He may be a new player to the Vodafone Fiji 7s training squad but 25-year-old Ropate Labalaba is ready to provide the challenge for play makers Emosi Mulevoro and Waisea Nacuqu in camp this week.
The former Nasikawa Vision College student from Korolevu in Navosa but raised in Namaqumaqua in Serua is the cousin of former national sevens rep Iveri Lavo.
Last week Labalaba stood out for his Yamacia side at the Nawaka 7s where they lost in the final to Police and was called into the training squad by national coach Ben Ryan.
Labalaba who plays at first five eighth and rover said Nacuqu and Mulevoro are world class players but he wants to join them too.
Labalaba is trying to be the fourth player from the Yamacia club to don the national jumper after Donasio Ratubuli, Semi Kunatani and Mosese Mawalu.
Meanwhile, the final 12 member national side will be named next week before the Scotland 7s kicks off two weeks later.
Story by: Akuila Cama
