William Rasileka is a new rugby cap full of energy and unknown quality.

He is ready to storm the International Rugby Board World 7s Series in the forthcoming season if coach Waisale Serevi pencils him for Dubai and South Africa.

At 23, he is a staunch Seventh Day Adventist member and among new caps in the 15-member Fiji 7s team preparing for next month’s tour.

He is a utility backline player in 15s, but is expected to play in Serevi’s forward line-up alongside Etonia Naba, Iliesa Ratuva, tireless Isei Lewaqai who is still injured and Nadroga’s Samu Kunanitu.

“I am ready,” he added despite having light training this week because of a slight ankle injury.

“It’s a slight injury but I put my hand up as a front runner for Fiji in Dubai and the rest of the 7s Series. I want to make Fiji win,” added the utility player who plays rover and inside centre in the 15s code.

“I have struggled for a long time to reach this place. The road was tough, I came from a broken family but I am glad that Serevi has given me the chance to be somebody in rugby.”

“I will die for Fiji because this is the break that I had been struggling for.”

That struggle meant sacrificing religion for rugby. If selected, he will play on weekends especially Saturdays-his Sabbath or day of worship.

Rasileka is a member of Serevi’s City Eagles 7s Club.

“I started rugby while attending Suva SDA primary and high school in Lami before joining Lomaiviti Rugby Club in Suva for club competition.”

Coach Serevi said Rasileka was a robust player who could make a name for himself in professional rugby in the near future.

“He is a very good player but he still need to prove that he deserves a spot in the traveling team,” Serevi added.

Rasileka will know his fate next week during the Fiji Rugby Union-sanctioned BP 7s in Lautoka where the Fiji team to Dubai and George would be selected.

Fiji 7s squad:

Forwards: Seremaia Burotu (Suva), Samu Kunanitu (Suva), Isei Lewaqai (Nadi), Etonia Naba (Nadroga), Sailosi Rabonaqica (Nadroga), Iliesa Ratuva (Nadroga)

Backs: Vereniki Goneva (Nadi), Osea Kolinisau (Suva), Iveri Lavo (Navosa), Lepani Nabuliwaqa (Suva), Naisa Narukutabua (Nadroga), William Rasileka (Suva), Peni Rokodiva (Suva), William Saukuru (Nadi), Emosi Vucago (Nadroga)

Dubai 7s pools:
Pool A: New Zealand, Australia, Wales, Africa.
Pool B: South Africa, Kenya, Scotland, Arabian Gulf.
Pool C: Samoa, Argentina, France, Georgia.
Pool D: Fiji, England, USA, Portugal.

Fijilive.

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