Fijian Under-20s benefit form a mentoring session with Flying Fijians

The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians rounded off Day-3 in camp with a mentoring session with the Vodafone Fijian Under-20s in Sigatoka last night.

It was inspiring to see senior players such as Leone Nakarawa, Vereniki Goneva, Kini Murimurivalu and Dominiko Waqaniburotu in one on one mentoring sessions with members of the Under-20 team after their Lotu Session.

Notably for Flying Fijians half-back Frank Lomani, it was a different story as he sat as a mentor this time around compared to a being a junior player four years ago.

Lomani said   “It was quite moving to be with Fiji’s Under-20 squad, the future stars of Fiji.

“Once upon a time I was sitting and the players such as Vereniki Goneva and Leone Nakarawa came to talk to us,” Lomani reflected.
 

“For me to be here mentoring and sharing some of the things I was taught four years ago is quite special to me.

“I told my group that I listened to everything my mentors at the time said and I took their words and put it into action,” Lomani added.

Lomani who is probably the best half-back in the country said he has made a lot of sacrifices and its paid off with his inclusion now in the Flying Fijians World Cup squad.

“I did my fair share of the load and I also took time to invest in my own personal training and it has finally paid me today.”

“I think we should do this with all our development teams as other players like Eroni Mawi, Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto are testament to this.”

Vodafone Fijian Under-20s forward Chris Minimbi said they were fortunate to have a session with the top Flying Fijian players.

“It was a really good experience, sitting with them and getting to know how the life of a rugby player is.

“They told us to prepare well and work hard and that’s it’s possible to achieve our dreams – if we give it our best,” Minimbi added.

The Flying Fijians faces Maori All Blacks in the Pacific Series Test match on next Saturday at ANZ Stadium.

They then play a return match on the 20^th of this month in Rotorua, where the Fijian Under-20s will meet the Maori All Blacks Under-20s in a curtain raiser match.

You can purchase you tickets for next week’s game from Fiji Rugby Union, Fiji Sports Council or online from ticketdirect.com.fj