Swire Shipping Fijian Drua outside back turned Fiji Men’s 7s winger Selestino Ravutaumada is one step away from achieving his dream of becoming an Olympian as he and the Fiji Men’s rugby 7s side continue their preparation for the Olympic Rugby 7s tournament which kicks off next Thursday.
The 24-year-old was earlier named to be a part of the Fiji Water Flying Fijians 33-member squad last month for the July tests against Georgia and the All Blacks straight after the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific 2024 season, but decided to follow his heart and join the Fiji 7s side and try and earn a spot in the Olympics squad.
Ravutaumada did not fail to impress the selectors as he showed his class when the Fiji 7s played in 4 scrimmaging sessions against the Australian 7s side in Lautoka last month.
The Wairiki, Taveuni man’s lightning-quick feet and explosive start off the blocks left a lasting impression which earned him a spot in the final 15-member travelling squad.
He will now hope that he will do enough to earn a spot in the final 13-member squad that will be going into the Games Village next week as two of the players will be dropped and will be staying outside of the games village as standby players.
Ravutaumada was selected alongside his Fijian Drua teammate Iosefo Masi, who also chose 7s over the Flying Fijians and is looking to earn his second Olympic gold medal as well.
Fiji will face Uruguay at 3am next Thursday in their first match, they will then take on the USA at 6.30am on the same day, before playing hosts France at 1.30am next Friday in their final pool match. The Men’s quarter finals will kick off at 7am next Friday. The semi finals will kick off at 1.30am next Sunday and the final will be at 5.45am Sunday.
