Peni Rokodiva prefers to plays rugby because of its popularity.

This might sound like a strange reason to play a sport.

He spends most of his time in the rugby field and the rookie halfback has been selected as one of the 12 men in the Fiji 7s squad for the Dubai/George leg of the 2008/2009 IRB World Sevens Series.

The series kicks off this weekend with the Dubai 7s.

At 20, he is halfway up the ladder to achieving his big dreams of representing Fiji to the 2011 Rugby World Cup by getting the best advice from his mentor the Fiji 7s coach Waisale Serevi.

Rokodiva said being in the squad was a learning experience.

“My inclusion into the 7s squad is another big step in my rugby career,” he said.

“I’ve always wanted to become the next big thing in rugby because it’s a game that is immediately accessible to all level.

“Rugby is interesting because people who have played it for 20 years will still learn something new about the game every time.

“My selection into the 7s squad gives me an opportunity to prove myself and it’s just along the line because I want to represent Fiji in the next Rugby World Cup,” he added.

The Urata native from Wailevu in Cakaudrove had a taste of top-level rugby at the Under-20 Rugby World Cup early this year and his selection was based on an impressive performance in the secondary schools Deans’ competition last season.

And hoping to deliver his best at the opening stanza of the IRB 7s series, Rokodiva said he still had a long way to go.

“Being a new member is the squad was a challenge, especially when we had to fight for places against the experienced players,” he said.

“I had to really prove myself on and off the field and this experience is different from club level rugby.

“I’ve learnt a lot of new things physically, mentally and spiritually and this is a big boost for me. It’s another step higher that the national Under-20 side and I’m ready to give my best for Fiji in Dubai and George.

“I know that there is a lot of pressure on us to perform in this leg because it’s a very important tournament and I have faith that we’ll be out there as a team.”

Rokodiva is the younger brother of France-based former 7s rep Tomasi Mawi and the nephew of Viliame and Apolosi Satala.

The Fiji 7s squad jetted off to Dubai this morning and is expected to arrive at 3pm tomorrow.

Fijilive

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