Paula Drainisinukula ready to lead Fiji 7s in Hong Kong

Fiji Airways Fijian 7s captain Paula Dranisinukula is ready to lead the national side at the Hong Kong tournament which kicks off against Kenya this Friday.

The 29-year-old takes over the captains arm band from Kalione Nasoko who has remained in Fiji nursing a knee injury.

An extremely humble Dranisinukula said it’s every Fijian players dream to play in Hong Kong and to lead the pack in front of thousands of fans is just something else.

“It is a dream come true for me. I know Kalione Nasoko is a much better leader then me but I have to take the responsibility and guide the team. It’s an honour to captain the Fijian 7s team.”

The robust forward has featured in 87 matches for the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s side, scored 17 tries and has zero yellow/red cards under his name.

He said the team knows it will not be an easy task to march through to the quarter-finals at the Hong Kong 7s.

“It a tough pool. Australia and New Zealand are great teams. They are well known team in the series and of course Kenya, they have been doing well in the Series. I can’t wait to see the boys run on the park and play against these teams.”

The Navuniivi Rakiraki native has asked fans for unconditional support during the three days of tournament at the So Kon Po Stadium this weekend.

“All I ask for is their support and prayers plus their blessings for the boys. We do have a young side and we have still been learning. We only ask for their support and their prayers.”

The Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team faces Kenya in its opening match at 11.37pm before facing Australia at 5.13pm on Saturday and plays New Zealand in its last Pool C encounter at 8.55pm.