Another Fijian has made it into the Bay of Plenty sevens team to boost their campaign at the upcoming Provincial tournament.
Marist St Michael youngster Ilaitia Lomani, will join up with former New Zealand sevens representatives Zar Lawrence, Lance MacDonald and Nathaniel Walker at the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Bay Engineers Supplies Provincial Rugby Sevens tournament.
Lomani and Lawrence will be out to help their side defend their title for the third season.
The cream of the North Island Sevens sides will compete in the tournament to be held at Blake Park tomorrow.
While there is always a multitude of holiday makers from throughout the country on hand, the local Bay of Plenty supporters come out in force, to support the team in the Blue and Gold uniform.
New Bay Coach Charles Baxter says with at least half the side making their tournament debut, the emphasis is on development of the team and the continuation of the form that the side has shown at the last two tournaments.
Baxter said Lomani had his own class.
"He (Lomani) has burst his way into the side and shows real class and will make a valuable contribution with his ability to slot into any position in the team," Charles told sunlive news.
The side is well served with the experience of MacDonald, Lawrence and Walker booking berths in the tournament team.
The trio have played in New Zealand Sevens teams in recent years and have come under the influence of New Zealand Sevens maestro coach Gordon Tietjens.
"All three have leadership qualities and know what is needed at the top level of the game," said Charles.
BOP defeated Counties Manukau 38-26 to clinch the title last year. (Emoni Narawa)
Source: http://www.fijitimes.com