US Sevens captain dreams of emulating Fijian rugby greats

Dubai: Jone Naqica, the soft-spoken captain of the US men's Sevens team, has a unique problem. While he will be the key to US team's chances of making their mark in the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens, the Fijian in him dreams of emulating the great Waisele Serevi.

"It's only natural... Fijian players of my generation idolise Serevi and want to play like him, while those junior to us look up to Amasio Raoma [another Fijian who is one of the New Zealand stars]," said the 29-year-old playmaker, who is American by birth.

Considered as the greatest Sevens player of all time, Serevi had served his country in various capacities — the last one as a coach when he guided them to Sevens World Series triumph in 2005-06.

As for now, Naqica will not settle for anything else than at least a top eight finish at the Sevens which get underway today. The task is not easy for Fiji, which has been clubbed with last year's runners-up England, a fast-improving Kenya and Russia.

Speaking to Gulf News, Naqica said: "Much as we would like to settle for the top spot, our aim will be at least a quarterfinal berth. I would like to take one match at a time and even though we are placed in a tough group, anything is possible in this format. Two wins in three matches and you are there." Then almost on the same breath, he added: "Just to remind you, we went as far as the semis last season at the San Diego Sevens."

Enthusiasts

Like all good Fijians, Naqica belongs to a family of rugby enthusiasts and "grew up" playing the Sevens game. "I also have three brothers and two sisters who are waiting to make the grade in the US senior team," he says.

Asked if the induction of rugby as an Olympic sport will help popularise it in the US, Naqica agreed: "Yes, it can surely lure some of the sports minded children there to rugby from football and basketball.

"And yes, if one can involve the African-Americans, who have got a natural athleticism, then rugby in the US can look at a promising future," Naqica added.