Kaminieli Rasaku is injured and was replaced by Momo who was called in last Thursday.
The Hong Kong 7 begins this Friday where the men’s team will take on Australia at 9.30pm, they will play Canada at 12.33am on Saturday and face France in their final pool game at 5.43pm on Saturday.
Defending Hong Kong 7s champions, New Zealand is in Pool B with Great Britain, Argentina, and the USA, while South Africa heads up Pool C with Samoa, Spain, and Ireland.
Meanwhile, in the women’s competition, Fijiana is drawn in Pool B with current sevens series leaders Australia, South Africa, and Ireland.
The Fijiana will play Australia at 4.25pm on Friday and take on South Africa at 7.12pm on Friday and will face Ireland in their final pool play at 3.02pm on Saturday.
Vancouver finalists New Zealand and France pitted against each other in Pool A, with Brazil and Great Britain.
In Pool C, the USA, and Canadian women will renew their rivalry with Asian contenders Japan, and Spain in Hong Kong.
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